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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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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.]
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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.
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Some would consider us vampires.
[It at least answers Alucard's unasked question.]
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Some would. It is easier to categorize us as one or the other, even if it isn't nearly so simple as that.
The best thing to be done is help those who don't understand, if they are willing to listen.
[Well, that's probably what Mother would think, anyway. But he's trying desperately to act as how she would undoubtedly approve of.]
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For a moment, he looks as if he wants to say something, but instead of his voice, another one rises up from somewhere around him. Crackling and coy, not unlike a rowdy old man.]
Must be a young one. And pampered by a human, too! Hear that talk! "Help those who don't understand." What about the ones not willing to listen, eh? It's never the vampires who really fear you, is it? They already know: the thirst, the suffering, the--
[D squeezes his leg hand into a fist, shuffling out the voice, but the motion is so fast and slight that he doesn't move at all. His eyes remain on Alucard's face, then lower.]
Enough. Leave him be.
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That, and he is both more embarrassed than he'd care for and bordering on irritable for the partial truth to the statement.
He looks at D, brow arched just slightly.]
A familiar? Or something else?
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The voice gives a kind of muffled snicker at Alucard's befuddlement; the sound seems to come somewhere beneath the cloak that falls over D's arms and shoulders. But it doesn't say anything else.] I'm the host.
You don't have to pay him any mind. I hope he didn't offend you.
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They were not your words.
[It probably wouldn't have offended so much if there wasn't at least a partial truth.]
You have been alive for a long time, then.
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He doesn't know the words, but he can feel the song reverberate in his chest.] Yes. [A lot older than most vampiric standards elsewhere. His face seems so young, unscarred and beautiful, freshly rising from an older teen into the twenties.
But his eyes are ancient, well-read and well-seen. They don't hunger for power, yet seem to house a great deal of it within.] The year was 12,090 A.D.
My name is D.
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Still, the answer is less within D's words and more into his eyes. Perhaps tired, weary? He wonders.]
1476 A.D.
[Alucard bows in greeting, the movement ridiculously graceful. He doesn't question the name given to him.] Adrian Ţepeş. The humans of Wallachia would also refer to me as Alucard.
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D's eyes finally, quickly return to the other dhampir's face. He doesn't return the elegant bow, but he does tip his head to nod.
In another timeline, he'd have had the same moniker.] A pleasure. [But his eyes have hardened at the edges. It's less animosity and more fierce curiosity.]
What is your father's name?
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It wasn't as if this topic was one he could avoid for very long. It simply seemed meaningless to mention until the time comes for Alucard to return to Wallachia.]
I am the son of Vlad Dracula Ţepeş.
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The declaration rouses the grating voice from before, however. It chuckles darkly within the confines of the cloak, then says slyly, lowly:] Oh ho, did you think you were the only one?
But you knew that already, didn't you? How many have we met? Even across time, another like you. [The expression on D's face doesn't change, but his eyes don't leave Alucard.] Interesting... Interesting!
So your father was a Vampire King? Join the club. You wouldn't be the first or the last! Maybe the ol' Sacred Ancestor had a brother, too?
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And he holds so many questions just from this alone. He almost doesn't know where to begin; D is from so many centuries into the future, so much older. What could he have experienced, and should Alucard know?]
What relation might you have with my father? And what is a Sacred Ancestor to you?
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Talking about his "father" dredges up a bitterness he can't quite handle, surprising for a man that seems so very disciplined.
But Alucard is a bit different; it's one thing to be simply dhampir, and it's another thing to be the son of the Vampire. At least Left Hand can do the talking.] Let me see 'im. [There's hesitation in D's stillness.
Then, carefully, he turns enough to the side to shield the view from others. His left hand parts the edge of the cloak and rises out near his chest. A face wrestles against the skin of the pale palm, grotesque and old. It grins momentarily at Alucard, then gives the air a big inhale before falling into a thoughtful twist.] Mmm... Yeah, mhm...
He's just a baby. Wounded, too, aren't you? But still strong. Noble's magic. Doesn't smell like our guy. Must be another Vampire King. [To D:] Funny, don't you think? [Honestly, D doesn't look like it's funny at all.
To Alucard, he answers:] The first Pure Noble. The vampire that made all vampires. He's the beginning. Old as balls. Hard to find. Hard to kill, too.
Ruthless and hungry for the perfect being. You'd think that'd be vampires, wouldn't you? One step outside in the light, and they're toast. Now there's not many left, not with humans rising again. Not with the Hunters.
Isn't that right, D, the Hunter?
[Left Hand sounds pretty snide about it.]
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There are many titles that his father has been given. Demons would call him master, maybe lord. Never really king, unless maybe sarcastic. Count, sometimes, by the humans who did not know any better.
Realities. A strange thing indeed.
Absently, Alucard finds himself clutching his chest. Every day, he can't help but think of his father and the impending future, and the last grave mark laid into him. One that he does still slowly recover from.]
You hunt vampires. [Said to D, without any accusation. How could he? Many vampires and other beasts would follow their impulses to becoming monstrosities, even if they had the capacity to be otherwise.]
I don't know that my father is the same as Dracula where you are from. Likely not. But I never knew him to desire a perfect being.
Though I wonder, what does that have to do with you. Are you a man made from such an attempt?
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Left Hand is obedient if annoying.
And D is left alone, feeling relief. Alucard has perhaps been spared a part of life marked by grueling experimentation. A life where many, especially the Nobles, mistake him for the one he eternally hunts.] Yes. [His hand disappears beneath the cloak once more, allowing the material to settle across his chest.]
It's not a story that should ever be told.
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Alucard looks at D thoughtfully. It certainly sounds like a difficult tale, which no doubt clings on along with any other difficult experience that D has taken on in the many years.]
My father is many things. But the man I knew would not have treated you less than you deserved.
[The words are hard to say; he likes to think that it would be true, at least before humans decided his mother should be burned alive, before a time that his father almost killed him.
But that is not a story for D to hear, either.]
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You speak as if he's changed. Is that how you were wounded?
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I do not hate him.
[It's close enough to a confirmation.]
I pity who he has become.
[And what must follow.]
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But it takes a strong man to forgive someone who has wronged him.
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But he also gets the sense that D would not say anything meaningless, or something he did not believe.]
You are too kind.
[Alucard can't bear to hate his father, despite everything.]
In another life, I would not be so different from him.
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What happened to him?
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Thank you, D.
[There is some hesitation, but he does eventually share. If anyone may understand, it is probably D. Initially, he thought to keep it to himself. What woes he suffers from his own world is not one that anyone else can control or help; that is why he's part of HATHWAY's guild, after all. To gain what he needs to put an end to his father's grieving madness.]
My mother was deemed a witch for practicing science and medicine. She was executed, burned at the stake. She begged me not to hate them, to be better than them.
My father has declared vengeance upon all of humanity in my country. I attempted to convince him otherwise, to at the very least only avenge her by killing those directly involved. It wasn't enough for him, so I told him I would not let him.
[But he wasn't strong enough, wasn't prepared to actually fight his father.]
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Even the Nobility aren't free from emotion. [Though he's not sure if the Sacred Ancestor was ever one to be like most Nobles. Likely, he thought of only one thing: true immortality. Even with D's mother.
But the love of a woman for her child, that D can understand. His mother's ghost pleading with him to forgive her for giving him this tortured life.] They feel love and hate.
Will you try again? To stop your father.
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