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pedalbike2020-11-24 06:53 pm
upcyclingmod) wrote in pedalbike2020-11-24 06:53 pm
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Fourth TDM: Winter's breath
Welcome to the Test Drive Meme.
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As a quick note: This will be the last TDM and Application Round of the year! Have fun everyone!
Not all characters (known as Wickie, singular or Wickies, plural) arrive at the same time, surprisingly enough! That’s life for you. Some Wickies find their way to the island at a pivotal (or very mundane) point in their life, or even after or during their death.
Wickies who were standing or walking often find themselves entering the town South Sister, located on Lighthouse Isle, through an open doorway. Those that were laying down, or sleeping, tend to be found lying prone in beds, bathtubs, showers, couches, and similar places within the cottages on Cottage Row. There’s no rhyme or reason to it all! To Wickies familiar with the era, they will realize that everything looks as if it’s come from the ‘90s.
The house which a Wickie finds themselves within could already be occupied. This includes walking into a fellow Wicke, waking up in the same location, or accidentally scaring a room full of people with their sudden appearance.
Oops.
Start of Winter
Thankfully things have more or less dried out, for the seasons are already changing. Or at least, the weather is, and with it...comes snow.
The grass on the island is covered, various trees lose the last of their leaves, the sand becomes crunchy, and even a portion of the ocean water becomes frozen solid. (Take THAT, water!). And with it, Wickies wake up at their feet (or suddenly in their hands if they don’t sleep) warm clothing and various ways to keep warm- or at least keep the cold from messing with their joints!
And with it, there are snow shovels and boots that are set out neatly by the door. It seems more snowk is expected, and foot protection is more important than ever. While it is possible for some (those who are not infected by the Silence at least) to use the teleporter to get from town to their homes, there are pathways that need to be cleared for everyone.
It might be a good time to offer a helping hand! Especially with some Wickies who are snowed into their homes.
Or it could be a good time to use the shovels to gather snow for snow ball fights, snow forts, and similar winter activities. The nice thing about the winter shovels is that they’ll have them for a few months.
Too bad the ground is nearly frozen solid, and these particular shovels are not good for digging into the ground.
Frosty Protections
While there may be the snow and the quiet that’s coming in, there are other things that are coming into the island too. There are tables that linger day or night, which have tangyuan. Some in the shape of various animals, and some of them that are simply balls of colored dough. They are edible, and thankfully they don’t have a negative consequence to eating them (unlike the mooncakes from before) but there are written instructions, which also proclaim outloud to a Wickie if they linger for awhile:
“For the use of protective talismans! Stick it on your chair, your door, your window!”
Interestingly enough, they do seem to work. Wickies who are Silence infected are repelled by them, feeling uneasy and nauseous around them and touching the tangyuan even with covered hands will cause a burning sensation.
Infected Wickies who eat the treats...they’re in for a rough time. Really rough.
There are also little tables with various drinks, some being fruit juice, sparkling fruit juice, champagne and of similar ilk- but not ever with water. That’s just bad luck after everything.
The inscription for this table, which is again read out loud, “Toast to others health”
Picking up the cups, they will be unable to drop it, and the fluid will refill in the Wickie’s cup until they find someone to toast to- whether it’s in humor or in earnestness.
For the next twelve hours after the toast is made, even if the drink is not drunk after, the Wickie toasted will find they will have better luck in that subject, whether it is in health, love, or friendship, or just in general.
The same applies if Wickies toast together to a group of people as well.
Of hooves and horns
The strangest thing of all isn't the sweet rice balls, nor is it the smell of evergreens heavy in the air. Instead, it's the masks set to everyone, and the ruckus music that thrums through the air, deep into the night.
The masks are of a haggard old woman, well worn and aged, and that of a man with horns and facial hair similar to a goat.
There are different effects when it comes to the masks, both happening at night with the music starts.
Wickies wearing the devilish mask find themselves wearing a ragged fur suit, prancing in the streets, ready to whip other Wickies whose behavior has been suspect or bad as of late. Finding the wicked and punishing them is an impulse, neigh impossible to ignore. And, too, there is a sense of wicked glee when they do punish someone with their reeds and whips. Krampus masked Wickies thankfully can be pacified with rum or brandy. They'll need the help of another to pull of the mask. But once it's off, the costume vanishes, and the chagrin of what happened ( or the satisfaction) follows.
Wickies wearing the woman’s mask will find that they’re not trying to scare people, but instead, they find themselves loping in and out of the crowds, searching, scanning, for certain people, all the while wearing ragged clothing, and often a scarf on their now ratty, graying hair.
It’s with a sickening horror that Wickies will realize there is something in the mask that is watching through the mask itself, and is nodding to itself far away and writing their names on a list.
And it’s not Santa Claus.
The Wickie’s wearing the old woman’s mask can be distracted by scattering seeds or threads in front of them- one inducing a true distraction to count and pick up the seeds, and a rage that comes over that of wasted thread.
Seeds make it easier to pull off the mask, and thankfully popcorn counts as a seed! But thread...well, it is a distraction too, but one that can lead to violent consequences. It might mean some rounds of bait and switching until the mask is taken off.
And that’s when the Wickie who had been wearing the mask realizing the list is of ‘bad’ Wickies, But…
how bad could they be?
Confession network
Yet again, the phone goes off. Doesn’t look like it’s anybody in town, but it’s that weird, cheesy app called The Heart Game. And it’s persistent, too: it doesn’t want to be ignored, making a series of beeps and chirps, much like a pet that wants attention.
The message that pops up is as follows:
We’re back! It’s the time for everyone's favorite game- Confession! So beloved users, our question is:
What do you love about winter? Is it the nip on your nose? The hot drinks? Playing in the snow? Tell us!
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Here here~! I will absolutely drink to that!
[ and drink he does, giving the mysteriously reappearing glass a sip. sometimes you just have to trust the magical bubbly, alright? he doesn't make the rules. ]
Well! In the spirit of friendships, I suppose this is as fine a time as any for making one more...! [ extending his gloved hand for a shake, Abel's all bright, warm smiles and clearly finds himself in good company. ] Father Abel Nightroad, at your service~! It's a pleasure, sir. Are you new around town...? I can't say I remember seeing you before!
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He raises his glass to his lips and takes a sip. Man, it sure would be awkward if this was poison, huh? Maybe they should have made a toast to good health or safety. At least it doesn't taste off but what if its odorless and tasteless. Oh, boy. Well, he'll cross that bridge when he gets there. He'll live! He always finds a way.
Once he's finished, he flexes his fingers around the glass and... he's free! He's free from his dang curse and he's quick to set it down on a nearby surface. With his now free hand, he reaches out to shake his hand,
A priest, huh?)
Claude von Riegan. (Which probably means nothing in this place.) The pleasure is mine.
Correct. I've only just arrived! Is it that obvious? Or is this town really so close and intimate?
(That they just know everyone and can pick out the outsiders right away?)
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Abel's shaking that hand gently. ]
Mr. Claude? [ nope. the name brings about no recognition, as expected. ] Oh, I guess you could say I'm just particularly nosy... admittedly, there isn't much to do around town but wander, so you get used to seeing who's who pretty quickly. You're in surprisingly good spirits for a new arrival, I'm impressed! Or could it be the drinking is making this all a bit easier to swallow...?
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Just Claude. (He holds up a hand to stop him before that ends up becoming a habit.) There's no need to be formal.
(Especially since he gets the feeling that things like title and status dont really matter here.)
Hmm... (He hums. Yes, he supposes he is handling all of this better than one might expect, all things considered. He tilts his head a bit to the side, thoughtful,) Should I behave some other way? Panicking won't get anything done and the best way to get answers is to keep a level head.
This isn't my first time thrown into... an unfamiliar situation. (He takes just a half second to find the right word he wants,) But I suppose the spirits help, too.
(The last part is a joke. He taps at the glass he just set down. He barely drank any but no one needs to know that.)
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Well— either way, it’s a good attitude to have, I’ll admit~! Like you said, there’s really no use in panicking, though I’d definitely understand if you were uneasy about the whole thing. It can be, ah, a lot. [ in a variety of ways, too!! what fun!! they say variety is the spice of life, right...? ]
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Let's just say... (Hm, how can he best phrase this?) My circumstances have changed rather recently back home; from one world to another in a more metaphorical sense than a literal one.
(Sometimes your life gets flipped turned upside down and you become next in line to overseeing a whole nation. It be like that sometimes.)
It is a lot to take in. I admit, I'm... well, I wouldn't say overwhelmed. Whelmed? Moderately-whelmed. (He has a way with words. His politics and speech tutors would be proud of him.) I'm still figuring things out but the impression I have is that the same can be said for everyone here.
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Ah, moderately whelmed, of course, of course! That makes perfect sense. [ he nods in a most sagely manner of understanding. ] I can get that, and you’re not wrong at all. Aside from our kindly benefactors who so generously decided to treat us to this impromptu vacation from our homes, everyone seems to be in the same boat. They aren’t particularly forthcoming about why we’re here, but... well! I guess you could say there are plenty of very especially stubborn people working to figure it all out. Have you heard any of the details, yet? I don’t want to bore you by repeating anything...
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I'll have to thank our generous hosts later.
(If he can. Whoever they are? This place has so many dang questions. Wow, and he thought the church was a conspiracy box back home. At least he knew where to snoop around to find some answers there.)
I can't say I've heard much; a whisper here, some musings there. If you have anything to share, I'm all ears. Any repeating just means it's important, right?
(And he means it! He's a very good listener. He loves listening.)
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Well! In that case, I’d be happy to tell you what I can. I’m sure there are others who are better suited to it, though — so bear with me, alright?
[ he’ll keep it to the important bits!! ...or try to, anyhow. no need to overwhelm his company with tl;dr first day marooned on Creepy Fogtown Island and all that. ]
Um, let’s see... we can start with the basics. The man who’s laid claim to bringing us here is known as the ‘Admin.’ We don’t know much about him except that he seems to be benevolent enough, and rather determined to see us through to whatever goal he’s aiming for... he has an assistant, his daughter, named Doll. She’s quite friendly and tasked with helping keep tabs on our well-being while we’re here.
There’s also Dr. Zolta — she has a building in town and... um, oddly enough, is described as a ‘therapist’ or something... I haven’t had the pleasure of meeting her, yet! But the rest of their group seems to be less sociable and we don’t hear from them much. Most of the time, we’re left to our own devices here on the island.
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Admin, huh? (Presumably short for "administrator." The guy in charge. Nondescript but fitting.) I wonder how benevolent someone can be without knowing their plans, though.
(Claude isn't the most naturally trusting person in the world, sorry.
No comment on this "Doll" or "Dr. Zolta" though. Of the three, "Doll" sounds like the easiest one to pick at in the future if their paths cross. He hums to himself, thinking about what he's heard though,)
Are these the powers in charge here or would you say their situation is similar to our own?
(Brought here? Just trying the best they can?)
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I don't believe they're trapped here, no, but I haven't heard anything explicit one way or the other for what it's worth. It seems that the Admin is here of his own volition.
[ but he hesitates, there, and his brow furrows a bit. ]
...Well, that's a little misleading. It's more like-- I think he stays here out of dedication to his cause. He's personally motivated to see it through, even though it sounds like the endeavor has been, ah... unpleasant for him, as well as us.
[ he's trying to word all this diplomatically, you see... it's a little rough but, you know, it's the thought that counts! ]
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But is there much choice? Work with what you can, take what you can get, but be cautious and mindful.)
Tell me: All things considered, do you trust these powers that be?
(He's only been here for a short time. It's best to see what those with more experience think. And Abel seems to be... thoughtful enough.)
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[ he taps knuckles to his chin thoughtfully, before there’s the look of a man whose settled on something — and he pleasantly smiles ]
I definitely trust that the Admin believes he’s doing what’s right, if that makes sense. And that he doesn’t wish us any harm, but... I also get the feeling that ‘harm’ might come to us as part of seeing all this through to the finish line. That’s the sort of thing he’s come to terms with and accepted. [ Abel’s given this a good lot of thought - one doesn’t have much else to do but think, these days... ]
So... I think we’re capable of working with him, even if we might not see eye-to-eye.
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What difficult situation, he thinks and now it's his turn to be thoughtful.)
It wouldn't be the first time something terrible happened for the right reasons. (The weight of his words betrays the light and airy tone he carries.) I wonder what the limits are for everyone involved, though.
(How much is this admin willing to accept? And how much are the people here willing to endure? He can't help but glance at the rows of houses in sight. Assuming each house has a certain minimum number of people, that's still a large number. Navigating so many boundaries isn't an easy task and he wonders how balanced things are...)
Eye-to-eye or not, we'll have to see. Look forward but watch our back...
(He says "we" and "our" but he's speaking mostly for himself.)
This is quite the conundrum, isn't it? Confounding and confusing... A considerable conspiracy. Hah! A real con situation in a sense.
(Get it? Because all of his words start with con-? Let him laugh at his own jokes.
He's definitely taking all of this very seriously.)
1/2
his eyes briefly soften, none-the-less, wondering what sort of world Claude comes from... what he’s seen and been through. people who tended to laugh things off and we’re quick to find the humor in things... that often betrayed something else about them, too. hm... ]
2/2
My~! You truly are a wordsmith, aren’t you? Claude, don’t tell me you’re some sort of poet or scholar back home... I can see it all too well~! That kind of thing does wonder for your popularity with the ladies too, right? That’s what I hear, anyway...
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Me? (Li'l ol' him? He bats his eyes. He's oblivious. He has no idea what he means. But it's so very clear that he's playing around,) I'm only one of the most popular guys at school.
(For better or for worse. Also he sure is a student so... a scholar in a sense? He's a nerd that keeps his handsome nose clean and in books.)
Though, it's less because of what I have to say and more because of my roguish good looks, I'm sure.
(He's hot and he knows it. The status and power that comes from being a Riegan helps too but #details. Those aren't important here. His title won't curry him any favors, his blessing won't grant him any special rights. Let him revel a bit in the sweet, sweet anonymity of this horror jamjar.)
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Ah, the vigor of youth~! You're a young man in your prime, Claude, so please make sure you stop and smell the roses as they say, you know? Schooling is quite important, but you also have to live a little, right~? [ this priest is just looking out for your immortal soul by encouraging some casual debauchery, no thanks necessary, really ]
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Oh, you don’t have to tell me twice. You know what they say about all work and no play. ( It makes you a dull boy? Yeah, that sounds about right. ) But school isn’t as uptight as you might think. Occasionally, there’s dancing, singing, and feasts for sharing.
( It’s hard to believe that those things weren’t too long ago. So much can change in just a few months. )
... It’s still pretty uptight, though.
( Hah. )
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Ah, so what are you studying in school? Any particular subject, or are you going for a well-rounded approach? [ most of the younger generation of islanders seemed to have rather different ideas of what schooling entailed; he’s a bit curious if Claude’s falls into that category of odd, too! ]
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(He shrugs,)
Government, economics, science, history, religion, music... (Pretty ordinary and he could probably leave it there but after brief consideration, he adds,) Combat, magic, and other specialties.
(He suspects the last two will come up eventually so he might as well. He also knows this isn't quite the same as a regular school for commoners or a specialty school like a magic academy so he'll offer,)
Not that I expect it to mean much here but I go to the Officer's Academy at Garreg Mach Monastery. Think of it as... a military academy. But fancy.
(JRPG Catholic Hogwarts for nobles and only the luckiest and most talented commoners. Because if you aren't born with it, you gotta work for it.)
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--Ah. I see, I see, so it's another 'magical' world...
[ is he disappointed? is he depressed...? who knows, but his shoulders are sloping and he certainly looks dejected. ]
C-Claude, I... I'm beginning to think I'm some sort of freak of nature or something... Everyone here comes from some super cool world filled with magic, or sorcerers, or... or demon exorcists and-- you're from a magical MILITARY academy, and I just-- I... how can I possibly compare to that...?!
Our friendship is just beginning to bloom, and I'm already realizing I'm a pale shadow of your greatness...!! Th-this is too cruel...
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Raising a brow? My dude, are you okay? Claude reaches out to pat him on the shoulder,)
Hey, hey... don't beat yourself up. (Magic and sorcerers? Fine. Normal. Demon exorcists definitely catches his attention, though.) If it helps... I'm not a mage or anything like that.
(No magic talent here. He's talented in a lot of things but magic isn't one of them.)
And I don't see why we've got to let something like where we're from or who we are stop us from getting along. Seems real silly when we were just kicking it off, you know? None of that matters here anyway. I could be a prince or the Archbishop herself and what a load of good that'll do me here.
I'm starting off here with nothing and I'm going to need everyone's help to step up. (And he's looking at Abel as he says this.) No matter who we are, we're in the same situation here.
(And isn't that equal?)
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the priest captures this FINE gentleman’s hands in both his own, eyes shimmering with the light of a man truly touched, moved, inspired~!! ]
Claude, you— you truly do have a way with words, don’t you...? I... I completely understand what you mean!! We’re all in this together, and I really think it’s wonderful of you to reach out your far more interesting and well-rounded hand to that of a measly, tedious priest who comes from an extremely boring and uninteresting world in comparison to yours a-and—
[ is he about to cry...? possibly. ]
I’m really... really grateful such kind and selfless people exist in this Godforsaken place, I... I’d truly be lost without your shining kindness to cast light on all this shadowy gloom...!!
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Suddenly his hands are being held so firmly in Abel's and he really isn't sure what to make of this. Actually, he sort of just leans back out of reflex because he's so caught off guard. His guard is caught. He's lost it. And he's just trying to regain it now.
Is this priest really so emotional? He'd been so collected just moments before. Well, he supposes some of the signs were there before? But they've only just met and he isn't sure what to think exactly.)
Hey. Are you going to cry? (Is he going to cry?) Don't go crying on me.
(Please don't cry. Don't make this strange. It's usually his job to make things uncomfortable?)
Think about the moment. We were having a moment! Don't go ruining it!
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