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.
temperedavatar: (Fight)

[personal profile] temperedavatar 2018-04-01 11:12 pm (UTC)(link)
[Now that they are having to contend with Korra and Hayame, there seems to be less certainty in the outcome. They don't give up right away though, as they do still have lasers up against rocks and arrows.

At least, that is, until Korra decides to shake things up even more. A few more soldiers are down and she's starting to realize that, once again, bending is a very foreign concept to anyone outside of her own world. Not only do they not combat her earthbending with anything but the lasers, but they can't possibly know what else she has up her figurative sleeves. Korra's stance changes fluidly and as the rocks die down they are replaced with sudden bursts of wind and air. She'd prefer to use fire, but in a forest like this that seems like it might cause more damage than actual aid.

Air bending is the way to go and it is just as effective at tripping up the invaders and making them even easier targets for the arrows.
]
kisha: (feral)

[personal profile] kisha 2018-04-02 02:10 pm (UTC)(link)
[Now it's air... and Hayame will have to save her shock for later. Instead, she has to use the opportunity. As confused as their enemies are by elements being turned against them, there's a certain grace to the movements and familiarity to the wielder- human, like they seem to be beneath their armored suits.

The fox-like natives are alien... but they aren't the sort of monsters that sends people running.

When one of the wind swept invaders finds himself thrown near Hayame... she takes it upon herself to give them something a bit more inhuman to fear. Talking of peace was useless. Killing them all... it was the easier option. Routing them home with forces depleted and scarred enough to advise their fellows not to follow for a second attempt...

Bow momentarily abandoned, hooves slam into the ground near helmeted head and the next moment into the laser gun, crushing the weapon beneath half a ton of weight before the centaur reaches down and grabs him by an arm, not at all mindful of injury when she yanks him up back with her to her full, towering height of seven or so feet, his legs kicking as she snarls into his face, teeth too sharp to belong to human or horse bared with a snap.]


Be gone from this place, if you value your lives!

[His companion is struggling to take aim, but Hayame has to leave that one to Korra.

This one was going to be the messenger, which to her makes the rest expendable.]
temperedavatar: (Warned)

[personal profile] temperedavatar 2018-04-03 01:26 am (UTC)(link)
[Korra did not like the idea of killing them, but she knew she had no authority to stop anyone from killing someone else -- especially in the chaos of battle. She was doing enough to keep the invaders from firing more shots and injuring anyone on "her side."

She'd have to deal with the consequences of that later.

Korra notices the man taking aim and slams her fist forward, a concentrated blast of wind sends the other soldier literally flying backwards. He slams into a tree and drops like so much dead weight.

Although Korra hopes he isn't dead. Poor word choice. Some of the invaders are starting to take notice though and Korra notices some of the ones on the outskirts of the fighting starting to fall back.
]
kisha: (roar)

[personal profile] kisha 2018-04-07 04:08 am (UTC)(link)
[There's a certain degree of faith involved in fighting with Hathaway, as there had been in ALASTAIR. As confident as she was in her martial prowess... there was little in their missions that could be accomplished by a single soul.

At least this one was reliable.

She sees the movement of the other soldier propelled by wind out of the corner of her eye, right before she shifts her grip on the one in her hands and half rears up, hooves lashing out for balance before she bodily throws the man back at his own compatriots. Let them catch him.

She returns to her bow, to drawing back the weapon taller than the invaders were with deadly precision...

Until even more of them begin to retreat, and Hayame finds herself torn. Pursue... or let them go.]
temperedavatar: (Warned)

[personal profile] temperedavatar 2018-04-08 01:03 am (UTC)(link)
[One of them runs forward to help the fallen Invader to his feet. There are also a few who grab at the one Hayame threw and try to get him moving. By the time Hayame has her bow ready, Korra is rushing back over with a new plan.

It's not like they have any earth benders among them to combat this. Korra jumps, slamming her feet into the ground while throwing her arms up and to the right. The earth beneath them rumbles and cracks, jagged rock walls erupting between herself and the remaining soldiers, as they barricade following the movement of her arms. She knows they blasted through the rock defense before, but she hopes that now that they've been shaken up a bit (literally in some cases) they'll leave. The wall stretches several yards in both directions and is at least tall enough that Hayame would have some difficult seeing over it.

Korra straightens waiting to see if any more will try to cross or break down the wall.
]
kisha: (affront)

[personal profile] kisha 2018-04-09 12:42 pm (UTC)(link)
[Korra's work is the act of gods- if Hayame had not served outside her world as long as she had. If she had not sworn to be the warrior of a lord who could command ice as she seemed to have domain over land and wind.

Still, it is something she views as fearsome. As strange, and powerful.

She does not approach the wall, hooves skittering back, even, to put more distance between herself and the magic she distrusts so deeply. (Still, she reminds herself- useful.)

And she waits, flanks heaving slightly with the exertion of battle, gaze and expression still half twisted with battle rage as she listens. Hears the last bits of fighting on the other fronts... and then the sounds of ships, the pain of a laser graze on her rear she hadn't noticed in the heat of things slowly trickling into her awareness.

The preparation for retreat. For now.

Only then does she lower her bow, though she still holds tight, turning her gaze to the new recruit. ... She ought say something.]


... Good work.

[Well, that was an understatement.]
temperedavatar: (Stoic)

[personal profile] temperedavatar 2018-04-10 01:27 am (UTC)(link)
[Korra can hear them retreating, but there are still sounds of fighting in the distance. This isn't over, not by a long shot. Still, at least the immediate danger is taken care of. She turns to Hayame, not sensing her unease or, if she does, chalking it up to battle nerves more so than nerves about Korra's abilities. She bobs her head in acknowledgement.]

Thanks, but I think you sent them running just as much as I did.
kisha: (Default)

[personal profile] kisha 2018-04-10 01:29 pm (UTC)(link)
Sometimes all a human needs is the sight of teeth.

[... never mind that she might be talking into a human right now. With those powers... perhaps she was more like her lord had been. Mostly human-shaped, but with the blood of legendary creatures in their veins.

Hayame pauses a moment, stock still for a moment as she listens to their surroundings before she gives in to the excess energy and paces up and down, the tassels on her harness bouncing along to the pace of her trot.]


- or miracles of the earth.
temperedavatar: (Uncertain)

[personal profile] temperedavatar 2018-04-11 11:11 pm (UTC)(link)
[Korra thought back to the time she'd threatened a judge with Naga's teeth.
Perhaps not her best moment.
]

Yeah, I've definitely seen that work out before.

[She blinked at the comment, glancing from the earth wall she had constructed and then to Hayame.]

This? This isn't a miracle. It's just earth bending. There's a lot of people back home who could have managed something like this.

[A whole nation in fact, well, not counting the non-benders. Still, she keeps forgetting that in her new environment bending isn't really a thing. Most of the people she is going to be working with are going to be nonbenders. That realization makes her feel a little more self conscious. Was this how Avatar Wan had felt when he'd first been going around using his bending?]

I guess if you haven't seen something like this before it would seem pretty miraculous.
kisha: (forage)

[personal profile] kisha 2018-04-12 01:32 am (UTC)(link)
[She's heard this sort of line a lot, since her "recruitment".

"Just".

But to someone like her, who had come from a world without electricity, without magic, without even the technology for most to look up at the sky and imagine life beyond... it's a difficult thing to swallow.]


... then your world is far different than my own.

[Far, far different. Even the color of her skin is something Hayame would not see in her world, familiar only with those who looked as she did... though there was always rumor of pale-faced traders from across the sea.]

How long does this... bend?

[The... wall...]
temperedavatar: (Default)

[personal profile] temperedavatar 2018-04-12 02:50 am (UTC)(link)
I guess so, yeah.

[Judging by Hayame's appearance alone would be enough for Korra to make that guess. She smiles though, it doesn't bother her.]

But that's what's exciting about all of this isn't it? I'd never even left the South Pole before three years ago and now I'm on an entirely new world.

[Korra had traveled much of her own world of course and had come a long way from the sheltered Water Tribe girl. Of course, it was times like this where that side came out even more.

She turns her attention back to the wall.
]

It should stay like that unless I earthbend it back or they come crashing through it with more of those lasers. Do you think I should return it to the way it was? It could serve as a good deterrent for the time being.
kisha: (companion)

[personal profile] kisha 2018-04-15 03:19 am (UTC)(link)
["Exciting"... Hayame's dour expression probably speaks to her opinion on whether this was exciting or not. She had never once, outside of a few moments in Hanabira, been excited about anything in this hellish journey that had begun over half a year past.

She doesn't dignify it with a response, in favor of focusing on the more neutral topic of the mission.]


... Keep it, then. It is always better to have something defensive.

[And now that it was there, they could count on it for future strategies.

Even if it was some sort of... half demon earth magic "bending".]
temperedavatar: (Stoic)

[personal profile] temperedavatar 2018-04-15 10:21 pm (UTC)(link)
[Korra had dealt with enough dour people in her life to not take it personally or let it hinder her enthusiasm. Perhaps it does come from a place of inexperience working with the guild, but Korra isn't too worried about it.

She nods at the assessment, deciding to leave it as well.
]

All right. So the others might need some support too. We should head out.