TDM: JANUARY/FEBRUARY

[ryslighelpers]

TDM: JANUARY/FEBRUARY

Welcome to the Ryslig Test Drive Meme! Below are a few prompts to get you started, but you may make up any prompt you desire! Please take a look at the navigation page for rules, setting information, and links to reserves and apps. Have fun!

SCENARIO ONE

You wake up in a dark ditch, the sky cloudy overhead. Dirt cakes into your cuts and scrapes. The air is clammy and damp, and it smells like rain.

You’re in a grave. And when you sit up to inspect the tombstone marking your spot, it has your name on it. Maybe the graves next to you have the names of familiar friends, family, acquaintances. Not all of them are open like yours are. RIP.

There’s a light dancing in the distance, and you hear the jingle-jangle of heavy keys, or worse still, the gravekeeper’s massive pitchfork or shovel. If you're lucky, you can sneak out beyond his notice, and get out alone. If not - you might find yourself on the wrong end of a shovel’s swing, or worse yet, tripping headfirst in front of a pair of monstrous eyes.

SCENARIO TWO

You've stumbled your way out of the graveyard, and you're promptly besieged by the overwhelming sights and sounds of the city. Cars honk at you to get out of the street, and strangers try not to look in your direction for too long. They see your dirty clothes and scraped faces, and pretend to busy themselves with something else. Rarely, a look of pity is cast your way.

But some people try to reach out. Enterprising citizens and those that hope to curry favor with the newcomers pass out new clothes and bundles of food, asking if you have a place to stay the night, wondering about the details of the world you came from. Some are even handing out pamphlets which vary in how helpful they are--"What To Expect When You're Expecting (To Turn Into A Monster)", "Wolpertinger: Fact or Fiction?", "100% ACCURATE MONSTER QUIZ ASSESSMENT: GUARANTEED TO PREDICT YOUR MONSTER!", and "Ryslig Law In A Nutshell".

Then there are the people who aren't happy to see you at all. Glares and silent, judging stares if you're lucky, torches and pitchforks attempting to drive you out of the town if you're not. You may need a friend to help you.

SCENARIO THREE

"Seek us out," the voice whispers in your head, and before you have time to question it you've found yourself in someplace entirely alien.

Maybe it's the Fog God's ghostly town of Dyster, where exultant followers dance around bonfires and sing their praises to the skies above. Maybe it's the Fourth God's arcade, with small robots wheeling about amidst the lights and colors of old pinball machines.

Only one thing is certain: you are not alone, in this sacred place.

SCENARIO FOUR

The time has come and you've found yourself becoming a monster. Is the change instant, or gradual? Are you familiar enough with monsters to know what's happening, or is it a complete shock? Does it fit you, or does it feel incongruous with your nature? Feel free to pick any monster type for this prompt, but note that you may not get the same one in game.

Comments

[ohmyscream]

Well it's not mine.

[ She chortles a little at his actions. Annie can feel her doll stir against her back under her long winter coat. That poor man looks so confused. ]

Besides. He needs to pay better attention. Some of the monsters can drain people of their life force with a touch or paralyze with a look. Even I get vicious if the mood strikes me and I'm usually nice.

[nearamir]

It was a just question. [He shifts the shovel to his other shoulder, reaching up to settle his cloak more effectively against the rain, and sighs heavily. Again, there is a moment where the only sound is the splash of their feet in the mud, and the distant whisper of the wind. At last, frowning, he looks over at his companion.]

...I have told you that my brother's name was among them. My mother's, too.

Both are dead, it is true; but she has lain some thirty years beneath Minas Tirith, and he had no grave at all. I see no way for either of them to have come to this place; unless the graves are empty, or there is some enchantment at play that we know not.

I do not know if it is a lie, or if it is some greater strangeness at work. But it is not so simple as it seems, in any case.

[99problems]

Like now.

[ Bakura grins. And eyes her carefully. Did something just...? ]

[sandinmyhair]

[In a passable impersonation of Abuela,]'Ay, Mirabel what have you gotten yourself into, now?' she'd say.

[He continues with his grooming. True, Mirabel's hair is usually a bit unco-operative, but this seems different.]

You okay, kid? You seem a bit... thrown around.

[ohmyscream]

I'm being playful.

Teehee! Let's have a tea party!

[ Annie closes her eyes and counts to five. Thanks for ruining her ability to look cool and superior. ]

Maybe later. [ That is to Maribelle of course.

She glances at Bakura with a flat look. ]

She's harmless. Just a bit uh, haunted. When making deals make sure to be clear or you too may end up with a cursed doll who thinks they're taking care of you.

[hecatombed]

[Hythlodaeus is not so callous as to wear a happy expression while he hears of his friend's loss. His brow draws up a little in sympathy, even if Faramir does not want any, and the corners of his mouth fall.]

My deepest and most sincere condolences, friend. May their souls ever enjoy a peaceful rest at the heart of the star.

[A moment of silence. To continue speaking of other subjects so soon seems impolite, but he can't put it off forever. Hythlodaeus takes one of his long sleeves and wipes the condensation from the glass of the lantern so the light can remain unhindered.]

It certainly is a puzzle, and we do not yet have all the pieces... Hopefully whatever lies beyond the border of this place can afford us some more insight. Ah, speaking of which.

[The light catches on wrought iron bars - the giant, locked gate built to keep outsiders out. Or, in their case, insiders in. Hythlodaeus scrutinizes it in the dark for wherever a place may be to fit any of the keys they had picked up.]

There!

[Wrapped numerous times around the bars was a giant, heavy-duty chain keeping both doors of the gate together. A comically large, rusted padlock was affixed to it, ensuring that it would not be unwound.]

If you would be so kind, I will light your way. Perhaps sooner than later, I suggest. My eyes may not be up to their usual standard, but my ears seem to perceive heavy footfall in the distance.

three;

[wildscreen]

[Just. Going to stare, and if she had a camera on her, she'd be taking pictures.]

Well, I think you need to give these nice people their things back.

[Is she taller than him?]

[fractalcourage]

I see...fighting with anyone, but particularly those you hold dear, is never a pleasant experience. I am sorry you had to go through that.

[He hates that what he has to share in turn isn't much better, a sigh passing his lips as they pass more graves, more of them dug up now than not.]

The last thing I remember...well. There are parts of my world that are currently embroiled in war, and myself and a contingent of our closest allies are doing what we can to aid in the efforts. It pains me to be someplace else when I have urgent matters to attend to elsewhere.

[nonmagical]

[It's very tangled. If Bruno looks closer, her fur is a bit scuffed as well.]

Oh, that's right! I was being followed by someone. [Unknown to her, it's a monster poacher.] He was pretty creepy? Anyway, I ended up falling into a tunnel. It took so long to get out.

[nearamir]

[The words are unfamiliar, but the sentiment - the sympathy - is clear, and Faramir appreciates it. He appreciates even more the moving on of the conversation; his grief is not so raw that he wishes to stall their quest for it, and he had only raised it because it seems to him to be a part of the puzzle in itself. He does not want, in short, to have Hythlodaeus dwelling on it too long.]

[As well, then, that the light falls onto their hoped-for salvation when it does, and Faramir lengthens his stride, leaning the shovel against the gatepost.]

Sooner rather than later; indeed, as soon as I am able. Hold the lamp a little higher, if you would; there are too many keys, and I have no desire for pacifism to reach its end again so soon.

[hecatombed]

[Giving a lilting chuckle, Hythlodaeus lifts the lantern into the air a bit more and steps closer to Faramir. Their close proximity should afford the man a better look through the ring of keys, as well as a clear view of the padlock. Hythlodaeus cocks his head to glance behind them, his dirt-caked braid falling back over his shoulder from the angle.]

To think we may be bested by such an archaic contrivance!

[His tone is a strange mix of annoyance and amusement. The rudimentary items and tools in this foreign land would be charming if they weren't such a hindrance. If only he were able to call upon his magick in this place, however limited it may be, he would at least be able to open this lock. Instead he must put his faith in Faramir's nimble fingers, which, to his credit, have not failed them yet.]

If anything, I may be used as live bait, should the need arise.

[Just stop talking.]

[99problems]

[ Because she has actress posture and he has slinky-sneaky graverobber posture?

Yeah. ]

Who says these people are 'nice'?

[ Bakura sniffs his skewer. Tries to decide what meat it is.

Tries to decide whether he cares. ]

[99problems]

Haunted?

[ Bakura frowns, but it's an intrigued frown. His eyes glint.

And he moves, surprisingly quick for a human, to try and grab Maribelle.

He is fully expecting this to end badly, but, c'mon, what's he going to do? Ask to see her? Who DOES that? ]

[wildscreen]

They weren’t doing anything wrong. Maybe it’s odd to have a big party like this, but it’s not wrong.

[She puts a hand on her hip, still standing straight and tall.]

I may not know any of them personally, but I do know it’s wrong to steal their things.

[99problems]

[ There are any number of ways Bakura could puncture that statement. He's really spoiled for choices here. Ah, to be King is truly to sit atop a bed of riches!

But he goes for the one that gives him a prop. ]

This is human meat.

[ Remarked casually, almost as if merely observing. He sniffed it, he knows what it is now, it's human, he knows what cooked human smells like, clearly this is a regular conversation and not one designed to provoke a girl who carries herself like nobility, sure. ]

One

[softspokenlandlord]

Jackal-faced? No, no, I'm not a werewolf, I'm--

[Ryou hadn't really been paying attention, because he was tied up in his own thoughts, but as soon as he starts correcting this new person he has a sideways look at them and...

...well...

He freezes.

His bat ears rotate back a quarter turn. Uh. UHHH! Is...is this the Ring-Spirit somehow?!

Is it...not? Is there just another Bakura on the peninsula? Because he is very aware of exactly who this is, seeing as his spirit had made him fabricate all the parts to that ultimate shadow RPG of his.

Ugh...Ryou can already feel a headache building just behind his eyes.]

...C-can I help you?

[missleadingquestions]

[Even as a human, Maya loved compliments— but being a mermaid just makes them hit different. She smiles bright, even her teeth giving off a faint glow in the light.]

Thank you!! Isn't it pretty? Mermaids have the best hair.

[She even casts her hand through it, then extends the hand to Nana in a shake to say hello.]

I'm Maya!

ah... sdr2 spoilers ig... ancient spoilers

[creamsouda]

Souda isn't exactly the tallest guy, either; at 5'6, he was even the second shortest guy in his graduating class. SO he cranes his neck up to Perceive Freddy, and that moment is pretty formative in dispelling his suspicions and fears.

Sure, animatronics can't be trusted, especially not bears. But this particular bear has a smile as bright as Souda's old classmate Nekomaru, and has the imposing build to match. They have just the same vibe, as far as Souda can see, and suddenly he isn't associating Freddy with the Monokumas as much as he starts to think of the robot body Nekomaru'd ended up with and that Souda had to perform an autopsy on. Oops.

"A whole animatronic, yeah? Man, you are gonna have a wild time," Souda comments, then squints as if maybe for half a moment it's occurred to him that might be an insensitive thing to say— but the realization passes just as quickly as it came in favor of more questions that come to mind.

"What kind of animatronic? Like, for a theme park?"

[getstoned]

[ He’s just actively that cute. But as this continues Jolyne is stuffing the informational paperwork away in her pocket. ]

Really? Lucky you! Even just having this little bit of cold is kind of a lot. I’m so not into it at all.

But seriously, how have you been? Gone on many dates? Anyone beat me to making those heels for your little deer hooves? I still think I could pull it off…

[ This is when she’s pulling back to look him over appraisingly with a nod. ]

Would you say you have a great sense of balance?

[99problems]

[ Was that recognition? Bakura's senses sharpen, as if he were the wolf and he'd just scented blood. He doesn't know a thing about his situation, except for one fact:

this person had not wanted to see him. Him, specifically.

Which is one of his favorite ways to start a conversation. Bakura's mouth tugs in a smirk, all the other factors his thief's brain are weighing - whether or not this is where he thinks it is; how to escape this trap if it's not (or maybe even if it is); how to pull this off sans heka and Diabound; why the FUCK is it so FREAKISHLY COLD - a low, instinctual murmur. His head cocks. ]

Careful, god. You look like you've seen....a ghost.

H-hehehehehe....

[ Ryou, never meet your heroes. Or. Well. Your magic necklace's heroes. That way lies only disappuntment. ]

[softspokenlandlord]

Ha ha.

[One of Ryou's ears flicks lazily. He's not amused by the thief's antics. He's just irritated that there's another person with his name running around. Though, to be fair, if history is to be believed, then he's the one running around with this one's name.

...It doesn't help him feel better.]

I'm not a god.

[Said with a degree of petulance bordering on whining.]

I'm just...me.

[You know, a vampire. Which, if Bakura had any reference for, would explain the very long, pointy teeth poking past Ryou's bottom lip.]

[ohmyscream]

[ It does end badly. The thief King gets caught in the grip of a pincer. Annie huffy at him angrily bringing her tail higher so that she can menace at him threateningly with her barb. ]

Who said you could try grabbing at me? Or my companion? That's incredibly rude.

[ What makes this funny is she has to look up at him to scold him. Annie is a short thing. Threatening him is a bit silly. ]

[99problems]

Whoops.....!

[ Monster bits aren't just for show. This response pleases Bakura.

Who grins, twists his wrist to gauge how hard he's being held, and shrugs. She passes his test. He'll cooperate instead of scheming to overpower her for what he wants. ]

Hauntings excite me. They make spirited companions.

[ HE HAS AT LEAST 98, IF NOT MORE, GHOST JOKES WHERE THAT CAME FROM

DO NOT TRY HIM

He draws himself up as high as he can while still slouching (the slouch Abides) and declares: ]

I won't hurt the little lady. Thief's honor.

[ohmyscream]

That's not a whoops, you were playing.

[ Annie gives him an annoyed look. He is too much like "Richard". Hell, he even looks like him if Richard actually got serious sunlight.

Annie grips his wrist a little tighter when he tries breaking free. Excuse you, she's not done.]

In the spirit of goodwill do you think you could tone down the innuendo?

[ Oh no he has her doing it too.

Bad man.

Annie tilts her head to try and look him in the eye. Damn his height advantage. ]

You remind me of my friend. He sent her a gift for the local winter festival. Essentially she is a child. She has limited speech.

[ There is a rustling and the doll pops out from under the coat scaling Annie's back. The stark white doll with her almost red hair looks back and fourth between the pair with her glassy green eyes. ]

Mama!

Annnnd she has a mind of her own. Hi Maribelle.

[99problems]

[ Bakura has NEVER seen an object like Maribelle before. Given his surroundings, this doesn't surprise him - but that means he's appraising her with fresh eyes, unbiased by Creepy Doll Lore. He finds her fascinating. As he's come to expect, he doesn't sense anything from her...stupid otherworld running on its own form of magic he hasn't got (yet)....but that's definitely a Thing which is also a Person.

NICE. ]

Yo. [ His free arm salutes Maribelle, jaunty. ] Name's Bakura, your new best pal. Your mom can't keep her claws off me....

[ Free him or he shall continue to pollute the child's ears. ]