bondedmeme | TEST DRIVE MEME

TEST DRIVE MEME | #01

Test-Drive-Meme #01

Welcome to our first ever TDM! 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.)

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 happens next?

On the 21st of June, the Pacts will turn over. For the IC duration of the TDM, the Moon Pact are in power. Those assigned to the Sun Pact will start the game off proper as the faction in power. Characters who are accepted into the game will be freed from the confines of the castle. The game will greet new players with a Mingle Event and Network Introduction Post, once all applications are processed. The storm will pull back at the start of July, allowing even further world exploration and Territory claims. Our first plot event will focus on discovering the threat that the Lost Souls of this world can present.

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)

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

Oh, I was worried you wouldn't have noticed with that eye patch and that morose look about you.

( He takes a step back but turns towards him, arms crossing over his chest. Just ... moving on past the dying thing. )

Have you seen anyone else from the train? Anyone you recognize?

Only you. So far.

[This is hell. They've died and this is their punishment. Daan's fluffy new ears are practically pinned down to his head.

Fuck it. He plucks the odd fruit he was looking at. Sharp, new fang dig in and it splatters juice.

It's literally just a mango. He's just never seen a mango. Never tasted one, either, and it's a pretty decent recreation someone left behind.]

... mmn..! That's actually divine.

( Pav has to laugh at Daan's sudden fuck it attitude, the way he bites into the odd-looking fruit. The noise he makes is kind of cute. )

You would think that's the best thing you've eaten in a few days or something.

( Ha, ha.

He picks up the strawberry again as though to follow Daan's lead. Pulls another face, but he swallows. )

Ugh. Gimme yours. This tastes like someone just tried to remember what a strawberry is.

[Daan tears into the fruit with those new fangs of his. It's juicy and messy, but he cannot find it in him to care about the dignity right now.

When Pav demands he share, it's fully cat mode, though. He immediately starts trying to eat the rest of it as fast as possible. Little goblin of a man-]

Ack! Damn..! [His greed and hubris are his undoing, as he hits a fang against the pit within. Why couldn't someone just forget about that part!? The remaining few bites of mango slip from his hands, so if Pav is quick, he can catch it before it hits rainy dirt.]

( Pav barks out a laugh at the display; he really is a cat. Has to laugh harder when his fangs hit the pit. )

Easy, Mittens, damn.

( He does manage to catch it, but instead of taking a bite, he dangles it up over Daan a little. A wicked kind of grin spreads on his face. )

You seemed to really like it ... you want the rest?

( If Daan does reach for it, he'll pull it away. )

[He is too busy rubbing a fingertip against his aching tooth to be grabbing for it. A sigh as he mutters something beneath his breath. Pain gone. His mood is just soured, despite the sweet taste still on his lips,]

Just take it. It's deathly sweet. I need to wash my hands...

[Which, they're literally standing in the rain, so he just sort of pools them to try and catch some water to rub the stickiness off with.]

( Pav shrugs, moving to take a bite. He's right; it's pretty sweet, but he likes it. His eyes light up a little, even, but he levels them on Daan to watch him try to wash his hands like that. )

You're an odd man.

( Just an observation. )

You might be better off at the fountain, Mittens.

( He needs to wash his hands too now; he just kind of heads that way without watching if Daan will do the same. He pauses right in front of the fountain to watch a Construct whir and rattle past ... weird little guys. )

Never heard that one before, you're the very first to ever say so. [his mockingly dry tone should say all it needs.

He does take the advice of heading towards the fountain, but then the Construct whirs by and-]

Bremen dog. [he can call Pav that, it's literally true] You smell that-? That thing has warm food.

( Pav can smell it too; he stays silent, despite the way he wants to push the Construct over and rob it of whatever its carrying. It smells incredible, and the fruit seems to only have made him more hungry.

Ignoring the dog comment, Pav considers.

Then he attacks the thing.

He manages to sweep it at the bottom, snatching the tray before the whole thing falls. Pav is a Lieutenant for a reason, evidently; the motion is smooth and decisive.

The Construct curls into itself and Pav boots it, as though goading it to fight back. )

... Good to know.

( Then he looks over Daan, holding the tray aloft. It warms his hand, smells incredible. )

What's your name, Mittens?

[Damn, Pav, you got the Revolver Ocelot in you. Daan could never. He's not about to go fighting with those things himself.

He tries to look unimpressed.

The growl of his stomach at the warm scent of that food gives away otherwise. Daan scoffs and distracts himself by going to the fountain to wash his hands,]

... Von Dutch. [he doesn't want to give this Bremen his real name. He doesn't quite know why. And per this place, that is his name, so it's not even that much of a deception.]

Do the Bremen's bother naming their war dogs?

It's Pav.

( He lowers his chin a fraction. Unceremoniously, Pav moves to seat himself and set the tray beside him on the bench. There's even silverware. Probably not enough for both of them, but its warm and smells good, and he's sharing.

He gestures for Daan to join him as he starts in. There's probably an ulterior motive here, and he figures a guy like him will be able to see that. It'll be interesting to see what he does in response. )

You could stand to be a bit less icy, I think.

The pleasure's all yours.

[not his, he's about as happy as a wet cat can be,]

Are you a real ray of sunshine usually? Maybe out on the front, but not here. You don't hold any advantage. No hiding behind the might of that Kaiser of yours.

[so much for holding his tongue]

( At the mention of the Kaiser, something seems to shift in Pav. Like a shadow casts over his eyes. He sets the fork down and stands enough to reach out and get a good grip on Daan's throat. )

I said you could stand to be less of a cunt. It's sound advice.

( He shoves him back hard, half a mind to dunk his ass in the fountain. )

Don't bring Kaiser up again.

[Daan swallows beneath the grip on his throat, but otherwise levels his expression. If he's going to go talking shit, he knows he could get hit or worse for it. Basic cause and effect. He's not afraid of that or of Pav. It's just another nuisance.]

I'd gladly forget about him and you, mongrel. Get your paws off me.

[if Pav doesn't, or attempts to throw him, well... he's going to find Daan can quite quickly turn into...a plain alley cat! Fitting.]

( Pav just shoves him back hard and watches with a severe sort of glare on his face. Here he was on his best behavior and everything. Absolutely uncalled for, he could fucking kill him. )

Then go.

[Daan is shoved back and stumbles. Because it's funny if this is the first time he turns into a cat. That's how his body decides to handle catching himself.

Poof!

He lands on all fours. A smooth, scrappy looking alley cat with one eye. Patchy fur, a bit beat up like he picked several too many fights. No eyepatch, but he's still got his little string bow tie around his neck. There's this brief moment of defiance in that one cat eye.

Then, a full body shiver. His fur puffs out, tail blowing out wide for his size. Daan's voice is uncharacteristically shrill to exclaim,]

What the fuck is this!?

( Pav immediately wants to put him in the fountain. Not to drown him or anything. Just because he wants to see if he's more bothered by water in this form. It's all in the name of curiosity. )

... You look like you have mange.

( He creeps towards cat Daan with outstretched hands. )

[The cat somehow looks so fed up, already. Somehow, it's face really does look similar to Daan's, despite being such a mangy cat. He hisses at the approach and the hands.

He's skittering away! Shockingly fast, too. The form must provide quite the buff to his red bar of running stamina and speed.]

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

TEST DRIVE MEME | #01

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