dankmemes | test drive meme #13

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!test drive

test drive meme #13

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 September 24th, and apps are open October 1st.

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: DON'T LOOK AT ME
[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.

Watch out as you explore the streets of Hadriel, because you're not alone, and there's always something lurking in the shadows, waiting for the perfect chance to hop right on you and chow down. This time, the Door has brought in several Boos, from the Mario video game series.

These monsters can be menacing, but are also incredibly shy. When looking directly at them, they will cover their faces and fade into the background- however, when turning away from them, they advance on you until they're in the perfect spot to take a nice big bite. The only way to defeat them is to escape this part of the level- that is, run madly away and try to keep up eye contact while you do so. They may look cartoonish, but those ghost teeth can be sharp!]

SCENARIO TWO: YOU'VE GOT RED ON YOU
[Hadriel is home to many things- temples, irate gods, angry citizens and... well, zombies, apparently. Beware as they start to walk/stagger/generally kind of shuffle around the streets of the city, since where there's one or two, there's usually a hundred more just waiting for the right moment to strike.

Zombies attack Hadriel by the dozen for this prompt, and nowhere in the city is technically safe from them! While they're not necessarily fast or intelligent, they have an advantage on you in that they have a lot more friends and they can't feel pain. So saddle up, bunker down, and try to survive the infestation!

This is a mini version of our Dead Men Walking event this month!]

R A G E

SCENARIO THREE: CAPTURE THE FLAG
[Hey, what's Hadriel without a few mind-numbingly stupid games to forget the fact that you're in a murdercave that routinely tries to scare the crap out of you while also maybe killing you every once in awhile? You're not quite sure who came up with this particular mind-numbingly stupid game, but you seem to be playing, so get your running shoes on and grab that inhaler!

This is a game of Capture the Flag, and thanks to Rage, you're really starting to feel that competitive spirit. You're going to win- you have to. So what if you incur a few fouls along the way?

There's a red team and a blue team for this prompt, with both teams trying to protect their corresponding flags. Try to strategize to take the other team's precious flag, chase someone from the opposing team down, or just go all out and full body tackle that poor guy who got a little too close to your territory- it's all on you!]

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

[Laughter. That's a first.

Maketh just watches him, face blank.]

Are you insane?

[It seems relevant.]

[ He's used to being asked that kind of question. Still doesn't make him feel any better about himself though. ]

It is potentially probable... Feasible foreseeable even.

[Maketh rubs her forehead. That's just wonderful. Maiming and shattered bones she can deal with. Infection and cannibalistic monsters, fine. Been there, done that. But she knows very little about brain chemistry or the things that make it go haywire.

This is unexpected. Maketh never did like surprises.]

I'll ask this once and be done with it. Are you a threat to the people here?

[ That was a hard question to hear. It was a touchy subject too, especially considering circumstances currently being questioned back home too.

Will didn't know how to answer. He brushed shaking fingers through his unkempt hair, eyes darting around from here to there. Swallowing a thick lump in his throat, tears started to well in his eyes, breathing a little more ragged as he finally looked up at Maketh. ]

I- ... I cant' give you a definitive answer... The evidence is... Inconclusive.

[ He wanted to say no, he really did but Dr. Lecter had been tampering with his mind, making normally clear lines blur. ]

[Worry. Though likely honest. Maketh leans back, thinking.]

We have a doctor here. I'd like him to look you over. If he deems you a threat, or if you act against anyone here, the guardsmen will place you under house arrest.

[She hopes it won't come to that, but she'll deal with the situation as it changes.]

We face enough threats here as it is. I'd rather you not be counted among them, but I'll do as I must. Is that understood?

No doctor. I must insist.

[ can't stress that enough. ]

I'm good at keeping myself to myself and that's what I'll do... Until it's safe to go back home. I understand you, crystal clear... But you need to understand me when I say I'd rather just stay out of the way somewhere... No need for a doctor

[Maketh frowns. It occurs to her that this man might present a greater problem if handled incorrectly. Either way he'll need to be watched, and she'll have to delegate a few of the guardsmen to do it. Quietly, if possible. Which cuts half of the possible volunteers in half.] Then convince me, sir. Why should I leave you be if you yourself cannot say whether or not you are a threat?

[ Will could become problematic to handle in certain circumstances, that was true. However, he wasn't as bad as he was coming across as. He'd been having a really bad time before he found himself here, allegations of gross misconduct and even suspect of murder... Worst thing about it all, Will didn't even know if he was guilty, so he wouldn't hold it against Maketh to judge him... Just, no Doctors. ]

I can't convince you. You don't know me and I have no evidence. I know this looks bad, believe me I do, but you have to just trust me and my word. Just let me be, let me ride it out somewhere in peace and I'll be no bother at all.

[Well, this is just getting better and better. Maketh exhales sharply, not bothering to hide her annoyance. Will has steadily been inching onto her list of Hadriel's citizens who must be managed, and she sees no easy way of doing that. He's not like some of the others, who can be reasoned or bullied into toeing the line. No, Will represents an entirely different problem. Something new. An unknown element.

She's quiet a moment, thinking. Then:] My guardsmen will be watching you. As you said, I have no means of corroborating your version of things. Nor do I have the resources or, frankly, the patience to hold you against your will. Do as you wish, so long as it brings no harm to the people here, and my men will leave you be. But cause trouble and they will intervene. Believe me when I say they have the means to do this. Do we have an understanding, Will Graham?

[ Oh, Will knows he's an unwanted annoyance for Maketh, he's unwanted to most people he meets, still doesn't get any easier. The thing that makes Will useful, is the thing that people dislike the most about him. It's uncomfortable and Will is more than used to this kind of situation.

The last thing he wants, is to have a bunch of armed guards watching his every move. He just wanted to find a nice quiet place to settle into and nurse his aches and pains, somewhere to try and calm his mood. He had empathy for Maketh, he couldn't help it, it was unavoidable for him! But he still didn't like being spoken to as if he'd already done something wrong.

He tries to turn things around, as much as he doesn't have the mental strength for it right now. Will was used to the FBI, this woman had an air of a fellow agent, surely he could reason with her to an extent? ]

I understand perfectly... I may even be of some use to your guardsmen. Perhaps you'd be able to make your own mind up on me? I'm not a bad person. Heh, do I look like a bad person? Sound like one?

[ A pause and an after thought. No threat intended but he's starting to feel cornered. ]

Besides, I wont respond well to being constantly under check... It stresses me out. You wouldn't like me when I'm stressed out.

[Maketh frowns.] How would you be of use to my guards?

[She'll leave the rest of the problem alone for the moment.]

[ Rubbing his sore temples. He's not about to delve into a conversation about empathy. Maketh doesn't look like she'd believe him on the topic anyway. ]

I'm an FBI profiler. I help determine the psychological and behavioural ticks and patterns displayed by psychopaths and the potentially criminally insane. I can help catch people before they commit any more crimes, or help solve otherwise unsolvable acts. It's a gift rather than a skill... I can get into their heads... Think like them, if you like.

I see.

[That would have made him uniquely useful to the Empire, if she'd encountered him on Lothal. Such skills would have been helpful in hunting rebels and their sympathizers. That life is over now, if it had ever been hers to begin with, and therefore the point moot.

Maketh watches him silently for a moment.]

What we face is not of human design, psychopathic or otherwise. Does your understanding extend to monsters of a more literal kind?

[ Will almost felt bad about what he'd just done. Manipulated their conversation to take the heat off of himself. Maketh was easy for Will to read, he'd been working her out this entire time. Not for malicious reasons of course, but for a situation just like this, one where he could convince her he was worth more free and being helpful then locked up or constantly watched over.

He quirked his lips at the side a little, giving consideration to what she was saying before he answered. ]

My understanding extends it's reach to anything with a brain or a programmed AI that was written by something with a brain. A monster is a monster no matter what form.

[ Believe him, he knows all too well. ]

[Maketh considers his claim. Having a tactical understanding of the various monsters the gods brought out would give the guards a strong advantage in dealing with them, and delegating resources. Provided he's not lying, of course. Such things aren't unheard of in her world - the Jedi claimed the Force granted them similar understanding and the Inquisitor had said as much when it pleased him to - but she knows little of whatever world spat Will out. His claims will have to be verified.

In the meantime, he's not to be trusted. But that doesn't mean he can't be useful.]

Are you willing to prove this to me?

[Her tone is entirely mercenary. If there is a tool within her grasp, then Maketh will use it.]

[ Will sighed. Cracking his neck and rolling his shoulders. He'd just been through and ordeal, using his empathy now would only make him feel worse. Besides, what with the side effects of the tests Dr. Lecter had been experimenting on him in secret, still very much having an active effect on Will, this could be a bad idea for both of them.

On one hand he could prove his worth, on the other, he could only prove how dangerous he was capable of being. Think fast Will. ]

If you'll let me compose myself first? It's been one hell of a day. I'll be willing and ~~hopefully~~ able.

[An entirely reasonable request, given the circumstances. And on the other hand, a stalling tactic. Hmm.] Of course. You won't mind keeping me company until then, will you?

[It's not a request and she doesn't smile when she says it.]

I'm eh, not the best of company. Rather not do the whole social thing. I wouldn't want to stay with you over night, I tend to sleepwalk. Heh, and I umm, that would be... Just awkward.

[ A nervous laugh, a bead of sweat. She wasn't doing to let it go as easily as he though. Worst case was he looked insane yet gave her the results she was looking for. He could live with that mild humiliation. ]

... What exactly would you have me do?

[He's clearly uncomfortable with the idea, and eager for her to send him on his way. All the more reason to keep him here, where she can keep an eye on him. That, and Maketh has the perverse urge to see what happens when she pries. Rather like poking an animal with a stick to hear what it's rage sounds like.

It's quite possible this place has made her cruel. Nonetheless, she doesn't budge.]

I assure you, any 'awkwardness' will be overlooked.

[Unless it proves a theory one way or another. But he seems like a smart man, he'll figure that out on his own. Maketh narrows her eyes at him. This man clearly needs watching, whether he wishes it or not, so that means they'll both be stuck in the guard post for the time being.] Do? Whatever you wish, so long as you do not leave this building. I have reports to read. This place is fully stocked with supplies. Sleep, use the sparring mats, even read some of the intelligence we have gathered. I will not stop you.

[Not unless he tries to leave.]

[ Gritting his teeth, closing his eyes and twitching his head aside, fists clenching tight, knuckles white where they balled up. All out of frustration and building anger. His anxiety was kicking up again. The idea of being shut up in this small building, with a woman all too willing to dissect you given the chance, was too much for will. His vision started to blur again, sweat patches showing through his shirt. He had to take a few deep breaths to calm himself.

Fidgeting where he sat on a pile of rolled up sparing mats. Completely uninterested in any of Maketh's given suggestions. What he wanted was to go home, failing that, he'd settle for a nice quiet place away from everyone else. ]

My saviour, she whom liberated me from the perils of the great outdoors, is now my captor. Detaining me in a custodial sentence of undetermined time.

[ Will clapped, a little sarcastically, irritation present in his expression. ]

Look, all I want is a shower, maybe some food for my blood sugar and then we'll go find me a nice horrifying monster for me to make friendly with. Sound good?

Now you're being dramatic.

[Though she's being cruel to him in turn. There's something about the way Will speaks and carries himself that sets her on edge. This man is a threat and threats must be put down. But she cannot bring harm to him without cause. He's a newcomer, a stranger to this place, and under her protection.

So. Here they are.

Maketh stands, hands stiff at her sides, back perfectly straight. If he hadn't guessed she was military, he'll know it soon enough by the way she carries herself.] We have food here. If you want a shower, that means going back outside. I will escort you if that is what you wish.

[No, she's not going to let him go on his own.]

[ Scratching the back of his neck, then pointing a finger at Maketh where she stood. His voice raise just a tad, his elevated irritation pouring through and spilling out like fountain from his lips. ]

You're the one being dramatic! This is obscene!

[ Sighing, his chest falling and raising slower as he counted calmly in his head. When he was done it was like a personality change. A weak smile, very fake and obviously out of place on his face. His tone of voice was light again. ]

Apologies. I'd appreciate that shower now more than ever. I feel we're getting off on the wrong foot, maybe after I've cooled down we can start again?

[It hits her then. Will reminds of her of the Academy, in the days before she'd really learned how to survive it. Nothing is what it seems. All the false smiling. Pretending to behave and cooperate while he looks for a weakness, the flaw to exploit.

Fine. She can play too. It's just been a long time since she's had to.

Maketh puts on her public face, the one the instructors drilled her in when she took Civilian Pubic Relations. Maintain eye-contact, put warmth in the smile. Make it personal, but not too much. You're in this with him. You only want the best for everyone.] Of course, Will Graham.

[Either she's wrong or he's a threat that must be contained. Maketh decides she's going to find out one way or another sooner.]

[ Will wasn't comfortable with so much eye contact. His sight flickered from Maketh's face, then to her boots or around the room, like a BETA wolf when the ALPHA was present. She was acting up, was this little show just for him He would rather she didn't, still it was better than nothing.

Remaining silent for a long moment, Will finally looked up at her, sheepish, almost as if he didn't want to bother her. A feeling of trust was being forced onto him and Will didn't like mind games even though he could see right through it, the idea that she was trying to play him was frustrating. ]

I'll be going for that shower now then. If you don't mind?

[ Standing up, slowly stepping towards the door, no sudden movements and no loud voice this time. She was both right and wrong about Will, he was a threat but only due to unfortunate circumstances. Normally you'd go about your life without every having known Will Graham was alive. He'd like it if Maketh would ignore him like that too. ]

Certainly. I'll escort you.

[For practical reasons, he's not in a position to refuse. Will, after all, has no idea where anything is. And as far as Maketh can tell, is unarmed and unwell. Not a good combination when a body found themselves wandering around Hadriel's winding streets.

She swings the rifle over her shoulder and smooths a hand down her coat. There. It's best when the lines are straight, everything looking as it ought to.] Shall we?

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