test drive meme #28

[hadrielmods]

Welcome to Hadriel's test drive, and thank you again for your interest in the game! As always, our reserves page is here, and our applications page is here! Reserves open January 25th, and apps are open February 1st. Please remember that there is an app cap of 20 apps.

Two quick points here as well:

1. Any thread made in Hadriel's test drive will be accepted as the sole Action Log sample in the application.
2. All threads made in the test drive can be considered game canon, either through handwaving or through a shared mental experience while coming through the Door!

Test drives will be broken up into specific god mini-events, during which your characters can see how well they fare under the watchful eye of one of the gods. Choose wisely or just simply pick 'em all, and have fun!

F E A R

SCENARIO ONE: GOT ANY BREATH MINTS?
[The Door brings in all that is chaotic and evil in the world. This may include you, may include the person next to you... and may include the monster behind you.

It looks like this time the Door is going for a little variety. You get to enjoy a couple kinds of chaos serpents, from the video game Hexen.

Chaos serpents are bipedal reptilian creatures with three horns, in two different colors. They can bite, as with most monsters, but the real threat is their breath weapons. The green ones spit powerful fireballs, while the brown ones spit clouds of poisonous gas. If you're lucky, they'll fight each other instead of you - but who ever gets lucky here?]

L O V E

SCENARIO TWO: ONE MINUTE IN HEAVEN
[Remember that first rush of infatuation, when your heart beats fast and your cheeks get red and you feel like you could do anything - anything - to get your crush's attention? Maybe you don't. Maybe you're too level-headed for that. Well, not anymore.

Now, whenever you meet a new person, you feel one solid minute of the most intense crush you've ever had. Their hair! Those eyes! Those incredibly attractive arm muscles! That tinkling laugh! Maybe you're the type to get nervous, maybe you'll swallow seven packets of hot sauce to show how cool you are, maybe you'll just lay down your very best pickup lines. Maybe more than one of the above - there are so many ways to embarrass yourself in 60 seconds!

But then time's up, and your insta-crush is gone, and now you get to deal with the consequences. What did you say? What did you do? That laugh you thought was beautiful and tinkling turns out to be obnoxious and honking. Also, you're pretty sure you just hit on your neighbor. But hey... maybe they actually are pretty hot, and you just made the first move. It's possible!]

C O N F U S I O N

SCENARIO THREE: THE PITTER PATTER OF LITTLE FEET
[There you were, minding your own business, when you suddenly fell into a deep sleep. Not that you remember that - now all you remember is being a child, as your consciousness has taken the form of your younger self. Here's your opportunity to run around and get into all the trouble you could hope for!

Or maybe you didn't become a child - maybe someone else did. Did some random kid just run up to you, confused and a little scared, or possibly just obnoxious? It'd be nice of you to help them out. Unless you hate kids, and hey, who can blame you? They're loud and somehow their little hands always seem to be sticky. Still. Make sure they don't run straight into the monsters outside the city, all right?

This is a mini version of our Hope of a Child event this month.]

Comments

Hvitserk Ragnarsson | Vikings

[middleborn]

1. Fear
[Hvitserk stumbled a little, still trying to get his bearings. The large lizard-like creature was likely going to make that difficult, however.

He blinked, scarcely believing that what he was seeing was real, but the fireball that scorched his shoulder as he barely managed to roll out of the way and draw his sword was very real. He looked from his slightly singed tunic to the hulking beast, raising his shield he tried to assess whether or not to fight this dragon or retreat to a more advantageous position.

That's when he realized he wasn't exactly alone in this fight.] Hey! Hey, are you alright?

2. Love
[Suddenly very aware of how disheveled he likely looked, Hvitserk tried to quickly, but discreetly straighten his armor and clothing, running a hand lightly over his hair to make sure that there weren't any pieces sticking out haphazardly. Shit. He likely shouldn't have been staring that whole time either.

Clearing his throat, he looked at the ground for a moment before making eye contact again, trying to stand up a little straighter, aiming for flirtatious, but strong.]

Hello. [His hopeful little smile sort of ruined the whole tough, deadly Viking vibe he'd been going for.]

3. Wildcard
[[ooc - I'm down for just about anything! Feel free to hit me up on plurk (squissie) if you'd like or just throw something crazy at me :D]]

Fear

[ubbe]

[ Ubbe felt a bit disoriented to say the least but Hvitserk's voice had him more alert. What should have had him more alert was the very present danger that they were in. His hand went to his axe, but as he took in the enemy he's not sure what good it will do.

He hasn't answered Hvitserk, his eyes scanning their surroundings before pointing to what appears to be a better vantage point. They might be able to see a way to escape or at least have time to formulate a plan of attack if nothing else. ]

Over there. Run. [ His voice didn't leave room for his younger brother to question, all the same he grabbed his shoulder and pushed him in the direction he intended. ]

[middleborn]

[Of course he recognized the voice and chanced a quick glance at the figure he'd only just seen out of the corner of his eye. Definitely Ubbe and he looked uninjured. Good. He didn't have to worry about figuring out how to protect him while keeping his guard up and getting away from this thing.

Keeping his shield up to guard their backs, he gave his brother a nod and moved in that direction. He'd been too busy dodging fireballs to even spot the narrow hallway. It'd be good, the creature wouldn't be able to follow them. Hopefully, it wouldn't light them up while they were retreating.

Once in, he paused, waiting for his brother, before going deeper down the hallway.]

[ubbe]

[ Ubbe looks Hvitserk over once they are in the hallway before looking back once. Hvitserk seemed unharmed so there was no reason to tarry any longer. ]

What were those things?

[ Ubbe asks as they make their way down the hallway and he's hoping to some place safer for the moment. His mind was still trying to wrap around the strange creatures like something out of old stories that Floki would tell. ]

[middleborn]

[Hvitserk did the same and quickly came to a similar conclusion. Ubbe looked fine. He gave him a reassuring nod when he caught his brother's look of concern.]

... Dragons? [Ubbe's guess was as good as his, honestly.

He kept close after looking back a few times to make sure the thing hadn't somehow managed to squeeze into the hallway after them.] We should go back... With both of us, we could kill it. [It was definitely wishful thinking.]

[ubbe]

We could. [ Ubbe says, glancing back the direction they had come from and then shook his head. ]

I think it would be wiser if we did not, though. Don't you?

[middleborn]

[Hvitserk slowed to a stop, catching his breath, almost inching back in the direction of the 'dragon' now that they were definitely clear of it. He frowned a little, making a face.]

But... What if it does not stay in here? Or... [He's wracking his brain trying to think of something that might convince his brother to decide to fight this thing with him.] What if other people run into it?

Come on, Ubbe. It can't breathe fire in two directions at once! [Or, at least, he doesn't think it can.]

Love

[devilsandangels]

[ So, every time Alfred has ever seen Hvitserk he's been dirty and gross. He's started to think that might be the default for Vikings had he not met a relatively clean Ivar and Ragnar when he was younger. It's not much different, now, though, but perhaps Hvitserk is at the very least not covered in Saxon blood. They'd had a shared enemy in this place.

He doesn't recall his name, only his face as the face of the young Viking who had come with his older brother Ubbe. ]

Hello? [ There's a bit of a question to it, because the smile and the whole of his body language is quite odd and conflicting with anything he knew of him previously. ]

[middleborn]

[His lopsided smile widened shyly. He'd only ever seen Alfred once outside of a very muddy and chaotic battle. He hadn't seen how blue his eyes were or how nice his hair looked, the shape of his lips.]

Um. You are the Saxon? I don't remember your name. [He was surprised he could understand him just fine.] Hvitserk. Ragnarsson. We met... before.

You look... nice. Today. [He wrinkled his nose slightly as he fumbled for something to say, not at all impressed with what had ended up coming out of his mouth.]

[devilsandangels]

[ This son of Ragnar is behaving strangely but Alfred doesn't mind it, too much. It's curious and maybe a little worrisome is all. ]

I am Alfred. [ He adds no titles, no need to mention that he had been a Prince then and he is now King. ]

Today? I did not look nice before? [ He smiles at Hvitserk, his question clearly meant to tease. ]

[middleborn]

Right. Alfred. [He smiled softly. He was pretty sure he hadn't gotten his name before, but it might've been mixed in with all the Saxon, which he hadn't understood.

His ears turned a little red at Alfred's question and he gave him a sheepish look.]

Ehh. Well. It... was dark. [He caught the teasing gleam to Alfred's smile after stumbling over the excuse, which just had him smiling and looking even more sheepish than before.]

[devilsandangels]

[ Alfred doesn't really expect Hvitserk to have been able to remember his name. He had gotten the feeling even at the time that he hadn't spoke Saxon. Ubbe's had been barely passable and Hvitserk hadn't looked like he absorbed much of what was said at the time, at least from what Alfred had surmised. ]

It was a bit dark. [ Alfred agreed and there's a smile after. It's odd, though, that speaking of that particular instance doesn't bring more malice. He's not sure what is going on with this Viking. ]

Are you sure you're alright?

[middleborn]

Mmhmm. [His response is almost automatic, a distracted smile and a nod thrown in for good measure.]

Have you ever thought of braiding your hair? [Hvitserk seems unable to keep himself from reaching out to run his fingers through it.] Not that it doesn't look good like it is! [His face fell a little.] And... you Saxons do not often do that, do you? [He smiles again softly.] Still.

[His eyes suddenly lit up.] I could braid it for you.

love;

[hasitsthorns]

[ Oh. Rose recognizes that dumbstruck look almost anywhere. It's one she probably wore many a time during Haven when she was following around Peter or Sam. Oh, gosh, it's really kind of sweet. He's so flustered. Rose isn't sure what she did to warrant this kind of attention, but... ]

Hey, dude. You're new here, I'm guessing?

[ That's a safe enough conversation to have, probably. ]

[middleborn]

'Dude'? Uh... [His thoughts were a little derailed by the way the light seemed to reflect in her hair and eyes. She looked so different than most of the people where he was from. Exotic and intriguing and different. It made it difficult to focus on what she was actually saying. Shit. She'd definitely asked him something.

He smiled softly, nodding, even if he couldn't remember what her question was.

Suddenly, he did remember what she'd asked him and he realized he should really say something back instead of just staring and smiling at her.]

You are new as well?

[hasitsthorns]

[ Right. He does look a little... early. His garb is interesting though. Nordic, maybe? Rose isn't familiar with it, anyway. The blond wonders just where he's from, what time.

Not one where they have women, maybe. Or maybe not modern women. She doesn't mind the stare but it's definitely been a while since she's received this kind of attention so immediately. ]

I'm not, no. Kind of old hat in this place, but- I'd be happy to help ya' out, if you want it.

[middleborn]

[He tilted his head slightly at 'old hat', but smiled. That one was easy enough to figure out even if he'd never heard the phrase before. He liked it. She spoke very differently than anything he'd ever heard.]

Do I need help? [He rubbed the back of his neck and looked around a bit, obviously a little lost and uncertain.] Where are we? [Not that it really felt like it mattered all that much at the moment because he was here with her... wherever they were.]

[hasitsthorns]

[ He'll get used to all sorts of strange sayings around this one, honestly. She's straight out of the nineties with her vernacular. He won't be the first to be taken (or confused) by it. ]

You're in a city called Hadriel, dude.

[middleborn]

Oh. It's Hvitserk. My name. Not... 'dude'. [He tried the word out with a smile, assuming it was likely a word in her language that meant 'sir' or, even worse, 'boy'.]

Alright. [He nodded slowly.] And... wait... how? [Yup, it had just dawned on him that he definitely had no recollection as to how he'd gone from point A to point B.]

Fear

[requiemshark]

[Another day, another fight. Ephemera sets off into the tunnels when the newcomers arrive, prepared to stick his neck out for complete strangers. At least the new monsters are simple. They fight, they go down, and eventually they die. And - even better - his frame throwers have been repaired. His armor is in awesome shape, he's got plenty of ammo, and way too much anger to burn off in a good fight.

This one has fire, but it also squeals when it gets hit by napalm.

Cool. That means it can die.

Ephemera is feeling pretty happy about the prospect of this thing's loud and very messy death, until he notices someone else.

Someone with a fucking sword and shield.

Now, a few months ago he would have pretty much screamed in frustration, but if Hadriel has taught him anything, the people here are resourceful. Even if they really should be using guns.

Ephemera grunts, lifting his arm and blasting the thing with napalm again.]

Flank me. If it gets too close, stab the shit out of it.

[middleborn]

[Hvitserk frowns a little at the orders, not liking that he was being told to basically stay out of the way unless the creature got close, but he did as he was told without argument. He stepped to the man's side, standing just slightly back, and quickly scanned the room in case this dragon creature had any friends, but they seemed to be safe of that happening.

He turned back to watch in awe as the thing screeched in pain, his new comrade had a weapon somewhat like a crossbow but it fired like he'd never seen before. It stumbled and then fell, still screeching horribly. Without thinking, Hvitserk walked over to it and swung his axe down on its head, putting it out of its misery before turning back to look at the stranger. Strange weapons and stranger armor.] Thanks?

[requiemshark]

[Well, that was easier than expected. Ephemera tips his head to the side, scanning the monster with his HUD. Definitely dead.]

Uh huh.

[He deactivates the flame thrower.]

You all right?

[middleborn]

[Hvitserk tilted his head to give the armor a curious once-over, even leaning from side to side to get a better look at it before tapping one of the leg panels lightly with the side of his axe.] Fancy armor. [He offered him a lopsided smile.

Seemingly prompted by Ephemera's question, he glanced down at himself, going through something of a mental checklist before nodding.] Fine, yeah. [He frowned a little as he spotted the bit of singed fabric on his shoulder, pulling at it to assess the damage.]

Are you... a dwarf? [They were in a cave, so his best guess was Svartalfheim and the bizarre, but awesome looking armor immediately had him thinking dwarves, who were known for their blacksmithing.]

[requiemshark]

I get that a lot.

[Apparently the armor is pretty unique to his world. Ephemera is a little proud of that.

The next question gives him pause.]

A what now?

[middleborn]

A... dwarf?

[He sounded even less certain now.]

Uh. There are stories about a race of people where I am from who dwell in an underground land. They're skilled miners and the best blacksmiths and inventors in all the nine worlds. I thought maybe... you were one of them.