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graveyardsmash2022-09-09 09:15 am
ryslighelpers) wrote in graveyardsmash2022-09-09 09:15 am
Entry tags:
TDM: SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER
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
(CW: Human remains)
When you awaken, you are hit with an immediate feeling of motion. A bobbing, if you will, or perhaps more of a rocking. You take a deep breath through your nose and take note of salt, along with the pungent scent of rotting wood. Creaking sounds echo all around you. Sitting up, you find yourself locking eyes with a skull.
An entire human skeleton is positioned across from you, resting limply against a pillar. Surveying the rest of your surroundings, you soon realize that you're below deck on an old, dilapidated ship. A ship that's on the move. The crew must have suffered a terrible fate, strewn as they all are across the floor. With their ripped poofy shirts, sheathed cutlasses and jaunty feathered hats, they seem to scream one word at you. "Pirates". ...Ooh, is that an abandoned bottle of rum? And a treasure chest? Surely they won't mind if you help yourself. They're dead, after all!
Once you've ascended the creaky steps, you find yourself on the deck of this vast, once proud vessel. A tattered Jolly Roger flaps overhead. Thick fog obscures most of the ocean surrounding you, but what's that straight ahead? Land ho! The ship's about to make port, and a crowd of curious onlookers has already gathered on the docks to stare up at this spooky new arrival. They appear apprehensive, perhaps even fearful, as if they haven't seen a ship come in for a long time. Will they hold you accountable for what happened to the skeleton crew? Will they praise you for 'ridding' them of pirates and allow you to keep the booty? There's no way to know just yet. Perhaps you'd best hide and find a way to disembark without being seen. Or perhaps there's someone else to be found here on this ship who suffered the same fate; someone who has a better idea of what to do.
SCENARIO TWO
You've stumbled your way into a city, and you're promptly besieged by the overwhelming sights and sounds. 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 lost expression and your clothes- so different from their own- 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. A hefty laptop may be handed to you, with words of a ‘network’ used for communication. Wonder what that’s about? Then there’s the very confusing pamphlet stuffed within: "What To Expect When You're Expecting (To Turn Into A Monster)”. They may direct you to an organisation known as the Lighthouse, their members most prominently found at the 38-8 apartments and the Lighthouse Church. Or perhaps, if you're injured, they'll refer you to the Crowe Clinic instead. Unfortunately, the directions you're given are so very complicated that you lose your way in the streets after two left turns, a right and a left at the soup kitchen.
Take care when asking for more help. 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
Now that you've found a moment of peace, you open up the mysterious device that's been handed to you. Perhaps you'll recognize it as some sort of laptop, albeit an old and clunky one. Or perhaps you'll be astounded by this curious feat of technology, which is unlike anything you've ever seen before. Regardless, the moment the lid is propped open to reveal the screen and the keyboard within, you gain your first glimpse of the network.
Perhaps you'll want to choose a username and write your very first message, posing the pressing question that's on your mind at this very moment. The lettered buttons click and clack awkwardly beneath your fingertips as you type.
However, you may instead want to respond to today's most popular message.
WELCOME TO RSDOS. PRESS F1 TO COMPOSE POST. *** TODAY’S TOP POST *** 018.07.154.55 <JUSTSOMEGUY> Let's play Two Truths, One Lie! It's real easy! You just post three statements about yourself, and the rest of us have to guess the lie. It'll be fun! And you get to be a liar liar without your pants catching fire for a bit. |
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.
no subject
Eh, I'm sure I don't have to tell you I'm far from the only cookie (or person I guess) who's lost something. What's a few ships compared to entire families and whatnot?
[Never mind the people on the ships. Again, baby game. Why can't he find a way to get out of this conversation without sounding pathetic?? Uh, let's see...]
So! A hundred years old, huh?
[He says like he doesn't already know that, considering the Republic's history.]
no subject
And my heart goes out to everyone, but that does not diminish your loss any! I promise I will find some way to ease it.
[But, as the laptop chirps the translated words at him, he can feel Cavier would like to change the subjects, so he does.
Enjoy the laugh from the next room.]
Or older! I admit, I am a little unsure of how much time has passed!
no subject
Of course, they were just kiddos when it happened, and they make me look like I'm freshly baked, but at least you ain't looking at centuries lost.
no subject
[A moment of silence or two, Pure Vanilla considering some things. Like the fact he's been snatched away to a new world.]
Ah, it's no use dwelling! To that end, an idle mind will wander and worry, I fear, so tell me Captain, if you please, about your ship?
no subject
Complaining isn't going to get them back to Earthbread anytime soon.]
She's a beaut. The Salty Shark is the pride and joy of the Crème Republic's navy and the bane of pirates everywhere.
[He is absolutely smirking behind his screen.]
She's weathered plenty of storms and stood up against some pretty vile monsters. And...would absolutely be the size of a toy boat right about now, huh...
no subject
Though the reminder it would be the size of a toy gets another laugh out of him.]
Oh, dear! I'm sad to admit I hadn't thought of that! Well, I suppose that's one idea down, unless
[The last bit was not meant to be picked up by text to speech, ignore that.]
It's true then that all ships are females? Is there a reason for it?
no subject
Eh, well, I don't wanna bore you with my nautical history lesson during the game, but I suppose the gist of it is ships used to be dedicated to female heroes back in the day. Obviously it ain't like that anymore, but the idea just sorta stuck around.
[
The irl reason is ships used to be named after goddesses and I am making up the closest I can think of for cookie lore rip]Besides, you're entrusting your life to your ship, be a real shame to call such a reliable vessel an "it."
no subject
Oh right, this was supposed to be a game. Pure Vanilla just gets so excited in hearing about other peoples lives and likes that he completely forgot there was supposed to be a back and forth.]
Oh! Please, Captain, you would never bore me. Learning new things is always wonderful, especially when it's about your friends passions!
I would much love to see your ship, someday. I'm sure she's as glorious as your words paint her to be!
But ah, you did remind me this was supposed to be a game! Two truths and a lie, please!
no subject
Ugh, he really should've just kept talking about ships.]
What's the point in lying about myself like that? If you wanna know something, just ask! You've already been doing that, just seems kinda goofy to get me to do it NOW, dontcha think?
no subject
Of course you're right, I would never dream of making you uncomfortable! Plus, I must admit, I know so very little about the Republic, I'm interested in asking more!
And the sea! I know very little about it.
Oh but where to start...
[Without overwhelming the Captain with his questions. He'll fall silent as he thinks, before finally settling something that had troubled him a little.]
How are the cookies of the Lower City faring?
no subject
Pure Vanilla wasn't joking, he really does know very little about the Republic.]
That's, uh, that's kinda a loaded question you just asked there, mate.
It's not something that deserves to be typed out in front of all these kiddos playing their game, y'know? I'm thinking this conversation needs to be face to face.
no subject
Of course. Please give me a moment.
[Of course Pure Vanilla wouldn't ask Cavier to come to him instead. So it will take a bit for the other ex-Cookie to move his way from his room to Caviers. Thankfully he's quick to make mental maps, so he doesn't trip or run into anything on his way.
He does hesitate by the doorway, hand on the frame.]
My apologies if I touched upon a sensitive subject. I truly didn't wish to upset you in any way.
no subject
His surprise leaves as quickly as it came though, his expression softening as he gets up and goes over to escort his visitor to somewhere a little more cozier than just waiting around at the doorframe. Pure Vanilla should definitely be sitting for something like this, Caviar already has a feeling he's not going to take the news well at all. It's Pure Vanilla for crying out loud, he's going to hear about cookies in desperate need and then fret over how he can't instantly do anything to solve it.
...Because that's exactly how Caviar feels, except he's been struggling with that uphill battle for years now.]
Nah, no worries, mate. I know you didn't mean nothin' by it. I knew it was only a matter of time, what with the Republic's past and you bein'...you. Just wasn't ready for it to pop up durin' a game is all.
[When he finally makes sure Pure Vanilla is situated with a calm and steady hand, he sits back at his laptop and sighs. A part of him almost wants to laugh, how many of the Elder's would absolutely lose their minds knowing HE was the one who was going to tell Pure Vanilla Cookie about how the Republic cookies were doing? If any of them got a chance, he could easily see them try to sugarcoat it.
Well joke's on them.]
So.
How much DO ya know about the Lower City?
no subject
And Caviar's words ring true. Though he was only there for a short while, the greed of certain council members and their lust for power had been relayed to him, and though he hadn't admitted it to anyone, the fact there even was a "Lower City" worried him. All Cookies should live together, in peace and harmony, and none should have to beg or scrap by.
The question makes him raise a hand to his chin in thought, recalling what he knew.]
Only that there is an imbalance in the way Cookies are treated. While the Upper City is a marvel of opulence, beauty, and joy... the Lower City is quite the opposite. Are they truly living in poverty?
no subject
There's just so much he wants to tell him, but at the same time, he doesn't want to overwhelm him either...]
Yeah, yeah it ain't pretty... I'm sure ya don't need the history lesson, but the Republic is mostly made up of two kinds of cookies. The descendants of the Vanilla cookies that fled your kingdom to escape the war, and the Sea cookies who were already livin' where the refugees wound up. I dunno if you noticed, but the Upper City is mostly populated with Vanillians while the Cookies of the Sea usually stick to the Lower City... Sure, ya got some exceptions, but...
[There sure aren't enough.]
...I try to help as much as I can, I worked my icing off to get where I am, but not every cookie is cut out for the navy. Meanwhile the Lower City'll call me a hero while the rest of the Elders still feed 'em sand and gravel.
no subject
And he can't help his noise of shock to the knowledge the Elders were... are feeding them sand and gravel.]
Sand and- No! How could they?!
[Not just forcing them out of their own lands to build their glory and claim prosperity, but to then foist such cruelty on them. And to think, he was in such high spirits when he returned to the Vanilla Kingdom, pleased with the saving of the Republic and their expedition to Beast-Yeast about to commence. While Cookies were suffering.
His heart aches so deeply it's almost painful.]
I'm so sorry, if I had known I would have stayed, attempted to help!
no subject
[This is exactly the sort of reaction he was expecting and yet it still kills him to see such an ancient hero beat himself up. Pure Vanilla's emotions are just so...genuine, nothing like the honeyed well-wishes from the usual politicians. If Caviar didn't know better, he'd almost think the Vanilla cookies couldn't have POSSIBLY come from the same kingdom lead by this guy.]
...It ain't a one cookie job, mate. Not that I don't think it can't be done, I wouldn't keep fightin' for 'em if I didn't think I could do it, but it ain't somethin' you can just swoop in and change overnight.
Although...
[And he's trying SO hard not to laugh. Only the fragments of a chuckle manage to escape his mouth, which causes him to instinctively cover his mouth to hide his remaining smirk.]
...all the treasure in the world couldn't compare to the look on that ol' sardine Custard Cookie's face when he'd see YOU comin' in to back me up... Heh...
no subject
They may be worlds away from home, but that doesn't stop Pure Vanilla from already making plans.
The sudden chuckle makes him tilt his head, his expression soothing from anguish into a little confusion. What could- Oh! Aha, he understands, a little smile forming itself on his lips. So he shares his plan.]
... I dare say, I do not think they would be pleased at all, my Friend. My words may not hold as much weight and sway with the Republic as they would in the Vanilla Kingdom, but you have my promise. [He lays his hand over his heart. His chest might not be firm and crispy anymore, but the heart that beats there is still the same.] When we find our way home, not only will I place my support behind you, I will contact my friends to see what support they may lend as well. There are few so fierce in their stance as Hollyberry Cookie and Dark Cacao Cookie on the treatment on their fellow cookies. You will not be in alone in this fight to bring your cookies the peace and happiness they deserve.
no subject
But Caviar can't bring himself to get excited. Pure Vanilla's heart may be beating with warmth and hope, but Caviar's sinks when he remembers his current status back on Earthbread is...questionable at best. He swallows hard just thinking about it, but he's also not going to let such an opportunity pass the Sea cookies by just like that.]
That's mighty kind of ya, Pure Vanilla Cookie. I ain't about to turn down the help from you and your lot, that's for sure. But...I'm gonna have to regrettably ask for another favor on top of that.
Let's say...for some goofy reason you make it back to Earthbread before me... Do ya think you could execute this plan without me? As much as I'd love to be there for 'em, the Sea cookies have been waitin' long enough to see that sorta change and I don't want you and your friends stallin' on my behalf.
no subject
Fidgeting with his fingernails a little - whatever are they for! - Pure Vanilla eventually nods.]
Of course, my friend. If fate strives to keep you here for whatever reason it may, I promise I will do my best in your stead to make sure your Cookies are seen to. On the very jam that runs through me, I promise they will suffer no longer.
[However, that means the reverse is true, as well. There's a chance Caviar Cookie might return without Pure Vanilla. He raises a hand to his lips thoughtfully, thinking of something.]
Forgive this suddenly odd request, but do you have a pen and paper I may borrow?
no subject
He won't question it, of course, certainly not after he agreed to help him with something so monumental, but a part of him is incredibly curious what this could ever be for.]
Oh, uh, sure. Just, gimme a second here- [Cue the clumsy rummaging around for the requested pen and paper. It's only a matter of time before he's putting the items in his hands.] -that should do it.
no subject
Then he carefully, without his inked finger, feels around to place the paper on a solid enough object. And using his fingers as guides, he begins to write. His handwriting is rather delicate and precise, despite his lack of vision. Just because he suddenly can't see doesn't mean he forgot how words work. It's a little slow, as he works to make sure he writes straight, and soon it becomes apparently what he's carefully requesting.
Hollyberry Cookies and Dark Cacao Cookies help in the matter, even should he not be there to oversee the requested aid. He also asks for them to contact Gingerbrave Cookie, putting his trust in the adventurous and friendly cookie to make headway where they might not be able to. Then he carefully signs his name, and folds the paper into a tidy little letter.]
There! Should you find your way home before I do, please, present this to someone you trust to get it to Hollyberry Cookie, Dark Cacao Cookie, or Gingerbrave Cookie. Even if I am not around, I know they will aid you to the best of their abilities in my stead.
[He knows Caviar is worried about something about himself, possibly not being present, but Pure Vanilla has an endless well of optimism that he will be. He holds the letter out to Caviar, smiling in the direction he last heard him at.]