JANUARY 2019 TEST DRIVE

[sodder]

JANUARY 2019 TEST DRIVE MEME

Welcome to January’s Test Drive Meme! This month's Test Drive's theme is: NEW YEAR'S.

All Test Drive Memes contain at least one clue to the Deerington's upcoming in-game events for the month! Keep your eyes peeled! But...not literally.

Characters may die during TDMs, but you do not need to count it towards a game-canonical death unless you want to. Consider it a freebie. All TDMs can be considered game canon as TDMs introduce minor aspects about the world of Deerington that can be revisited by characters later on in the game. You may also use TDMs for your application writing sample as well as AC.

CW: Mind alteration, alcohol, options for self-harm, knife violence.

Don't forget to tag content whenever necessary. Have fun!

Prompt One
Prompt Two
Character Arrival
Master Navigation

YOU BETTER GET THIS PARTY STARTED

It's party night at the Grady Hotel and the hosts are pulling out all the stops. Champagne, funny hats, pictures, great music, and a wonderful countdown clock that let's everyone know just how much closer they're getting to the end of what has probably been a pretty crazy year for everyone. The glasses never seem to empty themselves and the citizens serving them out to people seem to be making extra sure that everyone has one for themselves. Regardless of whether or not you usually like champagne, anyone with a glass in their hands will eventually be tempted to take a sip, especially the closer it gets to midnight - the bubbles make you giggly, friendly, talkative in a way that you may never have been before. It lifts up just about anyone's spirits, no matter how rough of a time they've had before (or during their time in) Deerington. It doesn't seem to get you drunk, no matter how much you drink, but it definitely makes you more euphoric. Enough so that you might start to think you can do anything; tell someone how you really feel about them, compliment whoever you've had your eye on all night and see if they want to spend more time together, make up with someone you've been fighting with lately, do a magic trick you never were able to master, or even something as drastic as fly when you know you can't. Hopefully you start off trying to jump from a chair, but there is definitely roof access for those who are a little more daring - maybe someone a little more sober will have the wherewithal to stop you before it's too late.

There is also plenty of entertainment happening in various parts of the room. A table with beer pong for the adults who never outgrew their college days, a dart board, card games in the back, and a game called Guess the Candy for those who want to test their sweet tooth. Anyone who wins a round of any game will get rewarded with a small gift from home (no bigger than a toaster). Unfortunately will disappear once you leave the party, so make sure to enjoy it while you can.

The dance floor is also lively, the music upbeat and easy to move to no matter what your personal tastes might be. If you want a random dancing partner, take a dance card! Each one has a random, glowing number on it and it's your goal to find the person who matches. Once you do, no matter who it is, you'll find yourself literally stuck together (hopefully just by your hands, but it can be any body part) and will have to go through an entire dance (or maybe even two) with them before you come unstuck.

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

Everyone starts to gather around the countdown clock as it nears midnight, and when it's down to ten seconds, obviously you've got to start counting too! Everyone seems to be having such a good time as they shout out each number (10! 9! 8!) and you might not even notice the way some of the people around you have started to get a little... twitchy? (7! 6! 5!) Or the way some are starting to get more handsy, pushing themselves up close to whomever is beside them. (4! 3! 2!) And it isn't until they all shout 1! in unison that the room seems to shift in two very different moods.

If you're lucky, the person next to you will just have the urge to kiss you - and you might even have the urge to kiss them back! After all, sharing a kiss at midnight is supposed to bring you good luck for the rest of the year. And with the way everyone else is starting to act, you might need it. For some, the urge to kiss might be stronger than just a chaste peck. For those who find themselves wanting to get a little more intense, it might be best to try to sneak out the back and head back to your place. The moment you step outside into the cold air, though, the urges seem to disappear - unless, of course, you were in the mood all on your own.

If you're unlucky, there's a murderous rage that runs through you, and there seems to be a table of weapons near by to help encourage a messy time. Various knives, swords, machetes, and other blades are laid out, enough for almost everyone. You might find yourself driven to plunge your weapon into the closest person, or maybe someone you've hated for a long time, and even more - maybe someone you've loved. Whoever it is, the image of their face will be burned into your mind and you'll do everything you can to try and make them bleed. Hopefully they can fight for their life - or at least evade your attacks until they can trick you into going outside. Like the desire for love, the desire for murder will also disappear the moment that someone steps outside, regardless of whether or not they did so on purpose or just to try and hurt whoever they're after.

Character Arrival

You can read how all characters arrive in Deerington here.

There is not a collective "all these characters showed up at the exact same moment" occurrence in Deerington. Since characters fall asleep, die, or pass out at various times throughout all their worlds, it wouldn't make too much sense if they arrived in game all at the exact same time. There should be some discrepancy between character arrival, whether by a couple minutes, hours, or even days up to a week.

The players are entirely in control of how/when they want to play their characters arriving in Deerington. For TDMs, you can play it like your character has just arrived and that can be maintained as your game canon, or you can wait until game events for that moment. Or you don't need to acknowledge it at all. The flexibility for character allows a bit more of an organic feel to the character arrival situation, so please play it to whatever feels right for you.

If you are interested in having an "arrival" introduction for one of your TDM prompts, you are more than welcome to explore that option.

Comments

Cain Scarlett | Original

[prohibitions]

I. Champagne and Cigarettes

[It's loud and people seem to be having the time of their lives. Perhaps you're in the middle of it all and enjoying yourself like everyone else or maybe you're trying to get out of the center to take a breather between dancing and partying.

There's a tall gentleman standing off and away from the crowds. He's dressed rather dapper and his hair slicked and done. He's not paying attention to the people at all and is looking out the window instead. A half finished glass of champagne is sitting on the windowsill and he's fidgeting with a cigarette in his hand. He seems to be contemplating if he wants to brace the cold to smoke it or just smoking in there and hoping he won't get into trouble for it.

He puts the cigarette in his mouth, but doesn't light it. Cain does glance around before making eye contact with you. He just raises an eyebrow.]

II. Dirty Dancing

[He isn't interested in drinking games and socializing too much. He will, however, take advantage of having a little fun on the dance floor. He has the glowing number card tucked into the breast pocket of his waistcoat as he quietly walks around the crowds of people.

Cain approaches with a charming smile and a hand held out.]

You wouldn't be opposed to dancing with me would you? I'm famished for a good dance and I couldn't imagine a more enchanting time than with you right this moment.

III. Kiss Counter

[He had never been fond of the intimacy of a kiss with people. The tradition of kissing someone for the upcoming New Year had always been an odd tradition to him.

However, as the timer goes down and hits one, he feels the sudden urge. The want to press his mouth against another.

His actions are smooth as he slips his hand around the waist of the closest person and pulling them close. He gives a bright smile and tilts his head slightly as he observes whoever he had grabbed.] I hope you will indulge me with a kiss. It would be a waste with the New Year ringing in, don't you think?

IV. Wildcard

[Feel free to leave a prompt if none of these work! I'm also available on plurk rakuranger

II

[silvertongueheir]

[Franciscus has been studying his own number card, which by complete coincidence (aka mun fiat) matches the one in Cain's pocket. He grins a little when approached.] Well, aren't you a charmer. I certainly won't object. [He reaches out to take the offered hand, then blinks when he feels a strange tingle run between them.]

...did you feel that too?

[prohibitions]

Oh, good. I hope I was coming off as completely charming and nothing close to desperate. Desperate is not a good look for me. [He winks a little as he gracefully pulls the other towards the dance floor. He thinks nothing about the feeling that runs between them. Magic is queer and this place is nothing short of odd.] Does it matter? [Unless it's suddenly going to kill them, he thinks it's irrelevant.]

What kind of dancing are you into? I'm more of a swing kind of guy, but I'm versed in most things. I detest waltzing though.

[silvertongueheir]

You never know, in this place. [Still, nothing has actually happened so far, so he's willing to relax a little and try dancing with this stranger.]

Well, I can certainly swing it. [Wow, was that a pun? Osomatsu is rubbing off on him, it seems.] Do you have any preference for who takes the lead?

[prohibitions]

Well, we haven't transformed into something grotesque and terrible nor are we dead, so I think we'll be quite fine. Perhaps it wants to celebrate the New Year just like the rest of us.

[He just gives the other a grin.] I'm fine with either. I can lead, but if you prefer to lead. Well, I'm not opposed to being swept off my feet so to speak.

[silvertongueheir]

I've found it best to be wary, in this place. [Still, as far as he can tell, nothing actually bad has happened so far. Might as well lean into it and dance.]

Oh, really? Then try to keep up. [He heads towards the dance floor with a grin, pulling Cain with him and preparing to swing him to the side once they get some space.]

[prohibitions]

You let this place keep you on your toes and you won't have fun and let loose. [His voice comes out almost to a purr. He understands what the man means, given that Cain is nothing less than ridiculously neurotic, but that's why they're going to have some fun. Right?

He lets out a gentle laugh as he is pulled along. Cain seems to be fairly experienced. He keeps in step with the other and never faltering. His shoes click against the floor and it's easy to drown out all the thoughts that try to flood through his mind for the time being. Dancing was quite a treat for him in particular.]

i

[tagartist]

[ Chloe wasn't sure why she'd even come to this party. They never ended well in Deerington and she had told herself it wasn't gonna be any different. But she'd felt pulled, as always, and she had mostly thought of drowning any worries she had with champagne - but she'd made a promise and she was trying to stick to it. She'd only taken a couple of sips before she'd pulled herself away from the bulk of the party, trying to get a breather and wondering if she should pack it up and head home before she regretted it.

Instead, she'd dug out her own pack of cigarettes from the pocket of her jeans as she'd made it closer to the windows, and was fishing for her lighter when she had looked up in time to meet Cain's eyes. She noted the cigarette, giving a small smile, and finally clasping the lighter in her fingers.

She took a step closer, just so she could be heard over the music; ] Need a light?

[prohibitions]

[He gives the other a once over if only to get a good look at her attire. Everyone here was dressed so differently that he wondered what odd melting pot he somehow ended up at. He can concentrate on her though and let the murmurs around him die out a bit. It helps a little. He takes the cigarette out of his mouth and gives her a grin.]

I'd love one. I wasn't sure if I wanted to take a step outside or take the chances just smoking inside. It's bloody cold though and I'm not really interested in freezing my arse off though.

[He'll accept a light because it means he doesn't have to light it and he's not about to do a tiny fire trick in front of a crowd. Maybe he should start carrying one around with him.]

[tagartist]

Smoking indoors doesn't seem to be something this place holds against people. It's one of the bonuses to being a little behind the times, I guess.

[ She lit her own cigarette first, before offering the cheap bic out to him as she took a drag. ]

You new here?

[prohibitions]

Small mercies then. I'll take that, since I hate having to find somewhere to smoke just to get a fix. [And he smokes more than he actually likes to admit given his constant nerves.

He takes it from her to light his own and hands it back to her.] What gave it away?

[He takes a long drag from his own. A scent of vanilla fills the air.] I'm not a fan of being the new guy, so I was hoping it wasn't too obvious.

[tagartist]

Everything else about this place might suck, but at least you can have all your vices without frostbite.

[ As a possible human chimney, Chloe certainly wouldn't have judged him for any amount of smoking he might have done - especially in a place like this.

She notes the smell, a much more pleasant one than her own cheap pack from the stores here. ]

I wouldn't say it's glaring. Not knowing you could light up inside was sort of a dead giveaway, though. Welcome to the nightmare. You're lucky you showed up during a lengthier quiet period.

[prohibitions]

Oh, simply wonderful. And here I thought that we'd all have to come clean. A nunnery for us all. Would be dreadful and I'd rather take the frostbite if that were the case.

[Clove cigarettes are bad for you. Cigarettes are bad kids.]

I certainly intend to take full advantage of smoking where I please now. Consider me enlightened. [Honestly, it's nice. Even if he rather take a smoke outside where there might be less people anyways.] I'll be sure to enjoy it while it lasts then. I'm not much of a fan for nightmares, so I guess I'll be willfully ignorant until the time comes.

III - Kissing Strangers

[nottevintersoldier]

[Dorian's not sure what to think of this whole night, the bubbly, giddy, sort of high and euphoric feeling he gets from drinking the beverage. He feels absolutely amazing, ecstatic... the happiest he's ever felt in a very, very long time. It's a bit more than just the high you get from good sex and he's pretty certain he's not even getting drunk. All his cares are gone and he can't be brought down.

Then something exciting starts happening as he realizes the time and he joins in enthusiastically with the countdown, feeling an urge curling it's way into his chest and gripping him so much so that his heart is nearly breaking his ribs from beating with anticipation. And then someone near him wraps an arm around him and pulls him close and on one everyone is shouting and kissing and... He swears some reach for a knife, there's a flash of something out of the corner of his eye but he's suddenly distracted and wrapped up with the stranger next to him.

The face is familiar but there's something about this man, he thinks in that split second he's certain it's newt, but then he's not at all certain it's him. He only met the other once so it seems a bit... odd at first the other would be so forward. He just didn't seem the type...

But in that split second when everyone shouts one that urge bursts through him and the other is asking to kiss him and his words barely reach his ears. He can't shake the desire, he doesn't care who he is, he's warm and it's inviting and intoxicating and before he knows it he's leaning into him. He's tipping his head and he's closing that distance to press their lips together and kiss him with a little hunger. It's a little desperate if only because of whats in the air and Dorian will part his lips to invite it to even go deeper than a small smooch to ring in the new year. He's too high, head swimming heavily with the beverage and the need, to care what's right or wrong. It's not as if he hasn't kissed men he didn't know, seduced strangers and then some.

The kiss will last as long as Cain indulges or until the pair of them need to breathe. Or perhaps the sound of fighting will reach someone's ears and they'll realize perhaps it's not safe anymore... Normally that would be Dorian, he'd realize it's not a good place to be making out with someone he doesn't really know. But again, he's too entranced by whatever magics have their claws in him to make him so flighty and careless.]

[prohibitions]

[Cain had only had a bit of the champagne. Enough to feel the slight giddiness it brought, but not enough for the feeling to consume him.

He enjoyed experiencing the countdown because it was always entertaining to him. If he could watch from afar, it was better, but that wasn't quite the case here. It wasn't so bad though since everyone's thoughts were more or less similar and in union that it wasn't like trying to parse countless separate thoughts when these were so unified.

Cain grins at whoever he ended up wrapping his arms around. They're certainly attractive and he certainly isn't going to complain about a kiss from them. Not when they were so wanting and he can't help but want this just as much. He honestly pays little attention to what is happening around them because all he can think about is the lips against his and deepening that kiss. He parts his lips so he can get a good taste of that wet cavern. It tastes a lot like champagne and the man himself and it was positively delicious.

He isn't sure how long they kiss, but he eventually pulls away because he desperately needs air. He practically purrs as he gives the other a quick glance up and down.] You're certainly a kisser, aren't you? [He licks his own lips as though deciding if he can get another kiss in. The want hasn't gone away and he isn't complaining.]

CW: Violence and blood, etc.

[nottevintersoldier]

[Dorian was certainly feeling the intoxicating effects of feeling like he could do anything without consequence. Or how the whole countdown absolutely enchanted everyone into either wanting to kiss and fuck or kill one another there on the spot. Dorian is luckily feeling the former, happily indulging in the handsome stranger kissing him thoroughly. Their tongues dance along one another and each in turn consumes the other until Dorian's lungs start to burn and they break. His breaths rasp a little, feeling somewhat reckless and starving for more. It doesn't occur to him in that moment that it's strange he's so horny. He's done worse things...

The Altus mage peers up into those malachite eyes and he studies the stranger a little more closely. He looks like Newt, but that predatory look, something about the eyes tells him it's someone else. Though he's more transfixed on his lips or the flick of his tongue over them and he's tempted, very tempted to go back in for another steamy make out...]

Oh yes, and that was just a taste.

[..when a body hits the floor besides them.

The warm splash of blood on his robes and boots and the sputter of a stabbed victim is enough to snap him out of his seductive trance, but not enough to really cool the fires of his want.]

What in the abyss..? [He looks around to the random couples still making out and getting heated, interspersed with the others killing each other. No doubt they'll turn their attentions on the couples next.]

We should leave...things are getting a bit too heated in here and I'd like to take us somewhere more private. [He'd really rather not have to fight his way out of things even if he feels pretty invincible right now he's got the mind to remember his magics don't work properly.]

[prohibitions]

Just a taste? Positively delightful.

[Cain startles a little and glances over to the scene around them. Whatever enchantment that seems to have washed over them is a bit of a blessing because his mind would be screaming with what's around them and it's surprisingly not. Or maybe it's because everything seems dulled except his want for the man in his arms.

He'll take small blessing honestly. Even if his nice three piece suit now has some blood on it. Nothing a little magic can't get rid of later.]

Well, this is certainly a new one. I suppose I was warned that this place does enjoy itself some rather strange hobbies. [The strangeness of people either making out like their lives depended on it or going on some crazed murder spree was, well, wild.

He's not very interested in dealing with people murdering each other and he's very much not interested getting murdered. Perhaps that's a little irresponsible of him, but he's just some musician. Certainly couldn't do anything to help. Nope.] I would wholeheartedly agree. I think I prefer getting out sooner than later. I'm not a moshpit kind of guy and that's what this is really starting to look like.

[He traces long fingers over Dorian's jaw with a smirk.] It's a new year and I rather start off on a good note.

[Which is why he's tugging the other along and out of the place with him.]

[nottevintersoldier]

[Had Dorian been in his right mind he might try to find the source of the magic and free the people before more died in the hellish killing spree. But alas he's too distracted and enchanted by the handsome stranger that wants to run away with him. So he'll happily turn his back on the carnage to gladly follow where Cain leads as the dance around bodies and dodge wild attempts to stop them, ducking around couples entwined with one another.

Finally they break out into the cool, crisp air with the doors closing behind them and freedom embracing them. So much so the spell wears off, even if the feel of the Champagne still bubbles around in his head making him throw his inhibitions away. He's at least got his clarity back and for a moment it washes over him with confusion. What was happening? What were they doing?]

...Well that was... invigorating [It's... again, not really the worst thing he's ever done and there's still a part of him that would be absolutely fine with continuing where they left off even with the effects of the enchantment broken. He's slept with plenty of handsome strangers. Still, he's glad they can make that decision on their own now, and not ... spellbound.]

I... I'm sorry and yet, not entirely sorry. We're free now it seems? [He's debating introducing himself. Names aren't really THAT important but... well it does give him something to shout in the throes of passion.]

[prohibitions]

[Cain would be too much of a bleeding heart to ignore the scene, but he's besotted by the man he's leading out of the building. He doesn't have a thought or care for the people inside.

He shivers a little and frowns a bit when they find themselves outside. It was like cold water being dumped on them and bringing them back to reality.] What the bloody hell? [To be so enchanted so thoroughly and so easily. He's almost insulted. He looks back at the building before looking back at Dorian with one careful eyebrow raised.] You know, I'm not usually one for the New Years tradition.

But I will not deny that wasn't a completely delectable kiss nor is this the first time I've left a party with a handsome specimen in hand. [He has definitely ran off like horny teenagers to do the dirty.] It seems we are of like minds. I'm a little sorry, but not that sorry.

I

[vermillon]

[X'rhun notices the look, and inclines his head himself. Then he swings himself off of the balustrade where he'd been sitting and watching how the artificial lights played with the natural shadows of the night sky, tail curled around his legs, landing on his feet and walking towards the man. His ears are perked and his tail sways behind him now.]

From the look you've just given me, am I to assume that you're in need of a light, my friend? [He's always this cordial with people, yes. He doesn't know this handsome man's name, nor what he truly wants, but he's learned that whenever a smoker has no light, they tend to ask about for a match from someone else.

The Miqo'te is no smoker himself but given his talents, he's not adverse to offering someone some help.]

[prohibitions]

[What a curious appearance. He's rather taken by the ears and tail. It isn't as though it was a weird sight (he's seen plenty of weird things through his life), but it is peculiar enough to catch his attention all the same.

He smiles easily at the other.] I was moreso looking to see if I'll get caught for smoking inside. I wouldn't want to get in trouble already. [Just a casual implication to him being a bit new to this place.] I will graciously take a light though. I'm terribly deep in this awful habit.

[vermillon]

I don't think many would mind if you did, really. Mayhap the scent, but well, that's what the scent of alcohol and perfumes are for, aye? [Even if X'rhun himself would mind the scent, given how sensitive his nose is.

The Miqo'te draws magic from within himself, channeling his energy into the aspect of fire and forces it to spark around his fingers. He flushes a little with his mana being so close to the surface, unused to using his magic in this way, but it's good practice for when he loses his weapon. Would buy him enough time to retrieve it, he hopes.

Then he tugs off one long, black glove, snaps his fingers, and a soft, reg-orange flame sparks to life around them.]

Here you are.

[prohibitions]

These smell better than alcohol, so I don't think it'll be much of a problem. I've got picky tastes and I only smoke a certain flavor. Vanilla is a wonderful smell and taste. Perhaps that is just me though.

[Cain watches with immense fascination. He didn't and did expect others to be able to harness magic, but watching it is definitely a different thing. The way that people channel it was always a bit of a treat to watch and he was always terribly curious of it.]

Well, well. I had expected an actual lighter. Consider me impressed. [He leans forward to light the end of the cigarette before standing upright again. He takes a pleasant drag before exhaling. There is an obvious scent of vanilla.]

[vermillon]

[The Miqo'te acknowledges the praise with a shallow bow from his waist, before grinning widely, almost boyishly, in contrast with his physical appearance and actual age.

Then X'rhun sniffs the air, just to make sure he's not wondering where the scent is coming from, the tip of his tail crooking and waving this way and that in his interest.]

Hmm, vanilla indeed. I have to say, that's not a scent I've ever noted from the sticks 'round Deerington. [Seems like fresh vanilla as well, more than the extracts found in the market, which X'rhun is sure have been diluted in some manner. This smells more like vanilla freshly harvested, though without knowing how cigarettes are produced, he wouldn't really know if the scent is real, or exaggerated with chemicals.] They're mostly of mints, if not simply plain.

[prohibitions]

[Cain's knowledge of cigarettes is basic at best. He didn't look into it much passed what he liked and what he didn't. He liked a singular flavor and stuck to it and he wasn't at all interested in trying anything new at this point.]

I believe that cigarettes with different flavors are made with cloves and other ingredients. You can get them in other flavors than this. Fruits and chocolates and what have you. I believe they're also much worse for you than the generic kinds, but the things that are so good typically are bad for you I've found. [He laughs a little before taking another drag. He'll tap his ashes into his champagne glass, since he didn't intend to drink from it anymore.] I can't tell you anything much passed that though. my knowledge really doesn't go too far passed that I like them.