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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 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.

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.

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.]

[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.

[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.

[Shame about the champagne, though X'rhun isn't going to judge. He knows... well, shite all about smoking, though ashes do need an ash tray.]

I'll take your word for it! I tasted it myself only once in my life, just for the sake of trying, and realised it was simply not for me. [He leans against the railing once more, resting his forearms on them-- though he's not an overly tall man, he doesn't lean forward too much. But it does let him stretch out after having sat in a position for a while, let his tail wave out behind him.] But aye, I agree that the bad things are usually the best.

Such is temptation, is it not?

It really isn't for everyone and you'll probably live a longer and happier life without them, honestly. I've tried to quit a few times, but it obviously didn't work out. [In the end, Cain doesn't seem to mind being stuck on them.] Bad things are absolutely delectable.

Oh yes. I haven't felt particularly tempted at all during this party though. How unfortunate. [He looks back towards all the people enjoying themselves.]

[X'rhun looks back over his shoulder, ears perking up in interest-- and perhaps a little concern. Perhaps that's why he's out here, smoking rather than mingling.]

Eh? Really now?

Is it not to your interests, my friend? I would think it caters to many, but then again... [The Miqo'te turns around, resting his back and his elbows against the railing this time, his tail poking out between two balusters to dangle above the ground below.] Ah, well, I do not blame you! Such a celebration is unheard of in mine own home as well, I'm not overly familiar with how people celebrate the turn of the new year here.

What sorts of situations would catch your interest, then?

Well, I'm a fan of dancing and what have you. A dance partner for the night would be ideal, although perhaps I merely had no interest in partaking in festivities, yet here I suddenly am. [He looks back at the crowd again.] Alrhough it is more that there is no one within the crowd that has caught my interest yet. I would not be lying if I was not looking for someone who may entertain me for the night. [That sentence in itself was terribly vague.{

I'm used to parties for the new year. I live in a city that never seems to want to sleep and they truly adore New Years. Our city usually hosts the ball drop. [He usually worked honestly. He was a performer after all.] Though that probably means I'm no longer easily starry-eyed to it.

You are from somewhere that dies not normally celebrate during this time of year?

The celebrations in my homeland last more than a night. Three weeks at most.

However, this? [The Miqo'te waves a hand at the party still happening in the ballroom.] 'Tis something new and different entirely! Counting down until the turn of the new year, and finding someone to once the clock strikes midnight... [He has to shake his head at that, a small, wry smile on his face. Enough to twist the little scar on his left cheek, at least.] Fantastical, but I'll leave that to the other folk, aye.

But since we're out here, preferring to be away from the weiht of festivities, what say you we celebrate together?

[Innocent, or innuendo? X'rhun wouldn't be giving much away.]

Three weeks? You guys surely do enjoy your festivities it sounds like. Most of our arrangements are far shorter than that. Some things can last a week or so depending on the culture, but we tend to celebrate on certain days.

You don't want to find someone to sweep off their feet at the strike of midnight? [He chuckles a little. It isn't really his thing either. He also doesn't need a moment like that to find someone to go home with besides.] I guess I cannot criticize you for it though. Kissing someone at random because a clock dictated it being a perfect time isn't my thing. I much prefer kissing someone because I simply want to.

[He raises an eyebrow at the other.] I am not opposed to the idea. Did you have something in mind?

[X'rhun grins again, though it turns out to be a little sheepish and embarrassed.

He's definitely more like a Miqo'te kitten than a full-grown man, in some cases-- and this is one of those cases.]

I was hoping you had some idea of what could be done. But then... figuring out what do so is always half the fun, is it not?

What do you like to do to pass the time?

[Cain just laughs a little and finishes his cigarette. He drops the butt into the champagne glass with the ashes he had tapped into it.]

My only real hobbies is playing music and dancing. Unless you count reading books. I can't say I do a lot outside of that, since it's easy for me to get my hands on doing any of those three. I don't know if any of that interests you in the least.

Au contraire, your interest in books interests me so! [Indeed, the Miqo'te's entire stance changes, from lazily casual to completely alert, pushing himself off of the railing and tucking his hands behind his back, tail rising and taking a slight crook at the end in his curiosity.

And he leans in a little more, Cain now having X'rhun's undivided attention.]

Mayhap you'll be pleased to know there is an extensive library in this town. I could show you about some day.

As for the other two... perhaps sadly for you, I do not dance. Not my forte, you see, even if many people do think I should take a turn with them on the floor.

Edited 2019-01-14 06:06 (UTC)

Reading books aren't exactly an activity that most would consider while at a party. [And they don't exactly have books here.] Though, I am not opposed to just leaving either. Though, I get the feeling the books we've read are much different in content and title.

[He's still immensely curious by those ears, but polite enough not to touch.]

Is that a promise? I'll hold you to it, you know.

Not your forte from personal experience or just hadn't had enough interest to try?

[Well. He's been caught out. Many times he's made the typical excuse of "I don't dance" to one and all who has invited him along, even long before this party, but no one has ever asked him why, or if it's a lack of enjoyment or experience.

To which the answer is: the latter.]

Well... [X'rhun's ears twitch once, before swiveling aroundenough that the soft orange-brown insides are facing backwards, as if those large, furry ears are ready to simply lay back against his head. He's embarrassed, now, and his ears show it even if he tries hard not to look it.] It's more a lack of experience, you understand. Dancing was not on the cards when I was younger.

[Meaning, he doesn't even know how.]

[He doesn't need to be a psychic or anything to tell the other was obviously embarrassed. The rather animated ears atop of X'rhun's ears makes the man a rather easy read by eye. An honest fellow.

He tries not to laugh too much though. Well, he laughs a little. He's always been very fond of teasing people. Never malicious, but still teasing.] The way you dress and speak honestly had me assume you had some knowledge. You would blend well if not for your lack of dance.

That isn't to say that it's anything to be ashamed about though. It's far less common for many to know how to where I'm from. It's, unfortunately, a thing that has been slightly lost with time. I just grew up where I had to learn as a formality, and I do detest formality. I'm not one for waltzing, even if I know how.

But now I'm curious. Do you have interest in it?

[X'rhun palms the back of his neck in sheer sheepishness.]

I do have some interest, aye. Impossible not to when people are always asking me for a dance or two... [Though he still doesn't know how his choice of clothing factors into things-- this is simply how he prefers to dress after all, and his current outfit is his war uniform... Which is honestly the most formal garb in his wardrobe.]

I still have never learned, however.

[Cain grins at the other and holds out his hand to the other.]

Will you dance with me then? I can teach you, of course. As much as I enjoy flustering a man so much; I'm not trying to make a fool of you. I'm fond of dancing and I'm happy to have more people who I can dance with in the future. [Not everyone is dressed so formally as those from Eorzea. Casual clothes are t-shirts and jeans, which Cain owns 0 of.]

Never too late to learn.

Oh? Truly? I... Well! That's indeed rather generous on you, though I do dislike the thought of imposing...

[X'rhun is unused to this level of casual offer from other people, even if he himself has no issue about giving at the drop of a hat.

After several seconds of internal debate, X'rhun takes Cain's hand within his own. Without his gloves on, the Hyur will undoubtedly feel how rough his hands are, years upon years of swordsmanship and spellcasting giving him a multitude of scars and callouses. At least his claws are trimmed to what other people would consider an acceptable, short length, and should pose no concern.]

Is this right?

We aren't doing anything else and I don't really see why not? Consider it a resolution for the New Year. Learning to dance proper.

[He laughs a little as he pulls the other closer to the dance floor. Cain's hands aren't much smoother. He's played and touched every possible instrument and his hands reflect that. That, and he has plenty of burns on his fingers from burning himself on cigarettes. He has a bad tendency to fidget with them in his hands and that leads to some rather dumb and unnecessary injuries. He technically had the magic to heal them, but just never bothered.

In a way, their hands fit well. Both rough from age and experience in their own professions.]

I'll take you through the steps a few times as lead and then we'll switch rolls and I'll have you try. Does that sound fine to you? We'll do a waltz, just don't tell anyone I willingly decided to. I have a reputation to uphold over my complete distaste for it.

Edited 2019-01-14 09:09 (UTC)

A waltz-- is that not the slow roundabout step? [He's at least trying to understand?

Given X'rhun has no clue what sort of tradition having a "New Year's resolutions" is... Well, he'll simply keep mum about his lack of knowledge and follow along. Though his ears pull back just a little more to show his embarrassment at being so near the dance floor where everyone else is still mingling amongst themselves.

If the faint pink appearing on his pale skin doesn't reveal that, in any case.

Anyone can just turn their heads and look, and watch, and that's embarrassing, especially if they're someone he rebuffed earlier.]

I suppose that's one way to explain it. It's fairly simple in step, so I assume it would be a good way to start. The stuff I like to dance is a bit more wild and I imagine you're not interested in jumping into the deep end when you haven't learn to swim. So to speak.

[Cain stops in an area where they have plenty of room to move, but not quite on the dance floor. Just far away from the walls and tables.]

Relax a smidge. I'm sure they'll just think we're two drunk fools. Or you can certainly blame me. Whichever works better for you.

Now you're going to raise your right hand and grasp my left hand. It'll be reversed if you're leading. I'm going to place my right hand underneath your left arm and onto your shoulder blade and your left arm will basically rest on my right arm. [He grasps X'rhun's right hand gently and raises it while placing his other arm around them.]

[X'rhun's ears spring up at the thought of allowing people to think the worst of Cain, or indeed blaming him for everything. Honestly, that makes him indignant-- after all, he's the one who initiated conversation.]

My friend! I shan't be throwing you to the wolves! My tendency to drink isn't a secret amongst the others, it's entirely likely they could assume I've gone and gotten myself intoxicated if-- [No, he's cut himself off when Cain tucks one arm around his body, and his brow wrinkles further. Oh, but he's used to people throwing their arms around him, it's not that difficult when he's merely Miqo'te and they don't grow that tall compared to the other races.

Though he does as the man says and lays his arm on top of Cain's, hand naturally finding the man's shoulder. The position brings their bodies much closer than the Miqo'te expected.]

This is rather intimate, isn't it? I think I can see the appeal.

[Fortunate that Miqo'te are built solidly, and that X'rhun himself is more solid than most others of his kind, so he might not be too embarrassed if they actually press together.]

[Cain laughs a little. The other is certainly an honest fellow and it's a bit refreshing.]

Well, yes. Dancing between two people can be considered a rather intimate activity. There's many different dances and you can say that some are more intimate than others.

[He gives the other a wink before being a bit more serious.] A basic waltz is pretty much three steps. This shouldn't be too hard. You will basically follow my steps and I, as the lead, will steer us. I will start with my left and step forward, step to the side with my right, then bring my left foot together with my right. You will do the same with the opposite feet stepping backwards. Doesn't sound too hard, right?

JANUARY 2019 TEST DRIVE MEME

YOU BETTER GET THIS PARTY STARTED

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

Character Arrival

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