xistentiaooc | Test Drive Meme #2

Entry tags:

#meme,
#tdm

Test Drive Meme #2

Test Drive #2

I saw a flower, furrow, and brook

New TDMers are free to RP here as if "new" or "established;"
"new" is likely easier to keep in continuity after apping.

When gameplay begins, the second wave will have
their own intro plot and crash log!

CREATURES IN THE DARK

Far away from the city, the wall of light that is F.A.T.E.S. seems calm, glowing peacefully. You’re on an evening walk through the city, or maybe on a camping trip in the woods, or maybe on a romantic date on the beach; whatever it is, you’re outdoors, enjoying the apparent peace and quiet, for once.

That is, until you hear a noise. It’s a rustle, or a step, a branch breaking underfoot, a heavier sound than a human would make. And that’s when you find yourself faced with one of the many Xistentia critters: the Green Backed Bison. She's massive, with small horns and a broad, mossy back, a small calf at her side. She does not appear to want to charge you^[1], but that might change, depending on what you decide to do! Either approach it, run away, or go into aggressive mode; how will you react to being introduced to the incredible fauna of Xistentia?

Glitch in the City

The city of Xistentia now boasts a population of over 200 sentient souls! Congratulations on surviving your apocalypse, now feel free to enjoy the city and outlying forest. Today, a number of local businesses are open, including the local tailor, our diner Pop's Chocklit Shop, and Sue's Salads. For now, the only bar and lounge is the atrium of the Citadel, the outpost overlooking the sea. It's a lovely day to be out and about.

But at midday, the rendering errors begin. New arrivals, those who came into Xistentia since the second crash find themselves subject to a bizarre phenomenon, where a holographic projection seems to be floating above their head! It contains data about the character's marital status, preferences for fun and dating activities, and pet peeves... and perhaps embarrassingly, it isn't necessarily accurate.

As your daemon will explain the glitch is easy enough to fix! You can either move 100 yards from the location where it began, or another character can remove it for you by touching the graphic.

RENDERING ERROR #285
Preferred Alias: F.A.T.E.S. McWeirdo
Marital Status: Hateboning Nemesis
Preferred Dating Activity: Creating new universes, maintaining the equilibrium of the multiverse, organizing temporal divergences/alternate universes, restoring damage inflicted by D.E.S.T.I.N.Y.
Other Enjoyable Activity: DJing music
Pet Peeves: Unfiltered tap water, gluten-fee pasta, unscheduled apocalypses

Optional Code

GAME NIGHT

At 6 p.m., your Daemon starts making noise - a software update is being installed. It lasts for a few minutes, your Daemon mainly unresponsive if you attempt to make it do anything else than upload the data F.A.T.E.S. is sending it. Afterwards, it resumes acting as normal as it did before the update, but if you ask it, your Daemon will tell you:

Upgrade was installed for entertainment and integration purposes; Hangman.exe was installed.

Launch the application, and you will be given a match against one of your fellow citizens who also decided to join the game. On your holoscreen is a rudimentary, simple game of Hangman, as well as a chat window to taunt your opponent if you so choose. However, it becomes clear that F.A.T.E.S. has no idea what she's doing... the first word is 16 letters long, and she has pre-filled in the letters Z, C, and Q.

It's a good day to complain about technology, or start a new game afresh.

CHOOSE YOUR OWN ADVENTURE

hells yeah

Footnotes

Note any violence or injury in your subject headers, thank you.

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

[ Somehow Era is certain Emeraldd did this on purpose. At least she can be thankful that it's only Aymeric - someone she knows and trusts not to care about her state of dress, despite his noble upbringing...

Suddenly flustered, because this isn't just Aymeric, her good friend. This is Ser Aymeric de Borel, Lord Commander and current leader of Ishgard. Her good friend who, until a few moments ago, she had no idea was even here. And while she should have immediately sought to change into a new gear set for propriety's sake, Era instead ceases her chase of her rogue daemon to stare at Aymeric, blue eyes wide with surprise.

And then, in an uncharacteristic move (because had this been anywhere in Eorzea, or even the Far East she never would have even considered it) she promptly throws herself at the Lord Commander in a firm hug. ]

[ R.I.P. Aymeric de Borel. His cause of death was not going down in blaze of glorious combat against dragon nor man, but instead getting a hug from the half-naked Warrior of Light. We knew him well.

Or at least dying is the closest thing akin to what's he feels since his heart - which had been practically thumping out of his chest despite his calm demeanor - now does the opposite and stops abruptly. As does his breath. At least momentarily, until his mental capacities catch up to what exactly is happening and that he should.

Do something. Like, perhaps, hug her back. It's a very loose, careful wrap of of his arms in return. He wouldn't dare try anything inappropriate regardless (all lack of clothes aside), but especially not when she seems so relieved to see him. He briefly considers the fact she might have arrived before him. He wonders if if she'd waited long. ]

I have to say, this isn't the welcome I was expecting, [ he says, with no hiding the hint of amusement in his voice at it all, ] but I'm happy to see you're safe, my friend.

[ The amusement in his tone and the feel of his sleeves against the naked skin of her back reminds her once again that, no, she isn't wearing her armor anymore, courtesy of a daemon Carbuncle she is sorely tempted to try and unsummmon. It's enough that she reaches into her inventory and focuses on which gear set she wants to wear. A moment later and she is in one of her casual caster glamours - summoner, not black mage. Because someone ran off with the only rod she had on her person.

Instant wardrobe changes are so commonplace for Era that she thinks nothing of it and continues on with the hug she should probably make a tactical retreat from but chooses not to. In for a penny in for a ponze, after all. ]

Likewise.

[ The earnest relief she throws into that one word is palpable - she had honestly been worried she may never see her beloved friends again. Aymeric being here means that there is yet still hope. ]

[ Ah. Yes. He appreciates that, because any longer of her nearness while without proper attire might have well and truly done him in. Also, he'd hardly want to tarnish her reputation in such a way. Not that Era has ever been one to seem to care overly much for what others might think... He suspects the same is probably true of this new world. Her resiliency in the face of adversity is just one of the many things he admires about her.

Though, he has to wonder, ] I hope I didn't keep you waiting overly long?

[ How long has she been here without him? Anyone? That relief was keenly felt. It's a small hope to him, too, that if Era had made the journey before him others might after. He thinks briefly of Lucia especially and how he'd lost her in the journey here somehow. While he has no doubt in her capabilities, he can't help but worry regardless. What had loomed over Eorzea was... catastrophic, to say the least. What appeared another Umbral Era in the making though that it should happen so soon after the last, well.

He didn't want to dwell on it. ]

[ She ponders Aymeric's query as she finally pulls away from the embrace. It had been a just over a fortnight since she saw him last, during the meeting of the Eorzean Alliance leaders. So much had happened since then, and they hadn't had a spare moment to catch up amidst all the chaos. Had things gone forward as planned the Scions would be well entrenched in the liberation of Ala Mhigo, leaving even less opportunity to meet.

Pushing all of that aside for now, as Era is certain Aymeric is asking how long she has been here, she thins her lips and shrugs. ]

A moon, give or take.

[ In her heart she already knows the answer, but Era still can't help but ask: ]

...Alphinaud and Alisaie?

[ As much as she cares for the other Scions, Era doesn't fret over them nearly as much as she does the young twins. Though she has never admitted it to anyone - least of all the teenagers in question - she has all but claimed them as kin. They are the younger siblings she can never recall having, and as such Era takes great joy in watching them grow.

The thought of Alphinaud and Alisaie alone amidst the beginning of a new Umbral Era... It's near enough to drive the her mad with worry. ]

[ He still recalls that day of their gathering. He had been so wrapped up in the Dragonsong War then Ishgard's coup that much of what had been happening in Eorzea prior eluded him.

Still. He was - at the very least - aware of the mounting tensions in Ala Mhigo. The Scions plans to march for them and their liberation from the Empire. He was also, of course, aware of Ilberd's reckless summoning of Shinryu using the very same eyes of Nidhogg he'd requested Era throw into the abyss. ]

I see, [ half-distracted. If only he'd known, if only-

The names she inquires about draw him away from that train of thought, however, and he's re-focused entirely on her. No time to dwell on such matters right now, especially not with all things considered. ]

My apologies, Era, I was not with them. [ He wishes he had been. The worried frown settling onto his friend's face tugs at his heartstrings in an unpleasant way. ] Mayhaps they'll make their way here too, in time.

[ She shakes her head - it is nothing for Aymeric to apologize for. She wouldn't have expected her dear friend to be with the twins just prior to arrival. Even if she had, there would still be naught her friend need be sorry for. ]

Though still young they are exceptionally talented. I am certain they will find their way to safety.

[ And given that Aymeric is without his dutiful shadow, Era deems it sensible to add something that may soothe some of her friend's worries. ]

I am also certain that Lucia is fine as well.

[ If the Mothercrystal is choosing to send people from Hydaelyn to save it, then hopefully the twins are among them. He can't think of many else more capable than those two; they each have their respective strengths that would be nothing but beneficial to ensuring the restoration of their world. ]

I have no doubt, [ he agrees, both about the twins and Lucia. He knew his second-in-command would likely be alright... even if he couldn't stop some small part of him from wondering what if.

Era will feel a tiny tap to her leg as the Wind-up Haurchefant tries to get her attention. ] It's good to see you again, my friend! [ he declares. It isn't actually Haurchefant, of course, and is more of him via Aymeric's influence than the Elezen he's modeled after, but. Still. It's been a bit surreal for even the Lord Commander to have this imitation of his friend following him. ]

[ Era supposes she should have beene more aware of her surroundings, and then maybe Aymeric's daemon wouldn't have caught her so unprepared. The look of pain that flits across her face is gone as quickly as it arrived - she has long since gotten accustomed to forcing her feelings aside when it comes to her late friend.

While this may not be Haurchefant, that does not mean it - he? - doesn't have feelings as well. And so the only reasonable thing she can do is squat down politely so she isn't towering over him, smile, and be honest. ]

It is wonderful to hear the voice of my dear friend again.

[ Because she had been worried she might forget. Already the memory had started to fade, leaving her wondering if she was an awful friend to forget something so important so quickly.

Now she has a reminder of that.

It also reminds her of how badly she had failed Haurchefant, but she can shove that guilt aside for now. ]

[ Aymeric thinks to apologize for the brief bit of grief that crosses her face. He has enough sense to refrain though for it wasn't he who decided his daemon. Well. At least, not directly.

The daemon extends his arms out and gives a bright smile (:D), mimicking the late Haurchefant's cheerful disposition. ] Thank the twelve you are both here and safe! I'm sure the others will be along shortly.

[ Ever the optimist, Haurchefant. ]

If nothing else, it'll certainly be a lot less quiet for his presence. [ A gentle jest, of course. ] Not that I mind in the slightest.

[ It is still exceptionally difficult to see an imitation of such a dear friend, but there is no one to blame for it. Even if the daemon had somehow chosen the form itself it couldn't have understood. So Era will just put on her big girl pants and deal with it.

She pats the wind-up doll on the head. ]

We can only hope.

[ Aymeric's good humour startles a laugh from her. ] Yes, your companion seems much more agreeable than mine.

[ They also have one another - two people who share the memory of this friend quite intimately, in their own ways - help ease the pain the daemon inadvertently causes. Aymeric, of course, is also of the mind that it can't be helped even if it isn't the most pleasant scenario. ]

That he does, [ the man comments, casting his eyes towards the wayward Carbuncle. The display still sits alight above him. He'd been so distracted by everything that he'd all but forgotten the screen hanging overhead. ]

Should we retrieve your rod?

[ A nod is all Aymeric gets before Era decides to 'cheat' a bit, pulling out her grimoire to write for a few scant seconds, then toss her arm in the Carbuncle's direction. It promptly stops what it's doing and leaps into the air, somersaulting backwards in a shower of aetherial sparks, and landing on its newly-yellowed feet.

Then it is promptly tackled by its mistress into a semi-violent hug. ]

You have never done this before today, and from today you shall never do it again.

[ That is not a request, Emmy. ]

[ That is

certainly one way to deal with a rogue Carbuncle. Amusement is plain on his face; despite the fact that Era is scolding the creature, it is a rather cute scene. ]

It would likely be in your best interests to listen to her, [ he agrees. ]

[ The Carbuncle practically wilts in her arms; both tail and ears drooping. It twitches its nose at Aymeric's comment but doesn't otherwise make any disagreements.

Now with her staff returned to her (and stuffed back into her inventory before it can register as a change of class, because she has had enough of baring skin in public) Era is much calmer, though does not relinquish her grip on her obnoxious daemon.

Emeraldd, for its part, seems more or less pleased with the absent head scratches as its mistress wanders back over to her friend. ]

[ Would that he could take a picture to immortalize this moment... He'll have to see if that is a capability that Haurchefantd has. He can't imagine the daemon wouldn't, honestly, what with all its other apparent features. Speaking of the come to life minion, it has taken the task of scaling Aymeric (noticeably without protest from the man) in order to sit contently on his shoulder. The wind-up's feet sway idly back and forth out of time. ]

Now that your rogue daemon has been attended to, I suppose I should defer to your knowledge about our current whereabouts.

[ Haurchefantd had told him somewhat about it, but. It was still difficult to parse. ]

[ Era isn't sure if the sight of the strange little minion-daemon makes her want to smile or cry and so carefully avoids looking at it too long or too frequently. Emeraldd seems to catch on to this and - surprise of surprises - makes sure to keep her preoccupied just enough with its soft ears and tail that Era can proceed without hesitation. ]

This world is Xistentia. According to provided information all worlds are in the process of being destroyed, and somehow being here will reverse or prevent the process.

At present we are the only ones from Eorzea. There are no other races familiar to us here save for Hyur, though are unfamiliar with the term and call themselves Human.

Currently we are near the ruins of a strange city. Nature has taken over much of it, similar to the ruins of Nym.

[ So, none of the others had made it. He had hoped, pehaps, that Lucia had managed to find her way here in the portal with him... Esinien no doubt would have done his best to escape with as many as he could.

The idea of Ishgard falling - especially after taking rule, without him there - doesn't sit well in the slightest. Even if it was something completely out of his control as it appears to be, there's still that twinge of guilt that there was more he could have thought to do.

After a significant pause to process her words, he offers a small (what he hopes to be) reassuring smile. ]

... It seems we might both be a bit out of our breadth, my friend.

[ She may not be the most accustomed to physical affection, nor the most comfortable with giving it. But she has already hugged Aymeric once, and though she is not overwhelmed with relief she sees no reason not to offer another embrace when she finds words lacking. ]

[ Ah, that's.

Honestly, this is two more hugs than he ever imagined he'd receive from his friend this day. It is an appreciated gesture, however, as indicated by the light chuckle that escapes him. Haurchefantd seems to take a page from her book as well too and squeeze his little arms to the side of Aymeric's neck.

Not to worry, Ser! We'll figure this all out in no time! [ he says, reassuring and optimistic as ever. ]

Thank you. Both of you.

[ Era is pleasantly surprised when Aymeric laughs and she can feel the vibration of it against her skin. It's a such a nice sensation that she can understand more clearly why people enjoy this type of contact so much. Combined with the scent of Eorzea that still lingers on his armour it's altogether very comforting. Era can only hope it's as comforting to her friend in return.

Withdrawing, Era offers a small smile to the daemon and Aymeric in turn. ]

Shall we vacate the woods?

[ It is. Absolutely. There's something to be said about such a simple affectionate gesture and how far it goes in this moment. Despite what might have happened to their realm, they are here. Together. And they can work together to fix it.

He has a smile ready for her in return soon as she draws away. It seems to have done the trick in lifting his spirits just a bit. ]

That would probably a wise course of action, wouldn't it? You'll have to introduce me to those you've already become acquainted with in the city.

[ Era interrupts her agreeable nod of the head with a frown. While Rose and Rafa and James were worth introducing her friend to there is one who stands out emphatically as one she will steer Aymeric away from. ]

Only those worthy of introduction.

[ And if her tone is a little cool as she gestures for Aymeric to follow, well. Era has good reason for it. ]

The first introduction shall be to the city.

[ Ah. That doesn't go unnoticed; while he knows that the Warrior of Light is not without her enemies, he finds it slightly surprising that she's already found someone to dislike here. ]

I trust your judgement. [ i.e. He takes her word that there are some people to steer clear of and will do his best to respect her wishes. ]

Arguably the most important introduction of them all, [ he notes, following at her command. ]

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

Test Drive Meme #2

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i literally uploaded this icon just for this tag

I knew exactly which one it was before even seeing it

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realizing ur character might kind of blame themselves for the world ending whoops

nah it's estinien's fault ofc

well. estinien is kind of a lovable dumb jerk

have you seen the wind-up estinien yet??

trust me i've been trying to get one for ages

if I ever manage to get another one I will give it to you!

bless <3

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