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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): |
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[ Someday, Gwenhywfar will have to take part in celebrations or at least more mingles that do not involve the teaching of bards and druids. Today is obviously not that day, out of a combination of anxiety from being so far away from those she cares for and the natural weariness she has for large groups. She stays with the foxes and offers quiet blessings to the forest god of her world. With so many sights, scents, and sounds, it becomes overwhelming fairly quickly.
She's already drawn to the forest out of her already deep love for it. She follows a few of them and manages to draw her gaze up at the tall figure. His height catches her attention at first followed by a somewhat familiar yet a foreign aura, not of a half-demon like her. Her lineage has always been a sore spot for her... and she would assume the same for others. Or perhaps she was just that exhausted and was imagining the whole thing.
Nonetheless, she approaches with the kit tightly in her arms with a frown.
It would not kill you to humor them, you know. Throw it for them.
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But the air feels safe in a kind of strange politeness. A detachment, a quietness. Despite his imposing figure, notched out against the greenery, he doesn't appear to be any threat.
His eyes lower to the ground where the rest of the kits bide their time, and he debates the merit of entertainment. Finally, he leans over and scoops the mossy ball up in his long, pale fingers, and then he tosses it gently across the ground toward the woman's feet. Three kits scramble after it.]
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Her eye drops to the ball at her feet and coupled with the squirming kit in her arms, she stands back up, holding the ball, watching the excited kits bounce in anticipation.] Yes, yes... have it your way.
[ She tries to toss it lightly as she can and finds herself tossing it a little too far. With all the kits scrambling for it, it leaves her standing with the tall, looming presence who she half-wonders how to talk. This happens every time she tries to play fetch with any animal. ]
Great. Fantastic.
[ Deadpan stares be damned, the much more expressive Gwenhywfar turns back to him, focusing her red eye on him. ]
What's the matter with you? Are they that bad?
[ "They" implying one of many things, but mostly the new entourage she has become stuck with. ] Standing here like a creep won't help you.
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His return to creep standing seems frustratingly annoying at first. But the brim of the hat is down over his eyes and brows, his head tipped forward. The sharpened ears are visible through his dark hair, and he becomes suddenly a still as stone even in such heavy shoulder armor and flowy cloak.
Slowly, his hand lifts over his shoulder. He takes the sword at his back by the hilt, and the action itself could be enough for intimidation.] Don't move. [The order is much softer than most would give.
The speed in which he draws the longsword and turns around is astounding, especially with the probable drag from the heavy cloak. Either the outfit is lighter than it looks, or D is just incredibly strong.
The colonizer that mounts the hill around the oasis fires as soon as they are in line of sight, but each subsequent beam is reflected. As the hit limbs and leaves crumble, D presses in without hesitation, and the long-ranged fighter can do little more than suffer a sword through the chest for their efforts. Any blood is slung off, and D sheathes the blade as he turns around.
But he doesn't yet return to the clearing.]
I didn't want to scare them.
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No surprise, Gwenhywfar in all of her spite and stubbornness twists and gathers her spear resting against a tree close by, thinking that she was now in the clear. She moves swiftly on her feet, turning back with her trusty spear resting on her shoulders as soon as his sword returns to its sheathe as she still stands in the clearing.
She almost looks offended. ]
I can take care of myself!
[ At least the kits are still likely searching for the tossed ball. But still...! Eventually, she begins to walk closer to see how he would react if to her now tagging along. ]
Why are they still trying?
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They are following the ones brought here. [Leaving the den might open the kits up for attack, he thinks. There's no nursemaid to coddle them; the females are all taking their turns running into the woods and lifting kits up to bring them back in their mouths.
His eyes settle on her, then her spear, then her again.] My name is D.
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[ At this rate, the kits would need more constant supervision from the invaders that seemed to be so insistent to resurface and make their presence known. Surely, this man's presence would be enough to deter them, wouldn't it be? Truly, he must seem like such a good soul to lend a helping hand to strangers. It is the same noble intentions that she can both adore and loathe at once.
Wait, did she hear that correctly? ]
D? Have it your way, then.
[ What an unfortunate man bearing a name like that. How could any parent do that to their child? When it comes to her own name, she shows hesitation, biting the inside of her mouth. No one should know of her or where she come from, so offering her name shouldn't be too much of an issue. So, she relents, without looking at him, shifting awkwardly to glance back in the woods. ]
... Gwenhwyfar.
[ And as if the kits were responding to her desperation for the encounter to stop being so awkward, the little kit that rested in her arms prior returns back with the ball she tossed before, followed by the soft patter of the three others trailing behind. Thank the good gods. ]
So, how much longer will you hold back on these humans?
[ isn't the smoothest question she could ask regarding her previous statement. Almost too callous. Still, it wasn't her intent to kill all of them. Though, what of D? ]
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And it is my choice to defend. [Typically, D does not harm humans, if he can help it. But he always gives them the opportunity to make their own decisions. Attacking him first will result in retaliation. His own survival trumps that of others. If they manage to kill him--that's their honor.]
I have tried speaking to them. They believe the land can be theirs. [Carefully, he lowers to one knee and stretches a hand out. When the mossy ball is relinquished, he raises it and, after a brief pause, throws it for them to fetch.] They want to settle it. [Again, he stands fluidly back up, letting the cloak fall around his arms and chest.]
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A good answer and yet, she grimaces, knowing others like her would take extreme offense to being attacked by humans. Gwenhywfar's patience would be able to last longer with someone that would only retaliate when needed. Her shoulders drop, almost satisfied with his answer until she hears more details of the invaders. ]
More of a reason why they will get themselves killed. If they cannot listen to reason- [ These fights never end well and part of her, the other half of her being is wishing that they would get killed. ] Where are their leaders? [ Hathaway's that is. ] Who is here to reason with them?
[ As if that works with Picts, Saxons, or Scots. Just as Gwenhwyfar makes the move to throw the ball, D beats her to it, as she lowers to the ground with her spear kept close. Watching him toss it effortlessly without having to worry about his strength is met with an awkward pause -- he seems far more mature than she is and it makes Gwenhwyfar feel so small. Still clinging to a hope that she could find someone to relate to, she lets the question slip without looking at him. ]
These humans haven't singled you out... have they?
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I don't know if they will listen. They attack before engaging in diplomacy. [One of his sharp brows rise at the last question. The fact that he can sense a difference in her hadn't bothered him.
He's aware, and that alone is enough to prepare him if she ever decided to attack. He would learn more along the way.] No. They do not discriminate.
Have they called you names?
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No one deserves to be eaten alive, literally. ]
Will they continue to try reasoning with them? [ part of her feels terrible badgering him with these questions. ] These type of wars can last years and take many lives,
[ Did he go along with them? She saw D as a bit of an experiment, to see whether or not if she ventured along closer to the group that it wouldn't be attacked or berated. But there...! There is the faintest of expressions on his face, while Gwenhwyfar gazes back up at him, unblinking. ]
... not yet. [ At least he can past as human, somewhat. ] It's still too early.
[ In her experiences, humans are always descriminatory at the slightest change. ] If that is the case, I find it odd that you're sitting back here, wearing a face like that as if someone came by and stomped on your cloak with muddy shoes. You can't loom here forever.
[ Says the girl who has been hiding out in the forests and hasn't spoken to anyone other than him since she arrived here. It isn't as if anyone close by lurking isn't going to notice that, oh, no. ]
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Wary. He thinks someone afraid of discrimination from others, one who can claim to handle their own, must have been discriminated against equally as much. A terrible fate, to be different. He's aware.
The chastising is met with no anger or defense. He doesn't deny lingering by the den to assist the kits being hidden away from battle, and yet, there's no mention of pride at doing a good deed. No excuse given for his haunt.] You say strange things. [Leave his sad, soft boy face alone.
He sweeps down and into the clearing again, pace slow, the cloak gaping away from his legs. He doesn't look back to see if she follows, but he also doesn't tell her not to. His stop is a quarter of the way in just as another female bounds the hill with a kit in the mouth and hops down to deposit it before taking off again.]
If I leave to aid them, you will be alone.
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And that man is the reason why she isn't keen on being alone, it's why it almost terrifies her. The irrational fear of seeing his face among the recruits begins to lurk back in her mind. Feeling even more like the small child she found herself to be moments ago, Gwenhwyfar is ready to tag alone.
No, she isn't about to leave that sad, soft boy face alone just yet. ]
I want to make sure you're still alive, syr.
[ It isn't as if she's afraid of these strangers or desperately looking for another to relate to, no. Gwenhwyfar's she noble deed here is to stir a reaction. It could be far worse... maybe. ]
None of us want to really take their lives, don't we? Perhaps someone assisting you will be enough to encourage them to retreat. And besides... who better to lend a helping hand than someone... like me.
[ And judging by her confident pace, she won't let him say otherwise. ]
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But no, D doesn't enjoy killing them even if they do attack him first.] Many of them will die before they retreat.
[Slowly, he turns halfway to glance over the high collar and around the spaulder on his shoulder at her. He hasn't seen her fight, but he can feel her capability. This isn't the first time he's dealt with determined maidens craving battle and it won't be the last.]
You should stay here where it's safe.
[He doesn't sound very convincing, but she won't be able to tell if it's because her company is acknowledged or because that's just how he usually sounds.]
Why do you care about what happens to me?
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[ Such is the course with invaders, after all. I wouldn't bother her so much if innocent animals were involved compared to that of humans. Was this to be some sort of sick foreshadowed to the kingdoms of Briton, then...? While that idea floats in her head, she immediately dismisses it. She can't die here, she needs to return home.
She smiles and scoffs at is comment. ]
No place is safe. Safe havens can become battlefields quickly.
[ Without being too much of a negative presence, Gwenhywfar supposes that she felt... oddly relieved to find someone else like D or even how afraid she felt being in a new environment.
She'll just settle on another sassy comment. ]
Someone ought to care about your well-being, don't you think? It looks like it would do you some good.
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And he can't argue the last comment because he's not sure how to even broach the subject while not talking about himself, too. There's quite a few things he can modestly say about not needing anyone to worry over him.
But that means a conversation he doesn't want to tread, and he's sure she'd fight him over any of his denial. Better to let her worry over it, in the end.]
And if I cared about yours?
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It's easier to turn her attention to another, no her own being. It can't be helped and her own expression turns sour, despite the flush on her cheeks. To her own surprise, she doesn't shove him aside and call him anything other than-]
Then I would call you a mad man.
[ Complete with a toss of her long white hair, Gwenhwyfar casts a look to her spear in her left hand, scowling. ]
Listen, I'm not here to be coddled. I would just like to ensure someone similar to me survives this mess. How does that sound?
[ Don't you start caring about her!!]
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Alright. [Surprisingly, it's that simple. D is a simple man when all is said and done. Needs little, craves even littler.] It will be difficult.
Caring about the lives of both humans and non-humans.
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[ Half sarcastically, half serious. As much as the deadpan response that she's getting from D, it will admittedly be easier than to watch over children or talking down another half-demon like her from a fight. But this at least provides her a safety net, should she lose control of herself. ]
I can manage the foxes for you. Keep them entertained and the like for you. But that doesn't mean I'm leaving for now. Does that help you, D?
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Going or staying is your choice. Our mission is to see if the colonizers will leave this planet. I'm going to do that.