TEST DRIVE MEME | #01 OVERFLOW

[triumvirmod]

TDM #01 OVERFLOW

Wow! B&B Mods could never have anticipated our first TDM would require an overflow! We're very flattered and honored by all the interest. Please continue to have fun here, away from the captcha demons.

This is open to all players looking to join our game or simply have some fun. Play on this TDM does not equate to intent or obligation to apply to join. Players on this TDM should follow all game rules and Characters should meet all game suitability standards per our FAQ. TDM threads are considered game canon for characters who join! The Moon Pact is in power for the full duration of this TDM, putting Sun Pact characters as in service. Moon Pact bindings are presently glittering silver and Sun Pact bindings are unpolished brass. Pact and Class can both be freely player assigned and swapped at will for the purpose of the TDM.

Overseer, Awaken and Conquer

CW: Descriptions of dubiously consensual touch, choking, hallucinations, falling.

The Hands that Grasp

Consciousness wanes. From calm oblivion reaches a pair of elegant hands. Fingertips caress, trailing physical form, mapping curves and divots. Some dark or desperate compulsion leans into the comfort of this touch. The hands dig in. Clasping tight at the neck and pull downward. Down and down, through unclear space, through unclear time. Your character awakens with a start. Where they last felt those hands grasping into them, a collar now rests. Prying does not budge the solid metal, which is either of silver or of brass. Before their eyes is a pane of stained glass. Inscribed in a language all can read are the words Overseer, Awaken and Conquer.

The Glass Coffins

Overseers awaken, contained within a coffin of ornate, metal framework and glass. For some, a light push will cause the lid to swing open. For others, the enclosure may stick or prove too heavy to budge. Breaking free is an option, though mysteriously, the glass fully repairs itself within minutes of sustaining damage. Other Overseers may be present throughout the hallways, willing and able to aid in opening stubborn coffins. That is, should their unlucky inhabitants be able to get their attention through the sound dampening barrier. Overseers continually awaken, either individually or in batches, throughout the month. This will last until the day of the upcoming solstice.

The Gilded Cradle

Innumerable rows of glass coffins line the interior of a grand cathedral tower. Somehow, the name of this stained glass spire is imprinted in the mind of all Overseers. This is known as the Gilded Cradle within Absentia. Where or what is Absentia? How did they arrive here? Why are they here? The answers to such questions remain unknown. These names are as far as the foreign memory serves Overseers. The foggy corridors spiral downward, a staircase connecting floor after floor of largely unopened coffins. Many have glass too hazy to see within. The hallways are heavy with the scent of lavender tinged magic and lightning storm ozone, made visible as a thick haze in the air. Through this fog, Overseers may notice one another or they may see phantoms running by. People familiar to them. Chasing after these figments is a foolish endeavor, they will pick up speed into the thick of the fog. There, they will disappear. This can leave unsuspecting Overseers teetering on the topmost edge of a stairwell or allow their momentum to throw them over the central railing. A fall to the Cradle's ground floor isn't enough to kill an Overseer turns out, but it will injure. Beginning your journey battered is merely an added misfortune.

The Castle Constructs

When Overseers leave the Gilded Cradle, they find they're trapped within an abandoned castle. While exploring they find no other living creatures other than fellow Overseers. Throughout the halls and rooms of the castle rest Constructs. These figures are shells of either iron or brass, with a variety of gargoyle-like appearances. They stand with their wings tucked around their bodies. Littered throughout the location, their placements can often clue in to their former duties as the Castle attendants. These Constructs remain completely inert until two Overseers of the same Pact pass by. Iron Constructs react to pairs of Moon Pact members, while Brass Constructs come alive near pairs of Sun Pact members. When awakened, they unfurl and stand to a height ranging from around three-to-six foot tall. The Constructs promptly begin to carry out butler-like duties, as if they were long ago set to a schedule of operation. When presented with a task they can no longer seem to accomplish, they merely pantomime the action before moving onward. (These NPCs can be player controlled and are non-hostile unless attacked first.)

Locked In

CW: Survival themes, food insecurity, exchanging sex for goods and services.

The Kitchen

The kitchen of Absentia is vast, meant to accommodate for a castle population in the hundreds. Long abandoned, any food reserves have turned to dust or rot. All that remains are a series of strange machines, humming with dull magic. Only operable by the castles resident Constructs, hungry Overseers would be advantaged to activate the inactive Constructs scattered nearby. Once occupying the kitchen, Constructs are more likely to provide a meager serving of food to Overseers who have used magic recently or who hold Influence. (Characters playing this TDM with no canon powers may presume they hold (1) Influence for this and subsequent prompts.)

The Hall of Overseers

To the west of the Gilded Cradle there lies a long, rectangular housing structure, framing a vast courtyard. Rain from the storm overhead patters down constantly. Rooms for Overseers line the open air hallways overlooking the nature within the central outdoor space. At this time, those of the Moon Pact enjoy the lower floors of the indoor sections, with luxurious accommodations. These include private rooms with a fireplace, claw foot baths with clean running water, a variety of furniture, and a plush bed. The upper level indoor rooms are for the Overseers presently in service, the Sun Pact. These rooms are all shared and scarcely furnished. Hammocks and bunk beds are provided to house three or four Overseers per cramped room. These upper location hallways have shared bathroom spaces and no private amenities provided. Overseer names are engraved upon the door frame of their assigned rooms. There is no access given to rooms without this engraving. Overseers need to be invited in to rooms they do not own or share. (Rooms are fully self assigned by Players and can change freely between threads. Pact is likewise self assigned, but should match the room type described above. Moon Pact characters are free to invite Sun Pact characters into their rooms, and visa-versa.)

The Hands that Feed

As Overseers settle in, they find resources are thin and accessible castle space highly limited. There is no exit from the castle at this time. Trying to fly out over the top of Hall of Overseers courtyard results in perpetually being turned around by the Storm until exhausted. Overseers who try to smash windows or break through the architecture find their magic or strength immediately drained. Teleportation leads back to where one attempted to leave from. The trap feels inescapable. This inevitably creates an air of frustration and futility within the awakened Overseer ranks. All there is to do is to make do.

➤Attentive characters will discover quickly that Constructs bring extra rations as room service to those in Power. This at first appears exclusive to the Moon Pact within the Hall of Overseers. The Constructs do this when Overseers have sex in the luxury of the lower floor rooms. However, the Constructs range of understanding is a bit impaired, so fucking in the courtyard also works to call food and drink, regardless of Pact alignment.

➤For those seeking a more direct approach to acquiring extra rations, there's always robbery. The Constructs are not highly fortified. Their routes from the kitchen to the Hall of Overseers are easy enough to intercept. They do resist Overseers who attempt to steal from them, defending the food if attacked. Overseers who damage Constructs find they simply curl back into their wings, where they become both immobile and invulnerable from further damage. They will repair themselves in time and do not... appear... to hold a grudge. The Overseers whose meals were hijacked might, though.

The Courtyard

The courtyard at the center of the Hall of Overseers is a public space with five distinct sections. At the center, there is an ornate fountain that serves as the most reliable, public spot for clean drinking water. The fountain depicts the three Classes, though all of them are partially destroyed. The Ruler has their hands broken off, the Dragon is missing its head, and the pegasus shaped Herald has a hole in its chest. Grimly, the water flows from each of these missing pieces into the pool below. This space is open and visible to all, especially from the higher rooms of the Hall. This central location serves well as a social hub and meet up point for Overseers to congregate, though it is perpetually raining here.

➤Heralds and Dragons experience their first urge to transform within the Courtyard. They are able to resist it, if their willpower is sufficiently high, but the compulsion is strong. Dragons feel a need to shed their skin, to fly and be free. There is not much room for multiple, large dragons to do either of these things. Mind your wings! Heralds begin to feel territorial, wishing to reinvigorate the long dead space. Heralds are able to terraform within the confines of garden planters as they see fit, but they may find them destroyed by Dragons or usurped by other Heralds. Miniature territory disputes may serve as practice for times ahead. Rulers can hear mysterious whispers throughout the Courtyard, but especially nearby the fountain. If they acknowledge these whispers aloud, they will get a response. Those Rulers who listen closely can hear the mocking words "you're not leaving this time."

The other four quadrants surrounding the central fountain are overgrown and wild, contrasting the initially desolate central area. These spaces are each themed to a different season; spring, summer, fall, and winter. Once Overseers enter one of the gated in spaces, the area within appears larger than the outside barrier suggests. The temperature varies wildly between each, though the Storm over head remains consistent. Each contains a singular hideaway which the Constructs will bring food to. These shield Overseers from outside view, but may turn out to be in hot demand. Mind yourselves if trying to sneak into one of these spots for privacy, they may already be taken! (Each hideaway may be customized at player discretion to suit their threads. A single piece of furniture for leisure may be present, like a lounge or hammock. Some ideas for natural spaces would be hidden behind a waterfall, beneath a canopy of trees, a frosty cave, or an alcove hidden by fallen leaves.)

➤Starting a week into June, there is a new development within the courtyard.

Grief Hath Mates

Class Scenarios

Note: The following prompts are available for all Players, though abilities should always match up with a character's present Class! Class for characters on the TDM can change between threads, but should not change mid-thread. This fully locks down upon acceptance to the game. Characters are presently "unstable" in their Pact and Class assignments, so all threads can remain canon, even if they contradict Pact or Class assigned later on. Any changes made to shared setting environments below are temporary, so feel free to play with destructive and creation powers as specified.

RULERS

➤Rulers who attempt to speak to the Constructs will find they are reacted to in a way the Dragons and Heralds are not. Constructs do not speak back, but they are more attentive towards Rulers regardless of their Influence level. If asked where something is, Constructs will dutifully guide the Ruler to the location in question if it exists. Sometimes, Constructs will open up previously locked doors. None of these lead outside, but they offer some new clues to how the castle once operated in the past. Rulers can open up additional rooms to explore such as a drawing room, a music room, a wine cellar, and a smoking room. These rooms all have basic supplies for their given activity, including aged wine and cigars in the latter two respectively. Rulers with clever tongues or manipulative sensibilities can convince the Constructs to leave them “in charge” of a room. This grants the Ruler a key to the door they can leverage as they please. (Players can play their Ruler as if they hold exclusive control of a room, but this is not imposed TDM-wide. Multiple Rulers can each claim the same type room, no player actually holds full IC/OOC control.)

DRAGONS

➤Dragons are going to be the first to snap under such cramped conditions. Their natural urges are to spread out and fly, not be stuck within a castle. The more volatile Dragons will find their natural instinct is to go Berserk. Berserk mode can be engaged in either their humanoid or Dragon form, though Dragons can only transform at this time within the confines of the Courtyard. If Dragons are causing trouble in the Courtyard, luring or forcing them out of the Courtyard at large forces a Dragon to return to their humanoid form. Getting in fights may not be productive, but it might provide some enrichment to Overseers wishing to challenge each other or keep the peace. (Reminder: Dragons, regardless of form, are especially durable and may prove difficult to subdue! Rulers are best suited to this task, given they have a natural advantage over Dragons. Heralds can make their own attempts, it is simply more risky for them given how fragile they are.) Dragons of more even temperaments can make themselves productive by using relevant elemental magic around the castle. The castle interior is lit only by the dull glow of the sun or moon, which are often dulled by the cloud cover overhead. Providing temperature control or lighting could be a great ease to their own mental state, as well as benefit their fellow Overseers.

HERALDS

➤While cooked rice, dried meat, and pickled vegetables are largely what is being provided, there is a distinct lack of fruit or alcohol coming out of the kitchen. Heralds may find themselves especially desperate for these. Within the courtyard only, they can flex their newly found Class abilities to rapidly influence nature. Heralds may find themselves having vivid daydreams about their favorite fresh fruits from home. These fantasies manifest, growing the imagined fruits from nearby vines, bushes, and trees. This can happen deliberately or entirely by accident. However, due to the imperfect nature of both memory and imagination, these fruits are never fully accurate recreations. The taste and quality of the fruit end up heavily influenced by a Herald’s own subjective experience and are prone to exaggeration. Any fruit from any world is allowed, these simply cannot cause any magical effects. Devious Heralds which imagine poisonous fruits can injure, but not kill fellow Overseers. Such produce can be used to make alcohol by those with the knowledge and wherewithal to do so. Any manner of food is in demand and Heralds have this to provide. Replenishing energy though sex is always an option to help produce more or better resources of this kind.

OOC Info

What is Overflow posting Etiquette?

If you have a Top Level post on the Original TDM, then feel free to repost it in full or with new prompts below! Reply to your own, new top level with carry over threads, rather than create new top levels for each carry over thread. For COMPLETELY new Top Levels (or those reposted from page 4 of the last TDM post), we will have a Directory below exclusively for finding those. Players who posted their TL link on the previous Top Level Directory are welcome to edit a link to their overflow into their previous directory post.

Can I reserve my character before applying?

If you want to claim a character spot in advance of applications opening, our Reserves Page opens on the 10th of June, through to the 15th. This is not required for application, but highly recommended even for original or obscure characters. Reserving provides an instant-pass through 1st month game Activity Check! It also provides Moderation with an idea of incoming player numbers!

How do I apply to join the game?

Head over to our Application Page. These open up on June 15th and close on the 20th. The game officially opens on the 21st of June, barring any unexpected delays.

Is there an OOC space I can discuss potential plans?

Take a look at our Enable-me-Please for OOC discussions and plotting!

(CODE)

Comments

[dearestdarling]

Excuse you, I'm plenty refined. I said thank you and everything!

[The cuteness is half the point, Daan... But his pitiful efforts are successfully waved away, and he eyes what the stranger holds up. Some kind of poultice?]

He's a doctor, you know.

[He doesn't actually know that for certain, but Daan did say he studied medicine, and this stranger "helping" them by giving them some plant rubbish and explaining to a doctor not to let it get infected rubs him the wrong way a little. Anyway, ignore him, he's just mouthy.

He blinks as the stranger asks about his rifle, correctly guessing what it is. He looks around for it and realizes he dropped it haphazardly on the ground, which is exceptionally unlike him, but he's also drunk. He goes and picks it up, slinging it over his shoulder.]

Ah, yes, it is. Short magazine. Why?

[Just when he thinks no one here is from the same time and place that he is, a strange man says something so specific that he must be. Or else he's from the future and studies historical wars.

He watches as Daan does his little routine with his scalpel. It is impressive, considering how fucked they both are.

He looks at the stranger then.]

Don't mind him, he has a few screws loose. I'm babysitting.

[stripperripper]

I...dabble a bit, one would say. [Infiltrating and spending a year on an island-sized botanical garden to steal drug development secrets will do that to a person. Bro had to study. AS FOR THE PEANUT GALLERY--]

The most skilled doctor can sentence their patient to a rotting demise without proper disinfectant. Whether it is a woman in labor or removing a bullet embedded in a limb, cleanliness is key.

[Some light chiding to teach a lesson. Meanwhile there's a gleam of interest in Tuberose's eyes when Daan garners his attention with that display. He would wonder if the man was putting on an act if he couldn't smell the readily apparent scent of an inebriated individual. Nevertheless Tuberose bows his head in acquiescence.]

You may. It would prove to be more fortunate for others if it were in the hands of a doctor rather than my own. There is always more to be made while the supplies lasts.

[BUT this is also an opportunity, and the masked man makes a show of hesitancy:]

Although...it would be a sound trade if your friend would allow me the pleasure of examining that rifle. [He looks between the two of them before raising his free hand to Ellwood.] I have a keen interest in the manufacturing of Lee-Enfields, particularly the subtle differences between their principle manufacturers and those produced within North America's contract period. What say you?

[Tuberose may not have been a soldier himself, but he knows what sort of lines to pull and the demeanor to run with for a commander's persona. It's a method for reaching into the muck of higher society or preying upon the instilled obedience. Besides, telling outright lies is child's play for a spy.]

[livelamentlove]

Let's not do that.

[Daan cuts in, stern and deathly serious towards Ellwood, the moment passing over the rifle is mentioned. No. Nope. Let's not give a strange man a bayonet firearm. Strange danger alert of the highest degree-!

Daan's drunken haze doesn't exactly sober up, but it narrows focus in on that particular point of terror.

He sounded too serious there, because he was, but he pulls himself back to a try and draw attention from the magic gun-]

Here, my trick, for your consideration.

[Anything to distract. He twirls the scalpel to his injured ear and, strangely, flicking the blade across it doesn't makes the cut worse, but instantly heals it. The blood that already trickled from it remained where it fell,]

Curious, innit? Rather counter-intuitive, I say! [stop with the british-isms Daan, it is a bit much]

[dearestdarling]

[Don't worry, Daan, Ellwood is of the same mind. There's no way he's giving a stranger his rifle for any reason, especially this guy, because he's creepy and Ellwood doesn't like him at the moment.

He scoffs at being lectured about cleanliness. Having been in one of the dirtiest places imaginable, the trenches, he knows that better than anyone.

And to the gun proposal, he crosses his arms over his chest and shakes his head, frowning. Then as Daan holds the scalpel up to his ear, he holds out a halting hand-]

Daan, don't—

[His frown deepens, squinting at the wound, and sees that it closes up rather than getting bigger. He blinks in confusion.

More "magic." Great. He sighs, grumbles and goes back to trying to extract the porcelain from his hair. It's not budging.]

[stripperripper]

[A wise decision on both of them-- had he gotten the gun into his hands, he would have taken a shot at Daan's face in a split second. So they've dodged a bullet! He'll take the rejection lightly, shrugging it off with a quiet "very well" muttered to himself.

For his part, Tuberose is absolutely untroubled by the paradoxical display. Whatever interest he held wavers; as much as he would be enthralled with the prospect of obtaining healing magic for himself to abuse on others, he expects this may be a personal ability. A real shame, but it also puts a target on Daan's back. There's not enough information to expect how much carving the man could take. Maybe when he has fewer experiments active...]

That will suffice. Here, your reward.

[Daan has obtained one (1) vial of nature's soap!]

If your friend Olivia arrives, she may benefit from a copy of the notes I have compiled about the flora to be found here. There is no need to reinvent the wheel, after all. However, if the sentiment of...guardedness remains, then simply tell her to approach specimen processing with caution. They wilt unnaturally, and some are deceptively poisonous.

[Yes, he is calling out their attitude AND offering help at the same time. Ever the gentleman. Tuberose pauses again, then almost as an afterthought to Ellwood:]

Do mind the civilians when it comes to further antics. This is no shooting range, and proper safety protocols should be adhered to. [HE'S HERE TO RUIN THE FUN, YALL.]

[livelamentlove]

[Daan sure can take a lot of abuse, his tolerance is absurdly high for it and ability to bounce back remarkable. Is he an alcoholic for this reason? In part, most certainly.

He's also been a vulnerable person near all his life, so he's got the instincts of someone always on the look out. Reckless as he is with his own safety, he's not putting Ellwood at risk. Very protective sort, when it comes down to it. So, he's silently glad when the request is dropped,]

Ellwood, what are you don't-ing me for? It's all the same shit!

[he huffs, trying to pay attention to Tuberose's words of advice for Olivia, but missing most of it. Off the back of a duck like water, in this state. He gets the gist of shit's weird here, proceed with caution, which is smart enough to reinforce. He just nods to that,]

We should probably stop, yes... if we're risking shrapnel fall from the sky. Ruining hairdos and what not. [he does look to Ellwood again, inquisitively,]

What do you say, had enough?

sorry 4 him. feel free to continue lol

[dearestdarling]

I was don't-ing the use of a scalpel to slice your ear! How was I meant to know it heals? Everything's bloody magic here, down is up, left is right, I'm surprised the sky isn't green!

[He throws up his hands. And you, tall creepy man,]

I don't recall you being appointed my superior.

[He's snappy now, sour and cranky, urgh. He tries to sound unbothered again, speaking to Daan.]

If you'll excuse me, I'm going to go write.

[With that, he stalks off to the autmunal corner of the courtyard, his gait somewhat uneven because he's still blasted.]

[stripperripper]

[Tuberose does not deem it worthwhile to respond to the childish outburst, so he waits for Ellwood to storm off before speaking to Daan again:]

It is apparent who the true babysitter is. [Even if one seems to be a drunk. He stands up straight and taps the chin of his mask as if in thought.] Daan and Ellwood, yes? Perhaps we may meet again under better circumstances. Although, the true question should be whether your charge will dig his own grave with that sort of attitude.

[...Also he's not about to freely offer his "name" as they did. All the same, Tuberose's words are dressed with social niceties as he turns to make his leave.]

[livelamentlove]

[Daan, drunk and up for a fight with his young compatriot, yells after Ellwood with a hand lifted to his mouth to extend the range-]

He just said ISSS APPARENT WHO THE TRUE BABYSITTER IS...

[he the clears his throat, presuming that's going to get Ellwood to come back, maybe. he smirks back to Tuberose, with a little click of his cheek,]

I'm the one tilling my own grave to keep it level.

[dearestdarling]

[It incenses Ellwood even more, and Daan will feel that flare of anger through their mental link. He knows Daan is trying to get another rise from him, and he's not going to give him that satisfaction or prove either of them right more than he already has. He just keeps walking, angry enough that he's definitely not going to be writing. Maybe going to the kitchen for some more plates to smash. This time with his hands, not his gun.]

and that's a wrap!

[stripperripper]

[JFC the yelling! Tuberose has to hold back from breaking character because a beat is spent considering the idea of unleashing his blades and slitting Daan's throat. It's not worth it, it's not worth it--!]

You already know where a plethora of coffins is held. Good day to you, doctor.

[With that, he'll be stepping away to exit the courtyard. He needs to refill a new vial soap just in case he passes Levi in the halls.]