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thirstology2018-04-01 12:05 am
futurologists) wrote in 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.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.   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): |
laphi... a good boy
[Apparently he had been too excitable in his fast-forward approach. Mikhail quickly backpedals, startled by a group of Vulphytes skittering past his heels, and ends up falling directly onto his butt. Fortunately he misses squishing any of those foxes that had startled him in the first place, but unfortunately he makes a right fool of himself.] Oww... [He slowly picks himself up off of the ground once again, shaking his body a little bit to get over the low ache in his rear, taking a little bit longer to recover from the mental embarrassment of something that Zero certainly would've given him a tongue-lashing over...
Mikhail's not really used to meeting other humans. He's known Zero for as long as he's been alive, and, well, he's met Zero's sisters (who Zero subsequently killed)... and their disciples (who Zero subsequently... uhh)... but all of them were kinda weird, and none of them really got along with him super great, to tell the truth. None of them were kids. Dito kinda looked like one, but once he opened his foul mouth, you knew the truth of it. This kid was entirely different from that, and Mikhail thinks immediately that he's made a good decision. Hopefully he can help keep him safe from the fighting by keeping him up in the air.]
O - Okay! Just hold on tight, alright? [Laphicet will find that the harness and saddle are perfectly functional, though there aren't really any straps or buckles. There's just the horn, to hold onto. Also it's... let's just say there's some blood spattered on it, in certain places. Zero is typically covered in blood. He's sorry about that (but he probably doesn't even know about it).]
Hey, what's your name? I think I should know it before we start flying. My name's Mikhail!
mikhail is... also a good boy!
Seeing blood on the horn, he doesn't pay too much mind to it, though it does get him to flinch slightly at first glance. Not like the sight of blood is anything new to him. Velvet slaughtered so many in her path, to carry out her vengeance. Nonetheless, he settles himself into the saddle and grips the horn tightly with a single hand in spite of the blood. He's not sure if he's planted himself into the seat correctly, wishing he'd read books on horseback riding or something similar. ]
Ready to go!
[ Said with as much confidence he can muster up. He's afraid the flight might be rough on him, but if he's going to fend off invaders up in the sky, he's going to need at least one arm free to launch his mana-imbued tags through the air. He's not a big fan of killing either, though he knows death can sometimes be a means of saving someone. Perhaps no one will need to die. His spells won't be aimed to kill, but to frighten off the invaders at least. ]
And my name's Laphicet. It's nice to meet you, Mikhail. I've never met a dragon like you before.
two good boys!!
Okay! Just hold on tight, and if you feel like you're gonna slip or fall, just let me know! I can try to help however I can!
[He rocks back onto his haunches, his tail lashing out a few times as he prepares to liftoff.] Here we go! [He pushes off with his powerful hind legs at the same time he sweeps out with his wings, gathering the dead air of the forest up and beating it into something that will give the two of them lift. It's a hell of a lot harder than lifting off at the beach or something, but he manages it, weaving them between the branches of the forest and angling them towards where he had seen the spaceships approaching.]
Laphicet. Laphicet! Nice to meet you! [He repeats it, as he repeats many things, attempting to commit it to memory.] Really? You've met other dragons, then? [He pauses, in thought for a moment, then shaking his head as they soar over the treeline.] I haven't met any other dragons either, but the only one I've heard about is a big jerk.
[It technically wasn't Gabriel's fault. He'd been turned into a demon by One, after all. But Mikhail still feels trepidation about all of that since he did kinda kill his previous self.]
what a cute team... :')
The moment Mikhail launches them up into the air, it startles the young boy no matter how much he tried to mentally prepare himself. He briefly places both of his hands to cling tightly around the horn. However, once they're soaring through the forest trees, he feels confident enough to let one hand go. His mouth goes slightly agape, a mixture of fear and wonder as he looks around. ]
Woah. This is awesome, Mikhail!
[ He lets out a small chuckle as Mikhail repeats his name. The dragon's demeanor sort of reminds him of Kamoana. It feels like talking to another kid? But this is a really big kid. ]
The other dragons I've met don't exactly talk like you do. They tried to attack me... they weren't like that before.
[ Personally, he'd never met Theodora before she turned into a dragon. Hearing about her from Zaveid, he at least knows she was kind and caring. And while he hardly spoke to Silva, there was a time where his presence felt comforting. ]
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Yeah! Flying's really fun! [A short beat.] I just wish we didn't have to go and fight some guys, though.
[He'd much rather take a look around, some sniffs around, see what he could get into. Maybe he could find some food?? He's getting kind of hungry...]
Oh...
[Mikhail turns his head to set one of his eyes onto Laphicet for just a moment, though he quickly turns to pay attention to where he's flying.]
That's not good... and they weren't mean to you before? Did something happen to them?
[He's thinking about the stories Zero has told him of Gabriel. The demon had once been a dragon named Gabriella, respected as most dragons were, particularly for her wit. But the dark spell One had put her under had taken that from her... had something similar happened to the dragons he'd known?]
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I wish we didn't either. But we gotta stop them before those foxes get hurt.
[ Thank goodness Mikhail reminds Laphicet that they're still making their way towards the battlefield to fight. And luckily the dragon doesn't show off more. Otherwise, even the young malak would have gotten himself carried away with his own excitement riding on a friendly dragon.
They'll have time for more lighthearted flying once they deal with the invaders, hopefully. ]
Theodora loved children. And Silva... we hardly spoke, but he gave me company. I wish I got to know him better. This— [ He chooses his words carefully. ] dark energy cursed them into something that just wasn't them anymore.
[ Negative emotions, the impurities of living beings. Malevolence. He doesn't want to outright say or go on a full-on spiel about it. Malakhim such as himself were highly sensitive to it and he doesn't want anyone to worry over him. Both Theodora and Silva had succumbed to the darkness in different ways, one being through external influence over time and the latter came from an encounter with Innominat. But their fates were ultimately the same. ]
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[By the way, that language was something he'd picked up from Dito, okay? He doesn't normally talk that way! Maybe if someone else were here he would've been scolded for saying such a thing, but, as it is...]
Is there anything you can do? [Not that he has to or anything (Zero usually doesn't do very much when riding up there), but it might help?
Mikhail is quiet and thoughtful for a very uncharacteristic minute, thinking about these two individuals, thinking that it did sound sort of like what Zero said One did to Gabriella.] Did someone cast a spell on them? [He looks over his shoulder for one fleeting moment before continuing to set his gaze forward, to a distant cluster of ships.] Zero told me about how her sister cast this bad spell on a dragon that was her partner. It turned the dragon into a demon... and now it's not even really there anymore. Just a monster.
[From a handful of responses he's gotten, he gets the feeling that dragons are just monsters to a lot of people here. But where he's from, they were usually revered, ancient and wise creatures! They were too rare to really cause too much trouble. It's why it was so special when you found one, impressed them, and gained their help!
Which is why what One did to Gabriella was so gut-churning to him.]
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You can try. Those invaders might have never seen a dragon before and people are afraid of what they don't understand. If roaring's not enough, I have a back up plan. There's something I can do.
[ That bit of foul language hardly makes him bat an eyelash. Sailing on the Van Eltia, he was surrounded by pirates and other outcasts who used all sorts of ungraceful words. However, hearing the name "Zero" makes Laphicet grimace. He's never been fond of numbers being names, but now's not the time for him to go into a tirade about what makes a proper name. Again.
Dragons turning into demons sounded like a similar pattern to what happens in his world. Except spiritual beings turned into angry, malevolent dragons. Humans and other living beings turned into daemons. Normally, it was something that happened after accumulating or building up darkness. But Innominat was an Empyrean, a godlike entity that could change them in one blast. ]
I guess you could say that. That's how Silva turned anyway. He used to be a kid like me...
[ There was so much more to say and more that Laphicet wanted to ask. He's certain Mikhail had more questions too. But as he sees the distant ships growing closer, he figures they should start getting prepared. ]
Hey, Mikhail! We're getting close. You ready?
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Mikhail doesn't draw any conclusions about what he thinks Laphicet might or might not be able to do. After all, a bunch of the disciples didn't look like much, but they could do all kinds of weird magical stuff when Zero asked them to. Right now he's hoping that he can be as big and scary of a dragon as he can be so he can just frighten the invaders away without too much trouble. It was, after all, half of a bluff. He could certainly back it up — he'd fought before, of course, but he'd be a bit restricted, only being able to use his body and not his fiery breath...]
Okay. Sounds like a plan.
[In worlds thick with magic, things like that just tended to happen. He's sure there were lots of really good things that happened too, but they seemed to get drowned out by all of the bad stuff. With Zero, it had always only been the bad stuff, even when Mikhail tried to help. Even in this place, they had to fight people instead of just playing with all of the foxes and getting along. This baby dragon is still trying to figure all of this out, why it always has to be like this.
There's a longer, more thoughtful moment than is typically characteristic of him.] Oh... [But this wasn't really the time to keep delving into such a thing. Laphicet was right; before them the closest of the silvery ships sinks into the trees, crashing down with a cacophony of breaking branches. Mikhail begins his descent as well, soaring down to where the soldiers would be hitting the ground.
When those soldiers did start to pour out of the ships, they would be distracted by the visual of the wind whipping through the trees nearby, stirred up by the young dragon flapping his wings as much as he could. He opened his mouth and roared, a sound deafening in comparison to his speaking voice. The assailants stop in the clearing outside of the ships, pausing, but... they don't seem to be turning around to retreat.
Crap.]
Uhhh, Laphicet? We might need to do something more to scare 'em off!
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As they make the descent into the trees, he grips on tightly until Mikhail's flying close to the ships. He releases his hands from the horn for a moment, covering his ears as the dragon roars. He's quietly glad that Mikhail's a friendly dragon on his side, though it's still difficult to fathom. He peers over, seeing the invaders only mildly shaken and confused.
When their initial scare attempt fails to work, he pulls out a small stack of card-sized white paper which appear seemingly harmless at a glance. He flings his free arm downward, simultaneously throwing the pieces of paper towards ground level. The aim isn't towards the assailants, but at the ground before their feet. If anyone moves and gets within the line of fire, then well, that might be their own fault. Within a few seconds, the papers dissipate and turn into a rain of icicles that shatter as they pelt the earth.
The sudden appearance of icicles give the soldiers a start, sending many stumbling backwards at the sight of raining ice pillars. It almost appears to be a success, seeing as how they're slowly stepping backwards. Then Laphicet sees a glint of a weapon being drawn... ]
Oh no...
[ Guns are a foreign contraption to Laphicet. The only one he's familiar with from home is Siegfried, but even that new technology was delivered to Midgand from lands afar. He doubts these weapons have the same function. At least for certain, it's to harm them and he doesn't know if his new dragon ally will be able to endure the shots. ]
We've gotta get out of the way!
[ Unless Mikhail has another plan... ]