soddersays | OCTOBER 2020 TEST DRIVE MEME

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OCTOBER 2020 TEST DRIVE MEME

Welcome to October's Test Drive Meme! This month's Test Drive's theme is: MONSTER HORROR.

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: ... Monsters..., excessive blood, possible death via monster or drowning, violence, being trapped in tight spaces, bloody GIF, dead body parts
Don't forget to tag content whenever necessary. Have fun!

Prompt One
Prompt Two
Character Arrival
Master Navigation

curse the fiends

Waking up groggy and confused on the floor of what seems to be a large metal warehouse is never anyone's idea of a good time, but here you are. You may not have even known Deerington had warehouses (except for those who have been to the real Hair of the Dog) let alone how to get to one of them. It's clear you've been placed here against your will, but for what reason?

You aren't alone. There may be one, two, or even three people there with you. You're all in this together, so you may as well work as a team to see if there's a way out. The room isn't very large and it's completely empty, save for a single flashlight in the center of the floor. The only way out (or maybe it's a way in) is a long, narrow, and very dark corridor. That's gotta be completely safe. Despite hesitations, what choice do you really have?

The flashlight won't give off an abundance of light, but it at least makes it so you aren't stumbling around blindly. As you move through the corridors, you'll start to hear the sickening screech like nails on a chalkboard, but there's something worse about it. Something that makes you feel like a bucket of ice has just been dropped down your back. Something dangerous. There are different corridors that branch off of the main one you're walking down and your team will have to decide whether to stick together an choose one path or split up and explore multiple to find away out. Given that you've only got one source of light, you'll want to choose carefully.

Whether you stay together or split up, the corridors all look the same. The same sound follows you wherever you go. Eventually you'll start to notice it sounds close. Too close. Like it's right... above you?

Looking up, you'll see a large monster which jumps down in front of your team within seconds of having the light turned on it. The beast takes up the majority of the space in the corridor and there's no getting around it. Time to double back and try out one of those other passages, it seems. Hopefully you can run quickly. It's not the only thing that's jumping out of the shadows to try and hunt you, either. The large creature is working with a smaller set of monsters who seem to appear out of nowhere, their footsteps impossible to hear, but the screeches they give are almost deafening. If you split up earlier, maybe you'll run into each other now; it seems like the monsters are herding you together, trying to make you easier to hunt.

The small monsters can be killed easily. Any weapons you have will work against them, no more than a couple of shots from a gun or a good hard swing of a blade will be needed to take them down. The big beast you first ran into is another story. Nothing seems to work to slow this guy down. It'll bleed, sure, the injuries are more than apparent, but it doesn't seem to make the monster any weaker. If anything, it just makes it more irate. The only chance of living is getting out.

If you're lucky, you'll eventually turn enough corridors to see cracks of light at the end of one. Light that seems to be coming through a door. If you can outrun the monster down this long, straight stretch, it seems to actually be your exit. The door is heavy and the lock is a little rusty, but with a little team effort, you should be able to get the thing shoved open. Slam it closed before the monster can get out and you'll find yourself safe again.

fear the old blood

It's just the month for getting stuck in tiny rooms. This time, walking through any door in Deerington could land you inside this cramped closet with far too tall ceilings. Again, it seems you aren't alone; the wall on the opposite side of the closet seems to have brought in someone the same as you. The doors behind you both disappear and it seems like you're completely trapped. There's shelves all around you, completely empty, but they've got to hold a purpose, right? You may take some time to look them over, see if there is some kind of switch or hidden compartment they might be blocking.

While you're observing the cramped space around you, trying to find a way out, you might hear the sound of air rushing from above you, almost like the sounds of an elevator shaft. There's a ding, a click, the sound of doors opening— all from the ceiling up above. It's a way out! But nothing ever comes so easily in Deerington. Within seconds of the doors cracking open, blood will start to fill the room, pouring in from your only exit.

Working together and using the shelves as leverage, you might just be able to reach the ceiling to pull yourself up (and hopefully your partner), but you'll have to push against the downpour of blood in the process. It's far from easy, definitely slippery, and you'll have to move quickly if you don't want to end up drowning. Waiting it out for the room to fill so you can reach the top easier will prove to be a horrible idea; the moment the blood reaches the top of those bookshelves, rotting hands will begin to reach from the walls, dragging you down and keeping you from getting to the top.

Once you have both made it into the exit above, the doors will close, and the elevator will right itself. There's no blood anywhere to be found and there also isn't a button to press to choose any floors. You'll simply hear the sound of the elevator climbing the shaft before the doors open again, and you'll be let out into the lobby of the Grady Hotel.

Time to head home and take a shower, I guess.

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

[As the doors closed Hana had immediately taken to wipe the blood away using the sleeves of the robes. Unfortunately, it only seemed to be working to smear it rather than removing it.]

An attack?

[It had been different than any other spell or magical barrier than Hana had seen, but honestly, there was no telling what was really going on. All that was certain was there had been a door, Hana walked through it, and then there was a closet with shelves. As he offers a semi-clean handkerchief Hana smiles brightly quickly using it to clear away enough that it was easy to see and breathe again before offering back. The expression probably made Hana seem even younger at that moment.]

Thanks.

[ the elevator was moving again - up? Abel exhales a haggard sigh; this was just his luck. and unfortunately for Hana, it seemed she had been roped into it as well. she looked so young... and he was a bit quietly worried for her, though he tried to keep it from leaking onto his face. ]

Of course! But I think a good bath is in order... it's a little more than my handkerchief can handle, hm? [ UNDERSTATEMENT... ]

Let's be careful, okay? You're feeling alright? [ who knows, this was a lot for a child...!! he may be discreetly positioning himself where he can protect her, just in case they're bombarded by another... um, interesting scenario. but when the doors ding again and open...

...it's just the hotel lobby...? ]

[Hana nods, despite appearances Hana was used to fighting since there were lots of Oni and other things that the members of the Urashichiken Hanamachi had to face. Wind up in strange places and otherworldly places happened frequently when the enemy noticed them and encircled them. Taking his hand Hana studied him with those eyes of her, he had been really kind. He reminded Hana a little of Sakura, acting silly but really having more strength than he showed.]

I'll protect you.

[Stepping out of the doors, Hana glanced around. It was quiet and there didn't appear to be any enemies. But if it was a hotel, then that meant that it had a dining room, which meant food.]

[ oh. oh. his heartstrings give a tug as she slides her small hand into his with those large eyes peering up at him. his smile is softening, something fond and grateful. ]

Well, then. If Miss Hana is here to protect me, then... I'll be just fine, won't I?

[ his posture shifts just slightly as the doors open-- and the sight of the hotel lobby -- pristine, no blood or unpleasant things in sight -- have him giving pause. what in the world is going on...? ]

I. Ah... can't say I was expecting that.

[ he hadn't been anywhere near the hotel, earlier - he had been in his apartment. and he would hazard a guess Hana hadn't been here either. none-the-less, he gives her hand a little squeeze and peeks out the doors before tentatively exiting with her. ]

You know, if you weren't here to tell me I'm not losing my mind... I'd really be in trouble. This is crazy...!

[Hana offered a fond smile as well, nodding in agreement. Still holding onto his hand as they ventured out into the hall that leads towards the lobby. It certainly wasn't where Hana had been previously, and it was not a place that was recognizable to Hana. Whoever made it was really impressive.]

Not crazy. It's magic, someone made it.

[Walking over to the front desk, Hana stood up on toe tip and rang the bell that was there with the hand not holding onto Father Able.]

Ding. Ding.

Magic... [ he echoes the word thoughtfully. a little hard to wrap his head around - the prospect such a thing actually existed, but considering what had happened today? not as farfetched as it might've been otherwise.

he seems happy enough to be lead on, not letting go of her hand as long as she was content to hold it. when she stopped at the front desk, he couldn't help but clear his throat, shifting a little awkwardly. ]

Um-- Miss Hana? [ he bends a bit to whisper toward her, dropping his voice. ] I think-- we're a bit... out of sorts for the usual guest. [ you know... covered in blood and all... THEY'RE GOING TO GIVE SOME POOR SOUL A HEART ATTACK... ] What are you doing?

[But they had gotten covered in blood in the hotel, so maybe it was exactly the kind of guest that they were used to. It made sense to Hana. Besides she pointed towards where the keys were hanging up.]

Shower. Then food.

[Besides it seemed like there weren't many customers, none of the keys seemed to be missing, and it was a little strange that there had been no receptionist out front. And if neither of them knew where they were, then they would need to ask for directions from someone.]

[ Abel awkwardly shifts his weight from one foot to the next, casting a quick peek around the lobby. it really was strange there was no one there - no bellboys, no receptionist to greet patrons, nothing. this whole thing was seeming more and more like a fever dream.

he's wondering where her parents are, too, right about now - if she's looking for the comforts of home here, then... is she like him with no idea where 'home' is? ]

Ah-- well. You know, I'm not sure how much money I have for a room and all that, but... I think there's an apartment in town that's, um.... supposed to be mine? [ he's still figuring this out okay it's WEIRD... ] But I bet I have enough for something good to eat~! Do you want to get cleaned up and come with me? Or do you have someone looking out for you that I could help you find?

[The mention of food was enough to draw Hana attention away from the desk, the child looked up at him with sparkles in her eyes. Something good to eat, did he mean, could it be?]

Noodles?

[Nodding at one instant, Hana then shook her head back and forth.]

No Tachibana, Sakura, or Chikahito.

[Even with her Myouhou Modoridori she could call Chika.]

[ oh. OH. he knows that look... boy does he ever. a fellow fatty ding dong?? this is a match made in heaven, and the grin on his face says as much ]

Noodles, hm? You know what, that shouldn't be too hard to find! Are you picky about what sort, Miss Hana?

[ the names... are they Japanese? it's been so long since he's heard anything of the east, but just drove further nails into the coffin that cemented this place was so different than home. he muses over it to himself as he begins gently guiding her out of the hotel ]

Are those your friends? Or maybe family? Not here, in any case, huh...

[Picky about noodles, how could anyone be picky about noodles they were all great. Well Hana did have favorites, but there hadn't been any noodles that would escape the ferocious appetite of this tiny body. Hana shook her head no, following Father able out of the hotel. Hana seemed much more cheerful now, wearing a bright smile rather than look of indifference or curiosity.]

Tachibana and Sakura are guardians. Chikahito is like me.

[Well the opposite of her rather than the same. Hana took in the magic of others, Chikahito pushed out and wasn't affected.]

Not here.

Well! [ he can see the mention of food has brightened her spirits - or at the very least, brightened more than they were before in the blood hotel. he's pleased, but despite it, he can't help but be worried. she's by herself...?

whoever took them here truly had a cruel sense of humor. ]

It looks like you and me are in the same boat! I'm here all by myself, too. [ the autumn air is chilly once they pass the doors - oh, hope no one minds two blood-soaked travelers here, don't mind them... he looks at the nearest street corner, trying to orient himself. hm, where was that apartment building again...? ]

Do you have a 'house' somewhere in the town, too? [ would they have given her some kind of guardian? ]

It was empty.

[There had been an apartment, but the only thing that had been there was a bed, basket, and . . . Oh wait she had something that might help. Hana pulled out the fluid and held it out, along with the crumpled letter and map.]

Found these.

[ so they really were in the exact same circumstances. he eyes the keys, map and letter - it looked identical to what he had received, and then to the fluid. he points at it gently ]

What's this?

Phone.

[Well that's what Hana figured it was. It looked like a phone and people had been talking on it. Tapping it the screen came up and Hana showed the various feeds that popped up.]

Phone?

[ wait. this is a... oh! he watches her tapping it at it. it'd been a long, long time since he'd seen a touchscreen this small. ]

O-oh, wow... this sort of thing- I never thought I'd see the day... [ but he's realizing this is a sort of silly thing to be hung up on- ~~get it, because it's a phone - hung up on~~ and he's chuckling. ] Well! I have one too, so I'll be able to keep in touch with you quite easily Miss Hana~! [ oh no she's doomed now... ]

[Having managed to find a few things, Hana really didn't have much of an idea how it worked yet. It would require more time of playing around with it since it was much different than anything that Tachibana and Sakura had provided for Hana to play with. However due to the nature of Hana's being taking in and learning new things was rather quick and easy.]

Yes, we can.

[But right now there were promises of getting clean and noodles to be kept.]

Address?

[ wow she didn't shoot him down... she truly is a rare breed, isn't she? Abel's so used to being ragged on and teased if not outright found an annoyance, so this is REFRESHING... ]

Right! Right. Over this way! [ what's the address, you ask? he has no idea! but he remembers the directions. vaguely. ~~he's going to get them lost~~ ]

We have some noodles to eat! And baths. Definitely baths, too.

Ah-- Miss Hana, that reminds me. [ don't ask him how. ] What is it like back home for you? Do you mind if I ask? I'm just a little curious.

[Hana was enjoying his company. He was kind of goofy but it was clear that he cared about people. Plus anyone that offered noodles had to be a good person and someone to keep in touch with.]

Kyoto, Japan.

I live in the Urashichiken with Sakura and Tachibana. Now Chikahito too because I called him back.

[The robes that she was in looked very much like those of a shrine maiden. Though at the moment they were starting to stiffen a little and Hana's nose wrinkled at the smell. For once a bath would not be something to complain about or fight. Even if it wouldn't be the same as home.]

Japan...?

[ it's as he thought. Japanese... just as surreal as being in "America." these countries had been lost to Armageddon for centuries. ]

Mm, I see. I'm not sure I'm familiar with these names, but I'm glad you have people to go back home to! Are you happy there?

[Hana nods. while there was a lot of work and occasionally danger in the daily affairs of the Urashichiken, Sakura and Tachibana took good care of Hana and Chikahito was really fun and brought her happiness too.]

You're a Priest?

[She was pretty sure that was what he meant when introduced himself as Father Able. That meant that he fought oni right? Like she did.]

[ there's some measure of relief on his face when she nods in reply; she's happy at home. good... she is a subdued child, and he had hoped it wasn't because she had a difficult life. or if she had - at least she had found people to make it better, now. ]

Mm, that's right! I'm a traveling priest for the Vatican in Rome. [ he flashes her a thumbs up!! ] I'm not used to being stuck in one place for too long, so this is going to be a bit of an adjustment for me... but! I'm not going to complain. It looks like it will be, ah. Interesting, anyway!

[ he pats his pockets down, looking for something as they walk ] Hm, I think the apartment is just a few blocks over from here... do you want to take a bath while I get the noodles ready, Miss Hana? Ah-- I don't think I'll have any clothes in your size, though... we'll have to think of something.

[Hana was certainly well cared for between her two guardians. Wonderful food, plenty of attention, clothes made by Sakura, and enchanted by Tachibana with magic against the threats of demons or spells that might be used against her. They made sure Hana always had on a coat when it was cold, or someone to provide an escort and ensure there no mishaps or noodly distractions.]

[Hana had heard of the Vatican and Rome but didn't really know much about it. Most of her history and knowledge were centered on feudal Japan since it was the reincarnation of those she would fight with or against, and those that were contracted with the oni that they were tasked had to stop.]

So you will stay?

[Usually, when someone said they would keep in touch it meant that they were leaving.]

[ having someone to come back to always made the time you had to spent apart a little easier. hopefully Hana wouldn't miss them all too much :(

Abel blinks at her momentarily, before his smile is bright in return. ]

Of course! I mean, we're stuck here together, right? I'm not in any rush to go running of anywhere... long as you want to put up with me! [ translation: he will gladly 'mother hen' you in absence of anyone else better suited for the job!! ]

[They were stuck, though Hana wasn't sure why they were stuck or when or where they were stuck either. But at least there had been someone to keep Hana from being entirely alone. She took his hand once again.]

Sticky stuck.

[It was Hana's way of saying that she would stick with him, and that he wouldn't have to worry about Hana getting tired of putting up with him.]

OCTOBER 2020 TEST DRIVE MEME

curse the fiends

fear the old blood

Character Arrival

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