TEST DRIVE.

[futurologists]

test drive Firstly, thank you for your interest! Secondly, since the game hasn't begun and therefore characters haven't actually gone to a world yet, this test drive is going to be a little different. It's intended to be presented as a mini-mission of sorts, on a much smaller scale and timeframe than a real mission in-game but with a somewhat similar feel. Because of this, if you join the game, you're allowed to count this as game canon, so make sure you make choices you want to follow your character into the game! You know how this works, so go forth and have fun, and don't forget to reserve! BASICS Anwick might have been a beautiful town once. It's hard to tell now, since most of the buildings are scorched and crumbling, but they do resemble some rural modern-day buildings. Likewise, the people don't appear to be living too much in the past; several are carrying intimidating guns. For years, Anwick has been terrorized by dragons, living in fear of the next attack. Not anymore. The people have just ended a bloody battle. Several people limp towards the outskirts of town, holding their bleeding wounds or new burns. In the center of town lies a slain dragon, the last full-grown one left in the world. To be honest, it looks like they've already taken care of their own problem. A monotonous voice comes through your communication device to explain. You aren't here to help the townspeople; you're here for the dragons. The one motionless on the ground may have been the last adult, but it certainly wasn't the last dragon. Her children are located in a nearby cave, alone and orphaned. They're the ones you need to protect. WYRMLINGS The wyrmlings are still growing up, only the size of a small dog. Each has a slightly different appearance, but all of them have at least a few bright copper scales. They're beautiful, and they look a little bit harmless... at least, until they notice you. These dragons have never been exposed to humans before. Or anyone outside of their family, for that matter. They're small and scared, and they don't know any other way to protect themselves than to attack. Luckily, because of their tiny size, they can't do much more than small burns at a time — but make no mistake, it still hurts like hell. The cave they're located in is pitch-black and labyrinthine. Every footstep echoes throughout it if you aren't light enough on your feet. It'll be difficult to navigate if you don't MacGyver yourself a torch or other form of lighting. Cell phones will work decently, at least until their battery dies, but you don't want to get stuck deep within the cave with no light. If you do manage to get through the cave and rescue some without getting burned to a crisp, the trouble's not over yet. You'll have to find a safe place to stash them until they can be relocated; the townspeople aren't done with their dragon-slaying yet, after all. Walk into town with one in tow, and you're putting a target on your back. (Of course, this doesn't mean you can't do it.) PROMPTS ONE ✗ GOING ROGUE Not feeling too obedient? Maybe you're ignoring the orders and helping the wounded people in town instead... or just coming to gawk. Maybe you're coming to slay the wyrmlings yourself. Whatever it is, at least try to be sneaky about it. TWO ✗ THE DRAGON'S CAVE Try to navigate the cave, fail to navigate the cave and get lost, or try to take the wyrmlings without getting barbecued. Somehow, you get the feeling that you aren't alone. Those footsteps are probably just your imagination... or they could be townspeople coming to kill you and the dragons. Of course, they could also be an ally, but you'd better hope you don't find out. THREE ✗ HOW TO TRAIN YOUR DRAGON You've gotten the dragon(s) to a secure campsite out of town, but the fun's not over yet. They're kind of freaking out a little. Some of them are still spitting fire. Even the less aggressive ones are crying shrilly, bound to attract townspeople or at least annoy everyone nearby. It can't be too hard to calm them down; they're basically scaly, fire-breathing babies, right? FOUR ✗ NIGHT TIME It's been a long day, and now it's time for the crew to sleep. Get to know your tentmates, try to ignore them, pray that they don't want to bring along a wyrmling to cuddle... or maybe you've been put on night watch with a few others, in which case you'd better find a way to pass the time until your shift's over. FIVE ✗ CHIT CHAT Network option! Maybe you've got a little downtime and you're bored. Or maybe you're frantically asking the rest of the team how bad a dragon bite is. Maybe you're just trying to figure out how the hell this magical jewelry thing works. 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 network is here! SIX ✗ WILDCARD Do whatever the hell you want. Explore the ashes of the burned city, try to run as far away from this crap as possible, or try to teach a wyrmling tricks. The world is your oyster.

Comments

verity willis | marvel 616

[truthbombs]

T H R E E

[She'd thought about getting a dragon tattoo once, except everyone and their mother has a dragon tattoo. The great irony was that she wasn't really a fan. She'd never read a single fantasy novel, never had a fairy tale read to her as a little girl, tucked snugly into her bed.

Dragons didn't exist...except here is one right in front of her eyes, and she can't deny the truth of it even if she wanted to.]

Alright. [The dragon's fire reflects in her glasses, and she's fairly sure that some of the hair just got singed off of her arm. It's obvious that the little creature needs a lullaby or two, but she's not exactly good with those either. But she has to do something.]

When viewed in an inertial reference frame, an object either remains at rest or continues to move at a constant velocity, unless acted upon by an external force.

[When in doubt, physics it out.]

F O U R

[She's beat, but the camp is still buzzing with people getting to know each other, deciding who'll take the night watch. Finding a place so deliberately away from the others is as good as volunteering herself for it. But she's not ready to talk to anyone else yet. In fact, the only thing that Verity is ready for is a glass of wine in the familiarity that is her apartment.

Of course, just because she's not ready to talk to anyone else doesn't mean that they're not ready to talk to her.]

three;

[bearcat]

[ guess who happens to be wandering past this part of the camp at the exact moment that verity starts talking physics. this chick. she comes to a halt a few paces away, fixing the redhead with a questioning look. in her hands she's carrying what looks like a few dead squirrels and a hunting knife. ]

Trying to calm it down with some nonsense?

[ who cares about physics when you can walk through the universe on your own energy. ]

[truthbombs]

[Excuse her while she does an internal spit-take.]

It's not nonsense, it's Newton. And it's working.

[Possibly because the little dragon is bored to sleep.]

[norse]

[ Thor isn't predisposed to be as chatty as he would like tonight, not when there are townsfolk out there (beaten and bloodied like the mother dragon laid low in their midst) who might launch an assault under cover of dark, so he wanders his way around the camp when others are taken with their revels. He patrols without having to be asked, essentially, getting to know the other warriors. It's safe to say his attention covers a lot of ground.

The firelight catches on a bright wash of hair, prompting him to steal a second glance at a woman sitting nearby. Wearied by the battle, perhaps? If fighting off an angry mob can even be called as much ...

He paces over with a mug of ale, filled from one of the fellows now friendly with him, and stops short to offer it. The breeze is chilly and he's glad of the dark cloak draped around his armour to ward it off. ]

Would a drink help my lady's thoughts find some respite this night?

[truthbombs]

Thor?

[Her fist drops from her chin. Even in the semi-darkness, there's the cape, the glint of armour caught in the faint light, the way he talks - no one really talks that way, or so she thought.

Verity's surprised, and maybe on the verge of being ticked off. After all, the last time she saw him, he was beating the snot out of her best friend. But she's tired, and something seems just a little bit off. And he's offering her a drink with no ulterior motive other than being friendly. She sighs.]

Yeah. A drink sounds pretty great right about now.

[norse]

Aye, a good evening to you.

[ Unsurprising that she would know his name, as far as he knows, since anyone with eyes and ears has been witness to the lightning-show today. Guy with a hammer? Thor. Can't miss him.

Handing her the drink, he cocks her a polite smile. ]

Though I do not yet know your name.

[truthbombs]

[She doesn't doubt him, there's no 'really?' on the tip of her tongue. He says it, and Verity knows it's the truth. She has been reading a lot about alternate futures lately. Why not alternate realities too?]

Thanks.

[Verity takes the mug gratefully, sipping from it. Yeah, better already.]

My name's Verity. We met through Loki.

['We' used a little loosely.]

[norse]

[ Amiable as she is, albeit reticently, Thor parks himself nearby with a cape and cloak both swept underneath him on the grass. A gesture flicks toward her as both arms rest on bent knees, signing a short height. ]

My far littler little brother, I take it. [ That's ... good to hear. Verity seems a pleasant enough companion for anyone, it's still a mild wonder that there's a younger version of Thor's own brother running around and doing so well for himself. Next he'll be on decent terms with Odin. Alternate universe? He can swallow that, but some things are proving more trying; like any Loki deigning to fraternise with Midgardians.

It's enough to give into the wonder of it, unable to resist a huffed smile. ] Have you known him long?

[truthbombs]

[He's welcome there. Verity's actually glad for his company too. His presence somehow helps this place make a little more sense.

She's only wary at the subject of Loki, ready to leap to his defense. The Loki that she knows is trying, and others aren't always so quick to believe it for their own reasons. But Thor isn't cursing his name, so that's promising.

Verity sets her mug down, wrapping her arms around her knees. Her head tips forward and hides her expression, but there's still a sadness in her voice.]

A few months. But it's been a few more since I last-

[Wait. Thor didn't know her, but he knows the same Loki that she does. Verity looks up, eyes widened.]

Have you seen him?

[norse]

[ A show of patience seems to be needed, so he doesn't stare or press her for further details. Verity could have her own reasons for withdrawing so. A few more since she last what? ]

I have, we spoke somewhat of the differences between our realms. He is ... happier than my own brother was in the past. [ To put it mildly. Thor glances up at the stars; Asgard always had an abundance, they would camp together in the palace grounds when children and Thor would fall asleep as Loki tried to teach him all their names.

He's homesick for someone, not somewhere, he realises. Maybe that's why he's so incurably fond of the youngster with his brother's name. ]

The Loki I knew would never have assimilated himself into Midgardian culture for a day, let alone a year. Your friend is transformed by his actions for the better.

3;

[ahanalyzing]

[Holy shit, science! SCIENCE!!

...this is a bigger deal to her than it should be, but everyone she's met so far is just...magic and nonsense. It's somehow a relief to hear something she's familiar with. So Courtney stops by Verity's side and just...]

First law of motion.

[Pokemon Newton is probably a thing. Maybe.]

[truthbombs]

[It's a pretty big deal to Verity too. Physics, numbers, they never lie, and as a living lie detector, that makes them some of the few things that bring her peace. Magic and nonsense meant a life of just the opposite, until she learned the truth behind some of it.]

Yeah. I'm a big fan.

[Like they're talking about a popular boy band or something. But those guys, all they know how to do is lie.]

[ahanalyzing]

Frustrating.

[She says it, yet she doesn't really break the monotone she speaks in, and her lack of expression stays very much as it is. Lacking.]

The others. Everyone. Dealing in magic...talking about magic...nonsense. Unknown processes and nonsense. Doubtful they're lying but...frustrating.

Science is less frustrating.

[truthbombs]

[Oh kindred spirit. Verity actually smiles a little because science is less frustrating, frustration being that itchy feeling at the base of her brain whenever she tries to tolerate fiction.

Except that's not the case this time.]

The thing is. [And she confesses this with a soft sigh, because it will be frustrating on its own.] They're not lying. Every magician or knight or god. Everyone that I've talked to so far is telling the truth.

1/2

[ahanalyzing]

They aren't lying. [She repeats it (sort of), but no with resignation or surprise. It sounds more like she's agreeing.] That's...what's frustrating.

[The fact magic exists.

Still, she...kind of appreciates the effort. It's a weird form of solidarity she can get behind.]

Magic...demands acceptance. Lacking in hard facts...details unknown.

"It just works."

Accept it...don't want to. But no choice.

[ahanalyzing]

[Then in silence she just kind of...very obviously Stares for a moment. Venting was nice; it's good to know one person understands how she feels.

So after a moment of staring at Verity, adds-]

Courtney.

[Her name, that is.]

[truthbombs]

Is this the first time you've had to deal with it?

[Verity can still remember that, the feeling that came with a guy in a pair of golden horns sitting across from her and telling his tale. Come to think of it, it was kind of exciting. A part of her hand always wanted to enjoy those stories, wanted to believe. With Loki she was finally able to.

She tips her head a little, smiling.]

Verity. If you want, we can talk about more physics.

THREE.

[selfimage]

[ this is

not

what he expected.

absolutely not what he expected. while Verity tries to reason with the dragons through mortal science, Loki takes a few steps back to give her a little bit of room. children, even those of the more lizard-y variety, were totally not his thing. he holds up his hands to her when she decides to give him a passing glance, signifying that the trickster was out of tricks when it came to this particular realm of child rearing. ]

I don't think they're listening to you.

[ a wince and a thumb pointed at the dragons. ]

Just a hunch.

[truthbombs]

I don't see you coming up with any better ideas.

[Not when he ran out of them a good half hour ago, thus reducing them to this. Verity gives him A Look, because if he thinks for one second that he's going to go skipping off and leave her with these-

And that's when one of the babies snaps.]

Ow, okay, that does it.

[Verity stands up beside him, checking the tip of her her thumb for blood.]

Think, you have to know something else that might work. Isn't this more your kind of thing anyway?

[selfimage]

[ Loki's a terrible friend.

well, kind of. he's at least there to witness this, to step in if Verity needs a hand, but not to stop her from trying to test the waters for herself. ]

You need to assert yourself.

[ he sounds all too calm for the situation, twisting his fingers in the air with a smug smirk. ]

Well, that and a little magic.

[ maybe he lied. maybe he does have some tricks under his sleeve. in a great show of wiggly fingers and over-dramatic gestures, he's woven a few suitable illusions, mainly a few oversized butterflies to distract the little dragons.

Loki puts his hands on his hips. ]

A job well done.

[ it's not over yet, bro. ]

[truthbombs]

[Assert herself. Verity's pretty sure that if she tries to assert herself any more, she could be called up on dragon abuse - attempted dragon abuse, since they could roast her mortal flesh.]

You could've done that all along, you know.

[Of course he knows. It's not even an accusation, just cold hard facts. He is a terrible friend, but she just can't give up on him. Verity crosses her arms over her chest, watching the very real baby dragons crane their necks at some very unreal butterflies.]

Not yet. We have to find someplace to let them go where the townspeople can't find them. ...If they're old enough to be released.

[She frowns at that and starts biting at her thumbnail. They could be stuck babysitting a little while yet.]

How long do they normally stay with their mom?

[selfimage]

[ there's a faint little shrug on his behalf. she'd never really run with him on any weird missions, and thus wasn't as intimate on the knowledge of how much of a pain he could be like the others who had. (leave it to Lorelei, really.)

for the moment, the little dragons are distracted, letting out some very literal steam at the over sized (almost prehistorically large) illusions.

Loki holds a hand to his chin, looking comically regal as he squints at them. ]

Oh, well ... probably ... [ a thoughtful pause. ] Not a clue. It varies, ah, moooooost likely? [ unsure, he sounded unsure. ] I don't really consider myself an expert in the behaviors of multiversal dragons. That and this wasn't exactly in the instructions.

[ it's now debatable how long the dragons will find the illusions a suitable distraction. ]

[truthbombs]

[The dragons aren't trying to barbecue her anymore, so she's giving him a "get out of jail free" card on this one.]

In other words, you don't know.

[Which he also could've said sooner. One thing Verity is starting to see is a pattern here.]

Loki.

four.

[quivers]

[Today hasn't exactly been out of the ordinary business for her. Granted that Kate doesn't deal with dragons on the regular, but bizarre once-fictional lifeforms suddenly taking shape and needing to be dealt with? It gets a giant ch-check on her list of experiences — as if jumping through bizarre alternate realities hadn't prepped her for this kind of thing (of course, taming the critters wasn't usually the standard).

Maybe that's why she's not nearly as exhausted as some of the rest of the group when night falls. Super self-initiative Kate shoots up a hand when it comes to first night watch, plenty glad to do anything to keep herself busy and useful. With her quiver on her back, bow strapped in beside it, she dawdles about the fire where an assortment of fruits been laid out, gathered by some of the other campers from the nearby trees. Humming a little Earth tune ("Be My Baby" by the Ronettes; she'll blame a certain alien ex for getting that forever stuck in her head), she snatches up an apple, taking a large bite before she begins make her rounds along the camp's perimeters.

The girl stands out enough with her tattoos, but that isn't why Kate's eyes linger on her. The archer knows her; well, sort of. She at least knows of her — that friend of Loki's — even if the opportunity for a conversation hasn't struck up just yet. Though now would probably be as good as ever.

Strolling over closer, she swallows the chewed bite of her fruit, sucking the juice off her lip before speaking up loud enough to cue the girl in that the words are addressed to her.] If they were gonna set us up here, some coffee would have been a pretty awesome idea to keep us on the up-and-up.

[truthbombs]

[Verity knows the archer - not on a personal basis, not yet. Verity's most recent sighting of her face was courtesy of creepy old Loki's magic. It's good to see her looking a little more cheerful. Missions must agree with her.]

Ugh, a caffeine boost would be really good right now. Like chocolate.

[Yeah, she could do chocolate and wine, even though the effects of one might just cancel the other one out.]

Are we on night watch?

[Verity didn't volunteer the way the other girl did, but she's assuming. Everyone's had the same long day.]