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Sodder ([personal profile] sodder) wrote in [community profile] soddersays2018-10-30 04:39 pm
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November 2018 Test Drive Meme




NOVEMBER 2018 TEST DRIVE MEME









Welcome to November's Test Drive Meme! This month's Test Drive's theme is: WONDERLAND.

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.

PLEASE NOTE: Due to the nature of November's plot, character arrival prompts are unavailable in this month's Test Drive. Throughout each prompt, all characters will very clearly feel as though they are still stuck in a dream, and are working on a way to get out.

CW: Body horror (growth/shrinking), implied drugging, violence via swords and bludgeoning

Don't forget to tag content whenever necessary. Have fun!











BEGIN AT THE BEGINNING


The hallway you've ended up in is long and narrow, almost seeming to twirl in on itself as it spirals a long way out of sight. There's no means to go back the way you came - it's walled off now, somehow, though you're not sure when or how it happened - and so you realize if you want to leave, the best thing to do is just move forward. You walk along the checkered marble floor, the click and the clack of your shoes echoing off the twisted walls, the only sound in the whole place as you move.

You're almost convinced you're never going to find the end of this hallway, until you start to see a pinprick of light in the distance. Maybe you even pick up your pace when you start to see it. Regardless of whether you keep at an even walk or you sprint towards the light, you eventually get to the end of the hall. The ceiling has stretched up way out of sight at some point, but there's still a light shining down from somewhere, casting a large spotlight on the only two objects in the room: a fairly large dollhouse on the floor and a table with a cup filled with what looks like punch and a plate with a piece of cake on it. There's a sign, neatly handwritten in black ink: EAT ME! DRINK ME! At least it's to the point.

You can choose to ignore that sign, but as you observe the dollhouse, or the hall you're trapped in, there are two things that might persuade you into realizing it's your only option: 1) There's no door at the end of this hall in order to let you out of it, which means you're still as trapped as you were at the start. And 2) There is a door on the front of the dollhouse and if you squint, you can see a tiiiiiiny key stuck in the lock.

This all might be looking familiar to a fortunate few.

Eventually, you'll have to cave, or end up sitting there forever. Whether you choose the cake or the cup, the moment you swallow, you'll start to feel an uncomfortable ache through your whole body. Soon you can start to feel your bones caving in on themselves, your muscles tightening and shrinking, and your whole body might even start to feel like it's about to implode. It's agonizing - worthy of a scream or two as the magic works through your body, and you see the world starting to become bigger and bigger...

And all at once, it stops. The dollhouse now looks as big as a real house and that key? Is just the right size for your hand. You turn the key, push open the door, and enter into a grand foyer, brightly lit and covered in flowers and ribbons. On top of that? You're no longer alone - someone is in the room with you and they seem to have been stuck waiting for someone to help them explore the house.


TAKE SOME MORE TEA


Sometimes dreams just don't make sense. And this room seems to be the one that sticks out the most. You can see the ceiling, decorated with whimsical paintings and colorful chandeliers, and you can see the four walls, but the ground is definitely grass and dirt, and somehow there seems to be a fresh breeze blowing through, bringing in the crisp air of fall and the scent of burning leaves. Strange, since the grass is so green, strikingly so when compared to the white linen of the table cloth covering the expansive table in the center of the room, and there's not a fallen leaf to be seen anywhere.

There is, however, several place settings, several tea cups, and several tea pots. Your favorite treats are stacked high on the plates in front of you, smelling so fresh your mouth is watering already. It seems like a feast just for the two of you and your stomachs are starting to growl. Maybe sitting for a little while to rest and eat wouldn't be so bad, right? You notice name cards in front of each place setting and eventually, you find your own names, neatly printed in bold lettering. It's best to take a seat if you're going to dig in.

As you start to pile food onto your plate, you notice there's a card between the two of you, with a fun riddle printed out for you to solve:

I'm as small as an ant,
as big as a whale.
I'll approach like a breeze,
but can come like a gale.
By some I get hit,
but all have shown fear.
I'll dance to the music,
though I can't hear.
Of names I have many,
Of names I have one.
I'm as slow as a snail,
but from me you can't run.
What am I?


It might seem like fun and games, but you'll find that as you eat, your mind is getting a little foggier, and the words are blurry and harder to understand. You think it's time to go and you get up from your seat to do just that, but the door you came through - the only door in the room - is locked.

Chances are that riddle is your only means to get that door open. When you finally do solve it, a bright light will appear, and you'll need to stand in front of it, lining your shadow up with the handle, and miming turning it in order to get the door to open itself.


OFF WITH THEIR HEADS



The strategists might enjoy this next room when they open it; in front of you is a giant chessboard, one half of the board all set up and ready to go, and the other half of the board just missing a few pieces in order to get started. The Knight seems to have gone off to do his own thing and, much to the dismay of those around them, the Queen seems to have made herself scarce as well. But luckily for you both, there's two of you! And you seem to be just in time to take the place of these missing players.

Once you each settle into your chosen square, the game begins. It seems pretty tame at first - pawns moving to various pawns, and maybe one of you is taking charge and shouting for where each piece should go next. Best left to the Knight, likely, considering the strategy needed for that particular piece. And all is well and good and fun - until the first piece gets taken. Or, rather, not so much taken, as suddenly smashed to pieces by their opposition.

It doesn't take long to realize the same will happen to you if either of you are captured by your enemies. You have to rethink now, figure out the best strategy to not only win the game, but to make sure that neither of you ends up dead on the way there. You see the other Knight has a giant sword, one that seems to slice through the marble pieces around you like they're made of butter.

If you fail, you can try and dodge the blast, and you could also choose to run from the start; but there's a high chance the pieces will begin to revolt and come after you. You can either play the game or try and fight your way to the door. An interesting dilemma, considering that you're unarmed.



I AM NOT MYSELF, YOU SEE


This dollhouse is filled with tons of rooms, all of which seem to have their own unique flair, and sometimes they seem to be very much filled with the uniqueness of you. As you and your companion explore each door, you eventually start to open ones that seem to contain pieces of them or pieces of you put onto display. How is that possible? Well, you're not quite sure, but it certainly seems like they've managed.

Some of these rooms may hold memories playing out like strangely made stop-animation films; clay versions of yourself and anyone who was in the memory with you, mocked up to put your deepest secrets or your happiest moments into a visual reality. Other rooms may hold objects that relate to your very being - either physical items from home that were exceptionally important to you or metaphorical symbols of who you are as a person. A heart for loving, a stuffed lion (or a real lion, though you'd better hope it's friendly) for courage... All those stereotypical links people have created to show who they are over time.

There's no choice but to keep searching these rooms, though, learning more about yourself and your companion than either of you probably ever wanted to know - because eventually, one of those rooms? Is your ticket out. You'll know when you see it. A giant mirror will be leaning against the wall, the image fuzzy and rippled and not at all the reflection of the room around it. If you put your hand to it, it will sink right through. So long as you don't shy away in fear, you've finally found the end to this dream - or nightmare, as the case may be for some.

rightminded: (38.)

Goro Akechi | Persona 5

[personal profile] rightminded 2018-10-31 09:09 pm (UTC)(link)
[ the beginning ]

[ When you enter the house, you'll find a young man examining the foyer, wandering slowly around as he inspects the decorations. He seems largely unfazed, more thoughtful than alarmed, which might be odd in a situation like this. But it might not be. Either way, he'll turn when he hears the door open, his expression shifting into just the right amount of concern. ]

It seems I'm not alone here after all. Are you alright? I thought I heard screaming.

[ Strange. Did this young man not go through the same thing? Did you just imagine hearing shrieks on your way here...? He doesn't look like someone who just went through something agonizing... ]

[ off with their heads ]

[ Without consulting you, Akechi will take the place of the missing knight. It seems he feels it's just a natural fit. But he will offer you a reassuring smile and a gesture for you to join him on the chess board. ]

I'm well versed in the rules of chess, so if you're willing to place your faith in me, I believe I can get us through this safely. Are you ready to begin?

[ i am not myself ]

[ Well, this might seem odd. Akechi is arrested in the doorway of a room that is empty except for a simple brown countertop bare of anything except a single, plain mug of coffee. He's got a gloved hand on the door frame, and has not stepped inside. The look on his face is deeply pensive. ]

... I wonder.

[ ... seems that's all he has to say. He'll turn to you, inclining his head, seeming faintly embarrassed. ]

I think it's best we move on.
justbeingknife: (majima-kun)

off with their heads

[personal profile] justbeingknife 2018-10-31 10:29 pm (UTC)(link)
Sure.

[ Majima stepped into the only other open position -- the queen's square, which seemed to come complete with a goofy flower crown waiting for him on the polished little square. He was not going to put it on.

This seemed like the world's worst idea, so why not. They could call him when it was a shogi match. ]


Let's get this show on the road.
rightminded: (8.)

[personal profile] rightminded 2018-11-01 04:22 am (UTC)(link)
No hesitation, hm? Well, I appreciate your confidence.

[ true to his word, akechi will direct the game fairly deftly, though he is given pause when the first pawn is felled. ]

... I see. I suppose the stakes are meant to be our very lives...
justbeingknife: (lineart)

[personal profile] justbeingknife 2018-11-02 01:16 am (UTC)(link)
[ There was a new, sudden sharpness to Majima's expression, barely there before it was replaced by a faint smile. ]

Excitin'. How good are you at not getting things lopped off?

[ He was sure Akechi was great at chess, but you know. If the worst should happen, maybe they ought to consider whether running or fighting was the better option. ]
rightminded: (15.)

[personal profile] rightminded 2018-11-02 02:00 am (UTC)(link)
[ Something about that seems to startle a laugh out of him. ]

You're awfully calm. Well, I'm confident I can keep both of us with our heads intact.

[ smug shit. A few more moves, and two more pawns fall, one on each side. ]

Am I to assume you've faced danger before?
justbeingknife: (smile)

[personal profile] justbeingknife 2018-11-02 02:12 am (UTC)(link)
You could say that. Kinda hard to avoid it in a place like this.

[ It wasn't just facing danger, of course -- it was the feel of confronting it, of being a hair away from certain ruin. There was a thrill in that sliver between skill and chance that was worth it, all of it.

They weren't at that point yet, however. Majima watched as the opposing rook took a nearby pawn. A little lean forward, and he was able to snag the broken piece's sword. ]


Never hurts to be prepared. Where to now?

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princessences: (pic#12647506)

i am not myself

[personal profile] princessences 2018-11-01 04:10 am (UTC)(link)
[ Of all the places in Deerington, this one seems fairly innocuous. But the phoebs she's spent in the dream-town have taught her, if anything, that one should never trust only what they see. (Perhaps that was part of her lesson when she lost control of herself, and her sight.)

Allura spares a glance at her current companion, needing to use the doorframe on the other side to take some of her weight. Her stamina for wandering is normally much higher, but after having her body twisted inside and out from monster and then back into herself, she's still healing. At least she's walking on her own, now. ]


You know this place?

[ That's...typically not a good sign. ]
rightminded: (2.)

[personal profile] rightminded 2018-11-01 04:24 am (UTC)(link)
Not well, [ he says, his voice light. His gaze flicks over her, nothing untoward, and he can't help but note the way she leans on the doorframe. ] I've only ever been a handful of times.

[ that coffee does seem pretty innocent. you can smell it from here, though. assuming you like coffee, then it smells pretty amazing. ]

Will you be alright to keep going?
princessences: (pic#12535689)

[personal profile] princessences 2018-11-01 04:37 am (UTC)(link)
[ She had never had coffee before Deerington, but whether his influence has been good on her diet or not, Shiro has gotten her a little hooked. Especially with Oreo Creamer. The thought of a warm cup of coffee seems a welcome respite, but after the affects of the last bits of food they ate, it's better to proceed with caution. ]

A piece of your home world.

[ It's a statement, not a question. That is usually what manifests in these places, whether it be an exact memory or some sort of recreation of what one might want, they usually reflect at least a mixture of real and fantasy.

Allura offers Akechi a nod and takes a step back, forcing herself to stand as straight as possible. ]


Yes, I'm fine. Perhaps the smell is getting to me.

[ Excuses. ]
rightminded: (23.)

[personal profile] rightminded 2018-11-01 04:47 am (UTC)(link)
[ Hm. Well. ]

It is, but a fairly innocuous one, as dream signs go.

[ isn't he on top of things. his companion uncurls her spine, and given her attitude, Akechi makes no move to help her. she seems quite determined to move under her own power. ]

It does smell wonderful, doesn't it? [ is that wistfulness? nah. ] But best we leave it alone. I think I've had enough of food and drink in this dream, personally...

[ but he'll guide them away from the door. there's more exploring to do. he remains calm, if not unaffected. ]

Still... either that was an uncanny guess, or you're familiar with the rules in this dream we seem to be sharing.
princessences: (pic#12647502)

[personal profile] princessences 2018-11-01 05:09 am (UTC)(link)
Let's hope it stays that way.

[ It's an honest wish and a bit of warning. She's relieved too many of her own painful memories and witnessed others to be off her guard. ]

Yes, I agree on both accounts.

[ The last thing they need is to turn into something unseemly or uncontrollable thanks to one tempting pastry. (Been there, done that.)

Allura follows his lead, letting the smell of coffee fade away. ]


I am familiar. This place has a tendency to manifest itself in ways that we recognize, but they are often not the memories of your choosing.

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incandescentfaith: (Leaning Forward)

The Beginning. A little later than I would have liked.

[personal profile] incandescentfaith 2018-11-01 06:51 am (UTC)(link)
[Rei hates how this place can seem to turn on a dime. It's the worst thing about Deerington, going from one set of terrors to another. And this is no exception, though blissfully she's aware of the dream's source material. The gut-wrenching pain doesn't compare with some of the things she's been through, here or in her double life though...and as far as she can tell she's kept her teeth quite shut.

Which is what makes his question all the stranger. She definitely looks as though she's been hurt, a hand pressed against the front of her sweater and a ginger step...but...]


I'm fine. Nothing I haven't dealt with before.

[She eyes him, both physically and spiritually.]

What about you? Don't tell me you didn't feel that when you came through.
rightminded: (4.)

yeah wow how dare you not tag me immediately at all times

[personal profile] rightminded 2018-11-01 04:37 pm (UTC)(link)
Feel... that?

[ He offers her a look of gentle confusion. ]

I'm afraid I don't know what you mean. I came to in here.

[ huh. that's weird. probably not important! ]

If it's not too forward of me to ask, can you tell me what happened to you?

incandescentfaith: (Cold Fire)

Yeah. A true tragedy. Also hit my permissions, nerd.

[personal profile] incandescentfaith 2018-11-01 05:40 pm (UTC)(link)
[Rei exhales through her nose and breathes in and does it again a couple of times, trying a breathing exercise to rid herself of lingering aches and jolts of pain. It helps, but the tension doesn't leave her body.]

There was a potion on the table. I drank it, and like Lewis Carroll's book, I changed. Shrank. And obviously the sudden shift in density hurt.
rightminded: (5.)

WHO YOU CALLIN NERD, NERD

[personal profile] rightminded 2018-11-01 11:14 pm (UTC)(link)
[ Well. Despite his continually placid exterior, there's a lot going on under the hood. A lot of negative, angry things, buzzing as dense as a swarm of flies. And if she watches him, she may pick out that he seems to hold himself a little stiffly, the same way you might if you were, say, hiding an injury. ]

"Obviously," [ he muses, ] when I don't recall Alice herself crying out in pain. Perhaps this dream isn't following the book to the letter. Will you be alright, miss?
incandescentfaith: (Noticing)

[personal profile] incandescentfaith 2018-11-01 11:25 pm (UTC)(link)
[Ah yes. A wounded animal hiding it's injuries. Rei's eyebrow arches very slightly, but she doesn't fold her arms or offer any hostility. There's definitely something wrong with this young man. He reeks of something tainted...but it's a little hard to place within the the greater context. And he's not being overly hostile, just evasive.]

Alice's Adventures in Wonderland was written as a fantasy, and unfortunately for both of us, this is quite real.

[Exhaling one more time, some of the tension drains from Rei. Some, not all.]

I'll be alright. Again, I've had worse. [Flicking her eyes to meet his, she bobs her head in a casual greeting.]

I'm Hino Rei. Who might you be?

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jaillbaiting: ([Are you gonna remain a slave])

Off with their heads

[personal profile] jaillbaiting 2018-11-01 11:04 pm (UTC)(link)
[]

Are you sure? We're not even sure if the opponent is going to be able to do.

[Really quite hesitating on that Queen spot, tyvm. It was weird enough getting stuck down a rabbit hole - kind of literally, if the Alice in Wonderland motif was anything to go by - with someone that really shouldn't be here.]

Besides, I'm not dressed appropriately for a queen.
rightminded: (39.)

1/2

[personal profile] rightminded 2018-11-01 11:19 pm (UTC)(link)
[ total static


if only for a moment. ]
rightminded: (21.)

[personal profile] rightminded 2018-11-01 11:24 pm (UTC)(link)
[ Despite himself he laughs, the sound of it a little unsteady. ]

At least now I know this is a dream. Or perhaps a nightmare?

[ He smiles at his ... "friend," though it couldn't be called a normal smile by any means. ]

I'm hardly much of a knight, am I? Yet here we are.
jaillbaiting: (To fall upon the source of my recovery)

[personal profile] jaillbaiting 2018-11-01 11:46 pm (UTC)(link)
I'd be okay with calling it a nightmare. [Look at where they are. But also, he'll play along with the joke of this whole... thing.

He's not quite sure, but there's something about the tone that makes him... not feel so great about any strategies that might be planned. Which means he should probably just figure out how to survive this on his own and... hope Akechi can do the same. Not much love lost, but there are some regrets, and he'd rather not see what happens if the Knight is defeated - that also gives him a bad feeling.
]

There's no prince in chess, after all. [Point to him, there's not even any bite to the word 'prince'.]

But if you're so confident you can win this match, I'll be counting on you. [Keep playing dumb, keep playing dumb, keep watching his back for daggers coming for it.] Please take good care of your Queen~ [He's going to die, and maybe this time he'll deserve it a little.]
rightminded: (44.)

[personal profile] rightminded 2018-11-02 12:24 am (UTC)(link)
[ The urge to start laughing and just not stop is extremely powerful. He feels a little light headed, if he's honest. His ears are ringing with the sound of a gunshot. Like someone took him apart and put him back together all wrong.

Though... that someone... he's right here, isn't he?

Bite or no, Akechi's jaw clenches when he hears the word "prince." He doesn't otherwise react, doesn't look at the other boy. However... unlike Akira, he does not feel a need to act like everything is just fine. ]


Well aren't you trusting? [ There's an edge, a dangerous false cheer to his voice that Akira might find familiar. ] Let this knight guide you to safety, then. My queen.

[ There is all at once too much pressure, too much energy, under his skin. Why does Kurusu always make him feel this way? Too much and not enough all at once. He isn't even sure why he's so angry.

Regardless of his obvious instability, the moves he barks out are -- for now -- seemingly sound. ]

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complementing: (✿ i'll let my hair down [ LAMIA ])

KICKS DOWN THE DOOR HELLOOOO; off with their heads

[personal profile] complementing 2018-11-03 10:51 pm (UTC)(link)
[Ah! A familiar face! Minako completely trusts Akechi (a mistake, really) the moment he says he can guide them, and takes the place of the queen off to the side and behind him.]

Yup! Don't worry. [She pulls a hairband out of her pocket and ties everything up out of the way, clenching her fists and raising them in a distinct kickboxing move.] I'll take care of anything that comes my way.
rightminded: (36.)

HELLO!!!!!!!

[personal profile] rightminded 2018-11-04 12:45 am (UTC)(link)
[ seriously. minako, please reconsider your trusting nature...

not that Akechi won't make use of it. he even smiles a little at her readiness to fight, though there's a certain concern to it... ]


Well, let's hope it won't come to a brawl, miss...?
complementing: (✿ what rice on my face? [ UNICORN ])

[personal profile] complementing 2018-11-04 04:42 am (UTC)(link)
Minako! [She blinks at him.] Don't you remember me, Akechi?
stillinbloom: (waiting in line for my ID.)

i am not myself

[personal profile] stillinbloom 2018-11-04 03:43 pm (UTC)(link)
[Cardia blinks slowly, peering around him and into the room with obvious curiosity.]

What is that place? [It barely even occurs to her that that might be rude to ask when he clearly wants to leave, but she's go not idea what sort of place that is in there and he does, so... She wants answers!]

It looks... Homey? [It's said in a way that suggests she knows the meaning of the word, but only vaguely, and has never had the opportunity to use it before]