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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

Well, that's certainly not the most alluring thing to hear. I suppose I shouldn't have expected anything more though. How dreadful though.

[He's not particularly excited to hear that about the place, but he also isn't really going to throw some tantrum or what not. It's not like getting upset will get them anywhere. Especially if people have been here for some time.]

Oh? I would be tickled to be swept off my feet. I'd love to see you try. How can I complain when it's done by such a lovely specimen. [Cain seems to be completely fine with flowering the other with compliments.] Even moreso when I know what those lips have felt like already.

I would prefer your place. I think I've had enough of people for the night, really. [He's certainly enjoying himself, and he doesn't want to get stuck in another loud place at the moment.]

Cain. [He gives the other a grin.] You don't have to call it anything, but I am expecting a good night, tonight.

Hmm, challenge accepted. [He smirks softly as they walk arm in arm down the street away from the Hotel on the hill. He can see his little niche of this city that is his home and luckily it's not far. Unfortunately they'll have to get there the old fashioned way through slushy streets and snow. Dorian may sneak in a little closer to his companion for warmth as they walk briskly so Cain doesn't freeze his ass off.]

My name is Dorian, and it's a pleasure to meet you Cain. Keep up all the flattery and you're bound to get just about anything you want. [Considering the several blocks walk, they may want to warm up in quick ways when they get into his living room. His house is on Perfection lane and it boasts plenty of rooms to choose from to ... entertain themselves.]

Edited 2019-01-08 23:36 (UTC)

Oh. I do love a man who enjoys a good challenge. [He laughs a little and doesn't seem to mind if the other seems to inch a bit closer. Honestly, the warmth is wanted. Cain loved the colder seasons and he adored snow, but he was piss poor at handling it. Bad circulation or something. His hands are already stinging from the colder temperatures.]

Wonderful. I'll have to flatter even more then. I love getting what I want. [He's probably a shivering mess by the time they get to Dorian's place. He's really piss poor at handling the cold.]

[It's a quick walk thankfully but the pair of them are probably well chilled and shivering before he gets to his front door. Dorian opens it easily and steps aside to let the other pass.]

Come right in, the more modern heat should have my home nice and toasty for you. I'll get us something else to drink.

[Cain is all but gracious when they step into the warmth of Dorian's place. He immediately looks around and seems intent on wandering a bit and see what the place is like.] Is there a fireplace in here? [He's all for modern heating, but a fireplace also sounds wonderful right now. A bit of extra warmth to add to the home.]

A true gentleman. Maybe I'll start swooning for you yet.

[Dorian hasn't had much of a chance to furnish his home past what was already here. Which is plenty to start, if he's honest, and surprisingly already to his taste. The home is rather spacious and cozy enough, with a large back yard and shelves and books in nearly every room. His home is kept immaculate.]

Yes... [He calls after the other.]

There should be one in the study if you keep going. [Dorian is busy pouring said drinks, a nice red wine. He'll soon follow after the curious Cain, letting him roam as he pleases and handing him his glass when he catches up.]

That is a dangerous thing to do, you know. I'm not someone you want to bring home to mother.

Edited 2019-01-09 03:12 (UTC)

[It was nice and homey. He liked that. His place back home was much more minimal in design, but he can appreciate something like this.

Dorian will find the man in the study as mentioned with a fire already going. Funny, since it didn't look like he had anything on him to start a fire in the first place. He was rubbing his hand absentmindedly, although it could easily be because he was trying to warm his hands up. He turns his attention back to Dorian and takes the glass from him.] Thank you.

Your place is rather nice. Also, that's all the more reason. I love to go for the things I shouldn't go for. Mother will just have to accept that, I suppose.

Edited (Replied before you edit WOMPWOMP) 2019-01-09 03:16 (UTC)

[Dorian quirks a brow softly at the sight of a fireplace and wondering how it was lit. He didn't recall having much in the way of making a fire in it, considering he'd been spoiled by modern means of heat. He'll tuck that one away for later. They only just met he hadn't seen the other do any sort of magic, but if he concentrated enough perhaps he could sense something off of the man if he were a Mage of some kind. He would be lying if he didn't taste a familiar tinge in the air that told him magic could've been used.]

Thank you, I count myself lucky to have the luxury of a place this large all to myself. It does get somewhat lonely and...it's probably haunted. [Most likely haunted. He's heard low moaning that was coming from somewhere.]

Birds of a feather then. [He'll raise his glass a moment with a bow of his head in a nod.]

Cheers. To meeting the most attractive people in the strangest of situations.

[Of Dorian really want to concentrate, he'd probably be able to figure out that Cain was brimming with it. He just likes to pretend he's nothing spectacular and blend in with the mundane for the most part.]

Well, you wouldn't be lonely if it's haunted. Maybe make a friend with your forced housemate. [He jokes a little.] Alternatively, get a beautiful roommate. I can't imagine you being lonely anymore and a man like you should never be lonely. I personally can't imagine wanting to let you feel such an unpleasant feeling with a gorgeous face like that.

[He laughs a little and gently knocks his glass with Dorian's.] THe most attractive? You flatter me so. Are you trying to get me to blush?

Making friends with a spirit could be dangerous... [At least for him, anyway. Mages are likely to be possessed in Thedas, after all. And even though he's trained and built up his strength to protect himself from such things, he's not sure how strong he is in this world. Considering his powers aren't cooperating, he's worried that will put him at a significant risk and disadvantage. That he is more likely to be possessed with his power weakened as it is.]

A handsome room mate would be preferable. I would like having the physical company. [Take that bit as you will Cain.]

You are quite the flatterer Cain. You really don't have to work so hard, I don't think I could say no to you at this rate. [he sips his wine when they clink glasses.]

Well that was part of my challenge, wasn't it? [He'll slowly saunter a little closer till he can reach out and trace his fingers over his chest, following any seams in the vest or the length of his tie, if he's wearing one.]

I suppose. Making it an enemy would be too. If it isn't doing much though, I guess one can't complain too much. [The estate he has grown up on was probably haunted given how old his family was, but it never bothered him. He wouldn't have been able to really tell their whispers from the thoughts of living people anyways.]

Is that an invitation? [He raises an eyebrow at the other. On one hand, he hasn't lived with anyone in probably well over a decade nor had even let people into his home. He also doesn't want to say no though if it was an offer.

It's a thought he'll keep in mind while he laughs a little.] I'm not working at all. It's natural for me to say such honey words. Besides, you are easy to compliment, darling. [He takes a sip from his own glass and winks at the other.]

I suppose it was. Sweep me off my feet right? [He doesn't move forward, but Cain definitely has a mischievous look in his eyes; obviously happy for the other to approach him.] I can't imagine you disappointing me.

At the moment my spiritual guest seems to only make unsettling noises. [Nothing harmful yet. It certainly doesn't sound happy though.

As for the Invitation, Dorian grows thoughtful for a moment. The last part could easily be taken as enjoying the company of a physical being, not just a spirit, OR sexual company, depending on how it's interpreted. But he hadn't thought about the implication of it being an invitation for this lovely stranger to live with him. The more he thinks on it though the more he doesn't mind. So he'll shrug.]

It can be, if you are in need of a place to stay. I have plenty of rooms. It... may have been a subtle invitation for... other things as well. [His fingers toy with Cain's tie as he looks up at him from under hooded eyes that definitely speak of wanting more. After all... they'd gotten very friendly not that long ago and both seemed fairly keen on continuing despite circumstances.

He'll take one last sip of his wine then set it aside before finally pressing himself up against the other. He wraps his arms around him, hands caressing the length of his back as he'll lean in for a kiss. This time it'll be a little more slow, sensual, savoring the moment so he can really get a taste of Cain. He wants him to melt after all...]

Edited 2019-01-13 15:53 (UTC)

[Cain considers the offer for a little bit. He didn't like living with other people exactly. It wasn't exactly because he disliked living with people, but it's been awhile since he had. He liked the privacy of his own place and the quietness of it. Then again, he could easily ward his room and it would be the same. It might be better not to live alone in a place like this and Dorian was terribly easy on the eyes and rather charming.

His thoughts are cut short. He can practically taste the want from the other and he makes a conscience effort not to dig too much into Dorian's thoughts. He rather hates intruding.

It doesn't really matter honestly because he's easily distracted by lips pressed against his own and he easily kisses the other back eagerly. He immediately parts his lips to deepen the kiss and his free arm wraps around Dorian's neck. He breaks the kiss for a moment to give the other a mischievous grin.] Give me a night to remember and I'll certainly be happy to stick around. [It's a small wicked grin as he places his glass on the fireplace mantle and he's wrapping his other arm around the other and pulling them into another kiss.]

I think that would count as me winning the challenge, no? Giving you the best night of your life to the point you want to move in with me? [Sounds like sweeping him off his feet to Dorian. Not that he's expecting any kind of mutual domesticity or exclusivity from Cain. Dorian doesn't want those things to begin with. Or at least, that's what he tells himself, that those things AREN'T for him. They'll be free to casually fuck while living together, and casually fuck other people, or share... he wouldn't mind a threesome or more.

As the kiss reconnects he is happily consumed, parting his lips to deepen it and flick his tongue along the other, exploring and tasting as much as he can. Those hands spread back down his back to grab handfuls of his ass through his trousers and gently grinds himself against the other. He'll only break when he needs to breath unless the other pulls away first.]

We should probably change out of our outfits what with the blood and all...

Then consider it your prize if you manage. You don't seem like the type to disappoint, but I feel like always having incentive helps. [Or maybe it's an excuse for him to say yes. Cain was far from being honest and he does love excuses to avoid having to make it seem like a personal decision. He imagines they'll just be roommates. Maybe friends with benefits or something. Nothing serious. If he tells himself that then it surely will stick, right?

Cain makes a pleased sound in the back of his throat and he's a little breathless when they part. Oh, this was surely going to be wonderful.]

That sounds like a smashing idea. I'd be more offended if we didn't get rid of our clothes honestly. I think we both might be a tad overdressed for what we want to do. Don't you think? [He eyes the other with a hungry look.]

Perfect.

[He practically purrs before pulling away, if only to take Cain's hand to lead him through his home and upstairs. Once through the threshold of his bedroom he'll let him go in favor of slowly back into the room and removing the layers. There's quite a few harnesses and belts to remove that he casts aside on a chair, then his outer robes which were stained at the very edges by blood. Not that it's all that noticeable, the cloth is already a crimson in color. Underneath his robes he wore his leathers, not only for protection but for warmth. The trousers themselves will be easily removed, but the leather chest piece looks a little daunting. A few buckles here or there and it comes off easy enough.

Dorian strips down to his trousers, leaving his other things either folded or laid upon a chair giving Cain time to disrobe himself or... to simply stand and watch. Because if Cain decides to enjoy the show, Dorian will indeed give him one. He'll keep eye contact, sultry and suggestive as he slows down here or there to tease, cocking his hips or lifting his chin and smiling with pride. He knows what Cain wants.]

[He only vaguely wonders how long it takes Dorian to get dressed because this honestly seems terribly inconvenient at times. The ridiculous amounts of belts and harnesses just seem such a pain to put on everyday. He's more than glad that his clothes are limited to three piece suits.

Cain is taking his time while he watches the other. If Dorian was going to give him a show, he should watch after all. It would be rude not to. He lets out a low chuckle as he loosens his tie and appreciates the view he's getting.] Aren't you a tease. You do love being the center of attention, don't you?

[Not as long as one would think now that he's got it down to an art. And all the more reason to make his undressing as sexy as he can, since it does take a bit longer to peel off all the layers. Coming from a world with dragons and demons and all kinds of nasty things trying to kill you, and you'll realize how important those layers are. Especially the leather parts. The thicker hide has protected his body from quite a few different things and not a scar to show for it.

Dorian grins.]

Of course I do. And if you like this, I should find 10 silk scarves and really show you a dance.

[Dorian saunters up to Cain to help him remove that tie and undo buttons as he leans in and kisses him again.]

[Cain can appreciate the uses and practicality of Dorian's clothes in certain situations. He absolutely cannot appreciate it when it needs to be off Dorian's body. At least he was patient enough. It's hard to be mad when the other was giving him such a good show.]

I'll have to take a raincheck on that dance. I'm nowhere patient enough right now to appreciate it fully.

[He tugs his tie off and lets it drop to the ground before shrugging his waistcoat to join it on the floor with his tie. He's happy to kiss the other back.] Do you really wanna spend the time dancing right now?

[Dorian chuckles softly as he starts working on the buttons of Cain's shirt.]

Well, no, darling, I didn't mean now. Another time. After all, if you're living with me you can have a dance any time you like.

[There's a look there that suggests he means more than a dance any time he wants it. Dorian then leans in to kiss along his throat as his hands spread up his belly and chest, catching the fabric to slowly push it off slender shoulders. As he exposes skin his kisses dip lower to his clavicles, mustache tickling his skin.]

Edited 2019-01-18 23:20 (UTC)

I'm fond of dancing, so I might struggle with sitting around to merely watch. I'm more of a do-er than a watcher.

[A shiver runs up his spine and he makes a pleased sound in the back of his throat. Cain was all pale skin and freckles and his shirt forgotten on the ground with his other garments. His fingers start trailing over and exploring over Dorian's exposed skin; appreciating the feeling of skin under his fingertips.] Dancing can be quite intimate, after all. [Dorian can wonder what kind of dancing he could be talking about.]

Well, I could show you. And then you can dance for me. Or.. you could simply show me some dancing from your world, I'd be very curious.

[Dorian is happy to press his lips to those freckled shoulders, enjoying the dappled skin. His warm palms caress every line of his torso, down over ribs and resting on his hips. A pause before the Mage lifts his head and grins, making eye contact that is hungry.]

Mn, it certainly can be.

[He'll go in for another kiss as his fingers follow the line of Cain's pants to find the closures and undo them slowly.]

We could certainly arrange for any or all of those things if it fits your fancy.

[Cain starts pushing the other backwards and towards the bed. The kiss was positively hungry, like he hadn't kissed the other enough or hadn't just a moment before. He nips at his bottom lip, demanding for more while he slowly leads the other to the bed.]

[Dorian gives a soft moan against those hungry lips as they consume him and he'll gladly go where he's lead, stepping back slowly towards the bed till the backs of his knees bump against the edge. The nip at his lip causes him to sigh and he'll gladly indulge, parting his lips to let them go deeper still. He'll get Cain's trousers open with some distracted hands but then sweep his fingers under the cloth and around his hips again to loosen them and tease a little with his touch. He breaks the kiss to pant softly, flicking his tongue softly over the top lip.]

How do you want me Cain?

Edited 2019-01-19 01:19 (UTC)

[He practically growls when the other teases him. Cain is already have hard and he shoves the other back onto the bed and immediately climbs onto the other to straddle him.]

You promised an unforgettable night, did you not? I do hate being disappointed and I prefer a man who knows what he wants and how to get it. I'm not interested in someone who's happy to be compliant.

[Cain is all about being aggressive and forward.] It really matters not to me as long as it's enjoyable.