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tdms

JANUARY 2019 TEST DRIVE

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.

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

What a very interesting name. Scamander - what nationality is that?

[he has enough smile for both of them, so it's okay. he doesn't mind at all]

As for my title? In the Bureau, agents can either make arrests, or conduct investigations. Once appointed as a special agent, they can do both.

You wouldn't be the first to say that. [Something something, people questioning why they'd name their child Newt and then the conversation of it being short for Newton.] I'm British, sir.

[Bureau? So like the Muggle equivalence to MACUSA or the Ministry. Sounds a tad complicated since they sound like Aurors, but Aurors didn't really need to be a Special Auror to do both.] I see. I'm a little confused as to why a normal agent can't do both, since it sounds like they have the capacity to. Agents that make arrests and agents that conduct investigations, er well, they're both just agents?

I didn't want to assume based on your accent alone. [he nods, pleased.]

As for the difference ... well, it's a matter of authority. If every single agent had the green light, so to speak, it would be potentially more dangerous. Only those with the authority to make arrests are allowed to carry firearms for the defense of themselves or others. It's to mitigate any unnecessary risk. Special agents are generally dispatched to investigations which still have the potential to become violent.

[careful, Newt, he'll talk your ear off if you let him, he adores his job just as much as you do yours]

It's quite alright.

[oh. Firearms. Well, maybe that makes more sense then. Wizards all had their wands, so everyone was technically armed. There was no real distinction because Aurors were always expected to face dangers and be ready to defend themselves. Hell, all wizards were.] That, I suppose, makes more sense. Sorry for such questions. Perhaps others understand better, but where I come from, we don't have any distinctions like that. It's news to me.

No need to apologize, Newt. I'm happy to explain. Though, now you have me curious: is the British justice system really so different from the American one?

[he gestures to one of the many standing-height tables nearby]

Perhaps we can discuss things over a drink. Personally, I'd be even happier with a cup of fine, black coffee, but they seem to be insistent on champagne here, this evening.

[Oh, bugger. He's obviously having a mental conundrum for a moment because he doesn't know much about the British justice system for Muggles. He knows the basics to keep out of trouble and that was about it. He isn't even sure why he's worrying so much. Plenty of people here know he's a wizard and some are even familiar with his world (which is still weird).] I don't know much about it, so it could easily be similar. I, er, wizards follow different protocols. You can say...

[He tugs at his own sleeve nervously.]

Oh, uhm yes. I'm not really a fan of coffee though. My brother is, but not me. I'm also not fond of champagne either, but that's the drink of the evening. As you said...

Wizards.

[he echoes the word, testing it out, as he makes his way over to one of those little tables and flags down a waiter for another glass. at least this champagne is a rosé, and a little less bitter. maybe he's just inebriated enough to believe in magic, or maybe he already did. with Cooper, it's hard to tell. he's so open-minded, even when sober]

I have to say, I've never met a wizard before tonight. You'd be the first. What sort of magic do you know?

Yes. Wizards.

[Newt doesn't take the champagne. He really isn't up for alcohol after the eggnog a week or so before.]

Well, we don't usually tell people we're wizards. Where I'm from that is. I've been looser here since it's a dream and all. I don't really have to obliviate someone for knowing. As for magic. I, er well, what magic would you want me to do? That's rather vague...

[Dale doesn't judge him for it in the least. ~~besides, wouldn't want Eliot to get jealous~~. one particular word Newt says in all of this gives him pause, though, and he stops with the flute halfway to his lips, frowning over the rim in concern]

Obliviate? ... I hope that that isn't as severe as taking it from context makes it sound.

[~~EXCUSE YOU.~~ Newt stares intently at the champagne and not at Dale's face.]

We get rid of memories. We only use it to get rid of memories of magic if they stumble upon it. Uhm, we've had rather bad history about Muggles knowing magic so we keep it hidden from them and remove memories so it doesn't become widespread knowledge.

[just wait until he MEETS Eliot. canonically he just LOOKS at people and can tell they're romantically involved with and/or interested in each other. it's insufferable. anyway. he notes Newt's discomfort, and takes it as a sign of a good man in a bad societal circumstance ... as so many good men inevitably find themselves, he's realized over the years, himself included]

What they don't know can't hurt anyone. I understand. Still, I'd imagine that must be a very difficult position to find yourself in. I'm sorry that you have to hide - and that others have to lose their memories of you for any reason. You seem like a kind soul, Newt Scamander.

[What's insufferable is how long Eliot and Newt are gonna skirt around it too. The real insufferable part is when everyone sees it but the two actually involved. It's a bad time for everyone.

Newt just shrugs a little and fusses with the hem of his sleeve.]

It. Well. It just how it's been. [He thinks about Jacob and it saddens him a bit. He does miss Jacob.] I. Er. T-Thank you. T-That's kind of you to say. To a stranger especially.

[a bad time? maybe. but such good thread-stalking. anyway. the fussing is another tell of how much it truly troubles him, to Coop, and he nods a little in sympathy]

Things can be whatever they are, but it doesn't mean we have to be content with them, or agree. The occupation of Tibet is a perfect example.

As for kindness, think nothing of it. The world can always use more of it, I say.

[he raises his glass] A cup of kindness, yet, for auld lang syne, then.

[Newt is really enjoying just staring at their shoes. These shoes are very lovely. Wonderful shoes. Amazing.]

Well, I'll take it over being persecuted honestly. Besides, we've been having more than enough trouble with people doing things because of their discontent. I rather this than innocent people dying and that is really how it is. [Grindelwald's stance is a rather seductive lure for many and he's finding that there are many who would blindly agree with it because they technically shouldn't have to hide. Just that hiding was better than what the circumstances would be if they didn't.] I agree with that.

[He feels awkward not having a glass so he pulls his wand out and accio's the closesy flute of champagne to him. A little bit spills, but he's surprised most of it stays within the glass.] Uhm. Yes. Right.

And that is a perfect combination of the moral and the compassionate. It's not always easy, but it's commendable.

[he clinks glasses with Newt, but doesn't sip, out of deference to his conversational company's preference to abstain]

The trouble with activism is that it is an action of the heart which must be consulted with against the mind in order to be done properly and well ... and the two are not often well-suited for each other. In fact, I'm reasonably certain they don't always speak the same language.

[conversation being what it is, and him enjoying it as much as he is, he has to finish that thought before looping back around to the fact that A GLASS OF CHAMPAGNE JUST FLEW OVER TO THEM. he beams, thoroughly consumed with childlike wonder]

And you just did that, out of thin air, just like that!

[he snaps his fingers]

Real magic. Wow. Fantastic. Absolutely phenomenal. And extremely useful in practical situations, I'm sure.

Edited (how did I forget the MAGIC) 2019-01-05 15:18 (UTC)

[Newt takes a sip from his, but the face he makes is obvious that he isn't really fond of champagne. He's going to put the glass down or he might keep drinking it and regretting that choice.]

I wouldn't call what has been happening back home to be considered activism. For the most part, life has been peaceful. People are just discontent because they believe to be better. It's more like a rude lot with egos larger than Russia throwing a bit of a fit. [He thinks there are some widely backwards laws and thoughts, but the whole rise of popularity of Grindelwald is definitely because purebloods fancy themselves better than others.

He jolts a little. He hadn't expected such a...well a childlike response from the other.]

I...w-well that's how magic is I suppose. My use of magic tends to be rather mundane, although I'm learning that people from other places don't quite use their magic as much as I do. [Where wizards and witches back home use magic for even everyday life; he has found others only use it for things like combat or necessary situation. He really can't imagine getting through the day without his wand.]

[when Newt gives a little more context to the social climate, Cooper frowns a tiny bit and nods]

I see. I'm sorry to have jumped to a conclusion, then, it sounds like you've got yourselves a rather troubling socio-political climate to navigate in.

But this magic...! This is extraordinary. I can see why people who don't understand that it could have a time and a place could be very dangerous. But what else do you use it for, Newt?

Ah, well. I don't really let it affect me. There's a lot of things that I need to get done that doesn't include with dealing with the unrest of some individuals.

[His travels did a good job at having him be pretty far from the populace the last year.]

Uh, well. It's really better to ask what we don't use our magic for. For myself and my brethren; magic is an integral part of our lives. We use magic for basically everything. I'm sure you'll meet a few people who seem to use it a lot for combat, but it's more than that for us. It's an extension of ourselves and part of us. We use our magic from complex combat spells to something like doing household chores or cooking. There really isn't much we can't do with it.

That is, if you'll pardon my saying so, one hell of a fine way to live. [he beams] It sounds like people consider magic where you're from the same way people I know consider electricity. I take it, since it seems to be a sort of force of its own right, you can't create things with it, simply change or manipulate what already exists?

[sharp as a tack, this one]

I really can't imagine living any other way. It sounds so tedious not to be able to have it as an option. [It must take Muggles forever to get things done. No wonder they always seem to be in a hurry.]

That's incorrect. There isn't a lot that isn't at our disposal. We can create things, like. [He points the tip of his wand into the champagne glass he had abandoned.]

Aguamenti.

[Just like that, water comes out from the tip of the wand. He taps his wand a bit and stops the flow.] That is known as a water-making spell. The best way to think of magic is that it's limitless. Really, the real limit is determined by the individual and not magic itself.

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only