Test Drive Meme #29

[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 February 21st, and apps are open March 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: FRACTURED FUTURE?
[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.

This time, the Door has decided to bring in some monsters who already have a taste of what it's like to win their war. Welcome to the Risen, from the Fire Emblem franchise!

Risen are reanimated corpses, dedicated to obeying their master's will. While they have some form of sentience, they cannot be dissuaded from their goal and attack all who oppose them with a singleminded desire to execute their purpose, which unfortunately for you is "killing indiscriminately". Still, they're not all bad and some of them may even be relieved to finally be put to death. Have fun!]

T R A N Q U I L I T Y

SCENARIO TWO: ONLY THE GOOD STUFF
[Tranquility has decided to take over Hope's food supply regimen and- well, if anyone thought he was a self righteous hipster before, this is probably what's going to seal the deal. All the food provided in the shops is now extremely vegan-only, from basic lettuce to the most bland fruit you can stand to look at.

None of it even tastes like anything, either- it's all like you're eating water. Maybe to Tranquility, this is a feast, but for you, it's difficult to register that you're even full. Better start prepping those salt mines- it's gonna be a long month.]

R A G E

SCENARIO THREE: YANDERE LIFE
[Unfortunately for you, you came at a time when Rage was very unhappy with everyone- and now you get to suffer for it. Is there anyone who catches your eye? Anyone who you might want to get to know a little better? Well, you're about to get to know them a lot better, because now you're obsessed with them.

It's not the innocent kind of obsession, either- this is a full speed ahead, breakdown, pull out the knives and rope kind of obsession, where your desire to be near someone is synonymous with stalking, being a creep, and overall just not really anything remotely approaching healthy.

Better look out and hope that nobody gets a crush on you either.

This is a mini version of our Kiss me Kill me event this month.]

Comments

Kelson Haldane | Deryni Chronicles

[kingforboth]

Tranquility

The food here had taken getting used to. He'd at last figured out how to open the cans(turns out telekinetically prying the cans apart, or bashing them with rocks isn't the appropriate method. He had ever so hoped so. It wasn't exactly convenient.) The only problem now was taste. Being a king he was used to a wide array of tastes, from lavish venison with gravy to scraps they put together during war. He'd even been forced to survive off of religious offerings (turns out grain does go bad!) and fish without eyes when he was trapped underground. In his experience, food should have eyes. Food without eyes was deeply disconcerting.

But he was also pretty sure he knew what some fruits and vegetables were supposed to taste like. Unless these were....special varieties bred to not offend the palate, they were rather tasteless.

"I don't suppose there's any food around that might actually fill someone up? One cannot survive on this alone." Nor does one want too.

Rage

Fortunately for everyone involved here, the object of Kelson's unrequited desire was not here. What was the issue then? Perhaps something about you reminded him of Rothana. Maybe you had dark hair, or there was something in your eyes. Maybe there was a haphazard brushing of minds and the young king flashed back to their brief touch. He realized as quickly as he reached out to grab the arm of the passing stranger you were not the woman who rejected him, and quickly let go. That didn't mean he was going to go away, however.

Kelson fiddled with the small gold band on his pinky finger, a wedding ring two women had worn. Needless to say both times it ended badly. Don't let him give it you. Oh, were you trying to leave? He reached out again.

"Stay."

Wildcard
[Want something else? hit me up here caletara or PM me and we can plan something]

[meteormercenary]

Yurick almost jolted when the other man grabbed his arm. And the sudden release has never been more appreciated. He pauses, looking over the other man. After a moment of quiet and lack of recognition, he decides it's safe to leave.

"Alright then..." A leery look as he turns to leave. But then the man reaches for him again. Stay.

Just who does this guy think he is.

"Right, well... not to be rude, but unless you're hiring for a job, or know where to find my friends, there isn't really a reason for me to stay, is there?" He's being totally rude and snarky. He's not impressed by you, Kelson. "Perhaps you should try your hand at someone more lonely."

That's jerk for why don't you just leave me alone?

[kingforboth]

This guy thinks he's king. Not that it means anything here considering he's not in Gwynedd, but he would also think his rank would account for something. If he was in his right mind he would not have been very impressed with himself either, so consider that a small comfort. When this was all over he'd most likely sink into self pity and recrimination. However, that does not discount the other man's rudeness.

He takes a deep breath, trying to center himself and cool the rage from his mind, not that it was really working. Still, he was a king, and it certainly wasn't polite to grab people, whether they were your citizens or not. " Who are your friends?"

He ignored the rest. Don't tempt him.

[meteormercenary]

And... this 'king' is still talking. Fabulous... He sighs a bit. Well... if there's a chance for a lead, might as well humour him. He guesses.

"Dagran, Zael, Syrenne, Mirania, and Lowell." His tone doesn't change. He watches Kelson's face for signs of recognition, even repulsion. His group has quite the reputation as mercenaries, and most people tend to avoid them unless they have a special reason to otherwise interact with them.

"Dagran's our leader, Zael's blond, Syrenne likes drinking while Lowell likes women. And Mirania is quiet. Heard of any of them?"

He half-expects to be disregarded at this point. Maybe their reputation will make this guy go away. Wouldn't that be great?

[kingforboth]

Kelson got the idea at this point and dropped the man's arm. Had he been in Gwynedd he wouldn't have let this individual leave. With such a reputation like that it could only mean trouble. He'd almost certainly hurt others, and for what? Coin? Kelson did not stand for that in his kingdom, be very grateful they were not there.

His face is schooled in a neutral stoic expression as the man talks, easily hiding his repulsion at what he's hearing. "I do not know your friends." And he was relatively sure he hadn't had them executed, not being citizens of Gwynedd.

"But take care here." Kelson's rage turned from obsession to cold fury. "If I hear you have been anything but gentile and civil you won't like the outcome."

[meteormercenary]

Yea, he's used to that reaction when it comes to being mercenaries. People always think they're these low-down, dirty soldiers-for-hire. He sure pegged this guy, alright. Gentile and civil. As if he'd been anything else. Normally, he'd let Dagran handle a guy like this - one so misinformed. Dagran always had a more positive sense of humour and tried to tell people what they really did. For hire, yes, but cruel, no. But Dagran's not here, is he? None of the others are. And that means it's up to Yurick to bite his own tongue.

"Yes, well, I suppose I should take your warning to heart then." Still one-hundred percent snark. "Forgive me for not knowing better."

He wishes Dagran and Zael were here, so badly. He's always been a bit of a loner, but having to face that condescension by himself left a very bitter taste in his mouth. Not that it didn't before, but the presence of the other two meant he didn't have to be the one to deal with it.

Even more odd is that he wished for their reputation to drive this man away, and now that it has, he can't help but feel defensive. Being the youngest of their group, Yurick did still have his childish tendencies. But there's nothing he can do now, is there? Nothing he would be willing to do, anyway. Engaging in further conversation is usually meaningless with the people who make those ill-assumptions of his group, and would probably only serve to frustrate him further. Defend a title? What title? That they served under the knights for a ball once? And stuck with them after the kingdom was attacked? It's not like some commoner would believe him, anyway. Or... whatever this guy is. He really should just walk away.

Instead, his face just sours as he tries to ward off a temper tantrum. No matter how many times his group is frowned upon, he's never been comfortable with it. And he's just trying to reason with himself that he should simply just walk away. Arguing will do nothing. Absolutely nothing. No matter how much he wishes it different. No matter how unfair it is.

[kingforboth]

Kelson had no reason to think otherwise as well. The mercenaries he'd encountered had been little more than thugs, barbaric and brutal. He'd put a number of them down, because like rabid dogs they had terrorized his land and ravaged his people. As far as he was concerned, you most likely did the same. And he was not about to let it happen on his watch, right in front of him.

His expression is schooled, steely and neutral. Although he did not care for the attitude of this young man, he chose to take his words at face value, knowing all to well the arrogance and anger that came with youth. Maybe if he'd taken a different approach with his cousin Conall he'd still be alive. He knew that expression, that slight twist of the mouth as he tried to hold it in. He was angry. It was different now that it wasn't on his cousin but it was similar. This man was proud. Too proud. Kelson only hoped that his mercy here wouldn't cost others their lives.

"You have the opportunity here to start anew. I pray you don't waste it." He nodded at the other, clearly dismissing him, having heard his 'apology'.

[meteormercenary]

"Start anew? Do you even know what you're saying?" Yurick's voice rises a bit, showing that Kelson had pushed a pushed button. "Why don't you start by not lying. After all, you say you don't know my friends, but you're already treating us like outcasts. Or are you just too good for anyone?"

He's definitely calling you out, Kelson, with a scowl on his face.

"Start anew, indeed. Like you're one to talk. Perhaps you've never heard of lead by example? What with your already judging us. I'm no stranger to those of your mindset."

He's prepared to move back, in case he's pushed Kelson's buttons enough to goad him into attack. But overall, he just wants to use his words. Hopefully Kelson will be 'civil' enough to do the same.

[kingforboth]

Kelson's face stayed neutral, unremarkable and almost light, not rising the occasion of a temper tantrum thrown by someone rather unimportant. No, not unimportant, for everyone was important in their own way. He just didn't know them well enough or was not connected to him well enough for it to make a difference. If his face wasn't caged, he would have thought it funny. Someone calling him a liar, when he was normally the one truth reading them? Lead by example. If only they knew. Yes, he did believe in leading by example, thank you very much.

"Yes. Start anew. Many people would love to have that chance, no matter the location. Many can't. No, I don't know you or your friends, and if I'm wrong and you are not guilty of anything--though I believe few people on earth can claim to not be guilty of something--than perhaps you will prove me wrong. Either way, here we are both far from home. Starting anew will be a fact of life. It just depends on how much you drag one drags their feet and continues to make old mistakes."

Hahahahahahahahaha Rage

[wildgift]

Stefen didn't even notice the other man at first--he was distracted with trying to learn the place, map the buildings, find the escape routes, all of it. Granted he hadn't been many places, but it didn't look like anything he recognized. And it seemed oddly...empty. A city this big should have more people in it. Or maybe he was just use to the crowding and not having quite so much of it was just eerie. And it was too hot, too. That he did realize he was whining about--he knew how spoiled he was.

And then there was a hand on his arm, and that snapped him out of his reverie and he glanced over at the person who'd stopped him, surprised, but that was his own fault. He should have been paying better attention. At least he knew enough--or was well trained enough--to remember his manners.

"I'm sorry, m'lord, did you need something?"

you ain't seen nothing Stefan. Listen to him whine one day

[kingforboth]

It was the 'm'lord' that stopped him. It had been a while here since he'd heard such a title. Even if it wasn't his, and wasn't even close to respectful for a king, it was nice to hear it. It was a reminder of who and what he was. Besides, he didn't expect anyone here to know him. Then again being abducted from court in full regalia probably didn't leave much to the imagination.

The weather was much too hot for him. The two suns made him grateful he wasn't walking around in full armor. He'd had enough of that marching through Meara. If he thought that was hot, he couldn't imagine what it would be like here.

He thought about the question. Did he need something? But this man was not the object of his affection. He wasn't even anyone familiar. Close enough? He searched the man's face for a trace, a reminder of whatever had triggered that thought, and let a small probe out, brushing tentatively. What was it?

[wildgift]

The lack of an answer was...disconcerting at best, but, well. Stefen was nothing if not polite to strangers. It was the safest thing to do, really, and Bardic had certainly taught him the rules well. So he just stared back, still in the man's grasp, a polite, but puzzled smile on his face, idly noting that he could probably have been a younger Vanyel, except his eyes weren't quite right. Grey, yes, but not that quite-so-striking silver.

It was thinking Vanyel's name that clued him in, really. That was the same expression Van had on his face when he was doing whatever it was he did with magic or Mindspeech or whatever. That distant expression that said he was going somewhere else or listening to two things at once. Stef couldn't block it--or even feel it--but he almost wanted to squirm under the scrutiny.

"M'lord, if you needed to know something, I would have told you. There's no need for all of that."

[kingforboth]

Kelson had the decency to blush a little at being caught outright. And by at first glance, a human. No shields to speak off, nothing to brush his probe against. No, it wasn't that which tipped him off. He backs off before he does anything more untoward. He kicked himself mentally, next time, put the man to sleep before trying anything. He could have gotten a more in depth read. Find out what was reminding him so much.

"My apologies. You reminded me of someone."

He was doing his best to restrain himself. Putting the man to sleep and rifling through his memories was not appropriate behavior when he hadn't done anything. And was even offering to tell him freely. Still, he was easier.

"I hope my abilities didn't make you uncomfortable." They certainly didn't seem too, but from his own experience in Gwynedd, well, most of his human subjects feared magic. It was something he was trying to work on. If only Kelson would realize that arbitrarily using it like he was only contributed to the issue.

[wildgift]

He hadn't meant to embarrass him, but...well. Sometimes it happened, and if it worked, then... Gently, he extricated his arm from the other man's grip and readjusted his Scarlets carefully. He fidgeted a little with the strap of his gittern case over his chest, hoping that it didn't come off as nervous. He was just checking it. That was it.

"I can't think of who I might have reminded you of," he managed lightly. He could at east try to find some humor in this. "I like to think I'm unique and memorable." Ha ha. If only that weren't the actual truth.

"No. Why should they?" Except that he'd rather blatantly violated the code of the ethics that the Heralds followed for their MindGifts. This man was clearly not one and that thought was terrifying, but he rather diplomatically kept that expression off his face, raising an eyebrow instead. Maybe the man was from somewhere Gifts were even more uncommon?

[kingforboth]

Kelson had deliberately not let go, still thinking about putting him to sleep and checking what was making him so attached. Surely there had to be something. And while he knew at least two people who would have been horrified by his behavior, he also knew two who wouldn't, and those he counted as much closer friends and advisers than the other two.

"Well you certainly remind me of someone....I am very fond of." Fond wasn't the right word to use, but it was the most polite. And he certainly didn't want to say to a complete stranger how much he loved Rothana, how much he wished she'd rethink her decision and be his queen, rethink her vows for religious service. Let him adopt her son. He didn't care. Someone should probably have pointed out to the young king that competing against God was a bad idea.

"I don't mean to imply anything. I'm sure you're quite memorable."

He watched him for a few moments, carefully guarding his expression, truth-reading him. It was a skill that required very little effort, but required one to ask the right questions. Stefan was telling the truth. Technically, magic did not make him uncomfortable. And at the moment, Kelson tried to tell himself he had no reason to think otherwise and test further. The only crime this man committed was walking down the street.

"That's a question I wish I had a good answer too. People fear difference." A simplistic way of looking at it but he wasn't about to give the man the entire background and history of Gwynedd. He didn't need to know that for 300 years Deryni ruled in a dictatorship that left it's marks on the kingdom, until his ancestor reclaimed the throne. He didn't need to know that laws had been set up in a scared effort to make sure it never happened again, relegating those with gifts to second class citizens. He didn't need to know how many hid and died. Their numbers were few to start with.

[wildgift]

"Ah. Well, then I'll take that as a compliment and be flattered by it." He was still curious who that even was, but the longer this conversation went on, the more he was certain that it wasn't anyone he knew. Which was probably for the best. Maybe that would mean that no one would know how close he and Van had gotten. Van would have been horrified if he found out Stefen was gone and doubtless his conclusion would be that it was to hurt him and he was right and they shouldn't be together. After all that work to convince him it was alright.

"I suppose that's true." He'd learned that the hard way and he'd never really cared, but he could only imagine how much worse it had to have been for other people. He'd only heard a little of Van's childhood and he already knew that he knew that as well. "I suppose I must be a little biased, then, although I don't see why it's such a fearful thing." Maybe he was just naive.

"I'm sorry, it seems my manners have abandoned me. I'm Stefen." If he hadn't recognized him yet, the name probably wasn't going to do anything.

[kingforboth]

The name didn't prompt any recognition from Kelson, but he didn't expect it too. He didn't know everyone even in his kingdom. Unless you came to court or were a dignitary from a neighboring land, you were a stranger. Likewise, he didn't expect Stefan to know him at all, whether he was from Gwynedd or not. Kelson deliberately left his coronet on a table by his bedside. It was heavy, and it was giving him a headache, and he wasn't strictly acting here as a king. It was easy to recognize him as king when he was flanked by an entourage, and wearing a royal headpiece, clothed in Haldane crimson. As it was, he was simply clothed in Haldane crimson, no doubt marking him as a lord of some worth but not necessarily royalty for those unfamiliar.

"I can't say I understand it anymore than you do. I've tried to understand. Why might you be biased?"

Kelson was trying to remember the last time he had to introduce himself. He couldn't remember. Had he ever?

"No apologies necessary. I'm Kelson." And left it at that. If he found out, he found out. If not, it would be interesting to get to know someone without the title of king weighing on their thoughts and actions.

Tranquility

[abbatis]

Being familiar of ones surroundings is a vital point in survival and that is the main reason for Edgar being there in the pantry. He's not there for the actual food but he hopes finding out more about the local culture through their cuisine. There doesn't seem to be meat anywhere which means that these people must be agriculturists and farmers. Interesting.

He picks up a weird yellow spiky-star shaped fruit when his attention is caught by a displeased man. The frustrated complain makes him grin in amusement. "Actually," he calls out and throws the fruit idly from hand to another.

"There are plenty of cultures around the world that depend on fruit and vegetables alone. Humans can survive with surprisingly little."

Re: Tranquility

[kingforboth]

Kelson meanwhile had wondered if they were having some sort of food shortage, of if their hunters were ill or the animals had fled the area. He wondered if maybe there were fish in the streams, because just fruit and vegetables was not going to do it for him for long.

"Aye, to preserve life, maybe. But if the heat increases, or the workload does, we may require more than this." Kelson was holding lettuce, which he really didn't want to be his entire dinner.

"I don't suppose you've found any fish over there?"

He might even take fish with no eyes. On second thought, he might not be that desperate. And it wasn't the most pleasant reminder.

[abbatis]

"Hah," laughs and throws the fruit at him, expecting it.

"No luck, I'm afraid. But I wouldn't be too worried. Vegetables can provide all necessary vitamins, iron and healthy nutrients if eaten right."

[kingforboth]

"Yes, I am aware." However, Lent at the castle was a bit more than lettuce and fruit. So, he could do it. He just didn't want too. Also, it wasn't Lent. Maybe he if looked around he could find some bread to offset the vegetables and fruit. And something a little better than lettuce.

Kelson caught the fruit with his free hand easily, and looked it over. "I've never seen anything like this before. Do you know what it is and how to prepare it?" Assuming it was edible. He hadn't the faintest idea what it was, was it okay to eat raw or did you have to cook it first? He walked around, looking at what was available. He had to admit, most of it was things he didn't quite recognize.

[abbatis]

"Beggars can't be chosers they say," he hums with a shug of shoulders. In a way he can understand the disappointment and frustration in the food situation. Eating only bland greens can't be too appealing, thought. Not that Edgar can relate to it.

"But I think it's something to look into. Who knows, maybe meat is sacred here?" He remembers meeting people around the world who wouldn't eat meat either from worship or loath.

"It should be edible. Why else wouldn't it be here in the pantry?"

[kingforboth]

Having never been anything remotely close to a beggar, Kelson not sure that's actually accurate for him. And he's never heard of the saying. But for some people it was accurate. Just not him.

"Perhaps. It's possible. We don't know anything about the culture here. I would suggest not making any assumptions, however."

Kelson however just shrugged at the mention of why would it be here if it wasn't edible. "I don't know. I haven't had a lot of experience cooking by myself." Or really, any. He'd seen enough cooking though to know the basics. Spit, pot, fire, water. It just wasn't exactly included in his education.

[abbatis]

"Like I said, who knows. I'm just throwing in ideas." So far he hasn't even met anyone he could call a native, he thinks. Seems like 'gods' are only original people to this country.

"I only know how to make soup, I'm afraid." A very special kind of soup -- one that most likely wouldn't suit this man's taste.

[kingforboth]

As far as Kelson was concerned, those were most definitely not Gods. The entire ideas was ridiculous, although he would have loved to hear a certain Bishop's thoughts on the matter. Too bad. No. They weren't divine. Most likely mortal, who gained power and passed themselves off as divine. People believe it. He himself as well as his ancestors used their own magical abilities to claim divine right of kingship. Why shouldn't others do the same? Although Kelson drew the line at sacrilege.

"Well, I'm certain we'll all have to learn new skills here. Not necessarily a bad thing."