❪ test drive #4 ❫

[natha]

YOUR STORY BEGINS     The Storm came. You only remember darkness, but you don't remember much after that. All you know, perhaps, is that it was cold. You don't know for how long you slept, but the dreams were short, at least. You remember the expanse of stars and the universe that came in view. Every world and solar system ever known was displayed in your dreams in careful, pristine detail. You have also witnessed The Storm, which has devoured a fair portion of these galaxies. It was a dark, thick smog — ominous in appearance and ever foreboding. Your Earth and similar planets were immersed in The Storm. Somehow, you knew it would be the last you'd see of it. That was when she told you what happened, and how you could help. You knew that you'd be living somewhere new, even though you never asked for it. The details here weren't clear, but you knew you'd made a deal with Darma. Not long after, you'll wake at Thesa Station — your body is still cold. It all felt like a dream, but somehow, you knew it wasn't — now, will you keep that promise you made to Darma? PROMPT: THE STORM     CW: death You were awake on Thesa Station. But at some point you, like many other new arrivals before you, wandered into the Observation Deck. Ordinarily, this is where images of The Storm are replayed to remind Refugees of the fate they have escaped. The Natha Orbiters' technology has evolved. They are aware of your gaps in memory. You may have doubts of The Storm even existing, or of your world's destruction. Though they do not wish reliving those last moments on anyone, they have created an experience that will do just that. Before entering the Observation Deck, you are warned that what follows will not be for the weak of heart. As soon as you step in, you will find that the walls around you begin to transform and expand. Welcome to the Planet Cespi, in the Circinus Galaxy. Unfortunately, we were not able to save this world from The Storm's Consumption. These are its last memories. You are surrounded by blue, grassy hills as far as the eye can see and a pleasant breeze. The atmosphere is thick with a sickly sweet smell. Before you lays the scene of a quiet village, with its residents going about their everyday lives. You aren't alone, either, with an equally confused stranger (or perhaps you know each other?) surveying the scene. Then the world grows completely silent for a full minute. You and your partner are unable to make a sound, verbal or otherwise. Without warning, a deafening roar fills your ears and forces you to double over in pain. The villagers run out of their homes in a panic, finding themselves in just as much pain and confusion as you do. Where there was no sound before, now there is too much for a normal human body to process. Look up. An expanding mass of energy is swallowing everything you can see. It consumes the earth, the atmosphere, the depths of space — and it is getting closer. Your only hope is to outrun it, if you can. The people in the village certainly try to, racing past you. Their fear is very real. Their bodies are very real. You may be able to run from it for a time, only able to catch glimpses of this dark and sinister force swallowing everything and everyone. The earth rumbles and separates beneath you. Electricity surges through the sky, and then through your very body. You fought hard, but it is impossible to outrun the Storm forever. You too will be consumed. Your death is quick, but not painless. What were you thinking, before you took your last breath? You awaken back in the Observation Deck, next to your new friend. PROMPT: TRAINING MODULES     While it’s all nice and well to familiarize oneself with Thesa Station, it is most advised that new arrivals venture out a bit. Not physically. No one is quite prepared for that yet. However, there will be several virtual reality training programs set for those who dare to be adventurous. For those who aren’t and don’t dare, well — good luck, all the same. Once seated and appropriately strapped in, the system will automatically whir to life. 1. When you enter the Natha's newest program, at first nothing loads. You might think this is an error as you look around in apparent total darkness, only able to see your own virtual body if you look down, but soon enough a voice comes to life as if speakers have turned on somewhere. Long ago, the lands of El Nysa were dominated by the ancestors of the dragons who now live among the people, tamed. It was pretty dangerous! How about a little history lesson? And then the simulation comes to life— a. The lush lands that blossom to life around you all at once are real enough to make you forget you're in a simulation — at least for a moment. Those refugees who have been to the planet in reality before will find themselves in territory as unfamiliar as those who are brand new, as this simulation takes place far back in history. Instead of sprawling cities and civilizations, the most you'll find is scattered villages, many of them no more than nomadic campsites at best. You've been outfitted to blend in with the natives and these simulated people won't react to you as a newcomer, but as a member of their village. Are you a doctor, or perhaps a warrior? Maybe you're even in charge! But they want your help, and they want it quickly: a dragon is coming. The dragon is larger than the mount-sized breeds that exist on El Nysa today — much larger. It's a good six stories in height, bestial, and angry. Maybe it's then that you notice the lands that surround you are littered with scars of scorched earth, some of them several yards across, and there's a reason these people don't live in one place for very long. But don't linger too long on the makeshift grave markers sticking out of the burnt countryside — the dragon is coming. b. If you're looking for something a little less violent, perhaps another area of the historic simulation will be up your alley. This one finds you on a cliffside, waiting among other villagers for an event the people are talking about in hushed whispers, some of which you can identify as prayer. When the white dragon raises its head up from the depths of the ravine, towering impossibly high over you and the others on the cliffside, it's no wonder most of the natives fall to their knees in awe and wonder. This dragon doesn't attack, only looks at the people on land with an ancient and strange wisdom. Then it speaks. Not in words, but the low rumbling sound that starts in its throat and becomes a full trumpeting bellow to the sky seems to have meaning, and somehow, you can understand its cry as it entreats the people to praise and worship. The natives around you are already starting to give offerings with their prayers, food and carvings and — blood? Is that someone's arm being offered up? That's different. 2. Let us now travel forward in time, shall we? a. The Olympian settlement around you is quiet — until the screaming starts. Guerilla fighters from Wyver flood the streets, knocking civilians aside and breaking down doors and windows when they find their way barred. They move methodically, advancing toward the nicer parts of town where the politicians reside and leaving terror in their wake. They're here for the politicians, people say. They're here to punish the people who made the decision to advance into Wyver in the first place. Blood for blood, as the saying goes. Where they'll be taking them once they have them is anyone's guess. A soldier emerges from a building, dragging someone in elegant clothing out by the hair. Looks like they've found one. Will you rescue them? Make a run for it yourself, lest you be mistaken for one of their targets? Or maybe they've already caught you and some other unfortunate Refugee who's been dropped into this simulation, and the two of you need to figure out a way to escape. b. CW: branding You find yourself in the midst of a bustling crowd gathered at the Temple of Thesa. Robed acolytes stoke fires on either side of the altar at the front of the temple, where miserable-looking people who seem to be from a village in Wyver await, bound in ropes. The priest, at the front of the crowd, picks up a metal brand from the altar and gestures for another acolyte to bring a prisoner forward. The crowd watches with interest as the prisoner is forced to kneel in front of the altar, their arm laid out flat on the marble surface. Another cry — "For the glory of Olympia!" — and the crest of the city is burned into the prisoner's arm. The crowd cheers, deafening the cries of pain. The priest ushers forward another prisoner, and then another. Is that a familiar face you see in the lineup, thrust into this bit of history by the simulation's whims? You have to do something. Or are you unlucky enough to find yourself bound? ...Well, hopefully someone else in the crowd has more scruples than this priest. 3. And now, the present. After all those enlightening scenes, the simulation finally brings you to a more quiet area of Olympia. You are deposited out somewhere in The Outlook, a place the very first group of refugees had to trudge through before they found their homes. You've arrived in the early evening — but sunlight is waning, and soon you'll be under a sky full of stars. Luckily, their old campsites aren't too overgrown. The intention here is to get you familiar with some of the local flora and fauna. What sorts of plants will you encounter? Do you find yourself under a Verillum Tree, suddenly compelled to be painfully honest and truthful in conversation with a complete stranger? Find yourself behaving erratically in the presence of Whistleweed? Or perhaps you'll have to break the spell of being trapped in a Vena Amoris' vines... with a kiss. PROMPT: STASIS UNIT     You have found the massive section of Thesa known as the Stasis Unit. There’s no special access required to enter this part of Thesa Station, but refugees are warned that it may not be for the faint of heart. Here, in large pods that nearly cover every square inch of the space, are all of the people the Orbiters have managed to rescue. Your loved ones, your greatest enemy, your next door neighbor — you might find them here. These people are in a state of deep cryosleep. Due to the damaging effects of The Storm, their bodies are not yet ready to be awoken. PROMPT: OMAGE     Upon receiving your mobile phone, you will be asked to set a username. Voila, you can now access the network! You can choose to send a message to the entire network, specific usernames, or you can try out the Orbiters’ service, Omage, which connects you to a random user. They thought this might be a good way for their new guests to make friends with each other... Connecting to server... Looking for someone you can chat with... You’re now chatting with [username]... Say hi! PROMPT: WILDCARD     You are welcome to write any scenarios in Thesa Station! Characters have been granted temporary access to the Observation Room, and are encouraged to study it carefully. FINAL OOC NOTE     These threads may be carried over as game canon if players choose! Players are encouraged to submit TDM threads as application samples, but they are not required. Please direct any OOC questions to the questions thread below! An AC-length thread may be submitted for 2 NATHA ORBITER REPUTATION POINTS after acceptance here. Please submit by February 18th. We will no longer be providing overflow posts. In an event where the post hits CAPTCHA, players are advised to move threads to an overflow post on their character journals or create their own catch-all post. These threads remain eligible for REP. There will be an application cap of 60, and no reserves. Please read here for more information. QUICK NAV premise ● faq ● lore ● map ● npcs taken ● atp/emp ● application ● rep/acp calendar ● hiatus/drops ● modbox [ FULL NAVIGATION ] elnysa nysalogs nysaisles nysaooc elnyan

Comments

dave strider | homestuck

[parodeity]

[ cliffnotes things to know: dave's dressed like this with the hood down, and never takes off his stupid stiller shades. in person he has a fairly quiet voice and is prone to muttering, and also sounds Fairly Southern of the texan variety. he's tallish for a sixteen-year-old boy and probably too skinny for his own good. ]

the storm

b. fuck that noise
[ after, dave just throws an arm over his face (and shades) and remains lying on the ground. he's died too many times to count (false: he can recount every death) and one of them more recent and permanent than others, so dying again is, like, give him a break??? give him a break.

he apparently does not intend to immediately move again. ]

You know, I think as far as welcomes go I'd prefer not bein' vaguely threatened with my own questionable mortality? Maybe, like, a fruitcake delivered to my doorstep intead. Possibly a brochure with a list of cool places to go visit? I'm givin' this place like a zero on yelp. Or possibly a negative five. You have a chance to make that number higher or lower right now by somehow saving this experience but who knows how possible that is.

training modules

1b: weird dragon offerings
[ great. cool. dave stands in his usual combination of stupid red pajama god tier clothes and shades, and looks incredibly done as soon as blood and body parts start getting offered up.

he raises his hand, like the simulation gives a fuck. ]

Yo, teach? Can I get a history lesson with less dismemberment and religion? I get enough of this bullshit day to day. Maybe, like, a nice holovid about herding sheep. That can't possibly have any gore in it. Or like...the history of music.

[ anything but this wtf ]

2b: branding
[ he's almost not shocked to find himself bound. he's a little more annoyed to find he can't get at his weapon (part of the simulation?) but when his arm is laid flat on the altar dave doesn't flinch or ask for help or even emote beyond his lips thinning out as he clenches his jaw.

it's impossible to see his eyes behind his shades, but they're locked on the guy with the brand.

fake, he reminds himself, and while he'd like to get away, he at least is equally committed to not freaking out. visibly, anyway. ]

3: weird ass plants and animals
[ he likes olympia better. there aren't any immediate signs of danger that set him on edge, although he's never been the hugest fan of nature. still, he wanders around, wondering how long this stupid simulation quest is going to last.

if you want to run across dave being particularly honest, a verillum tree works. or if for some reason you want to encounter vena amoris vines with him, why the hell not. write up finding him at either.

but what he's more interested in are some flowering bushes he's crouched near, head tilted curiously. he puts a finger to his lips when anyone approaches, and speaks in his typical almost too-quiet voice. ]

Careful. Don't wanna startle whatever they are... [ he's spotted the liln in the simulation because those sound cool as heck and dave likes color - little fingernail-sized swirls of color. ] They look like music sounds, don't you think?

[ it's the happiest he's been all day. ]

observation room

[ he should stop walking into random rooms, but this one isn't so bad. dave almost relaxes as he looks around, curious but not as awed as he maybe should be. he's spent too much time in the depths of space staring out into infinity, maybe. ]

Neat view. Do you think they could like, project a movie in here? Make surround sound extra surround.

omage

Connecting to server...
Looking for someone you can chat with...
You’re now chatting with turntechGodhead... Say hi!

randomized chat clients
seriously
is this the moment where we awkwardly mislead one another about everything about ourselves
make up elaborate life stories
be like a catgirl in space
which actually i guess isnt that hard to buy
all things considered
yeah that was weak lets move on
i feel naked
my serifs all flying in the wind unprettied
dangling like limp flesh noodles
where the fuck are the color options
oh there we go
better
i can take it off if you want and let my textual manboobs fly in the wind but i am a worshiper at the altar of aesthetic
ok so i guess now is the time to follow the honored internet tradition of
asl
not that i think the answer to l will help me
and maybe i should expand on this
maybe assl
add an s for species
i feel like theres just so much more you need to know immediately these days
eh whatever well go with that

b!

[shriver]

[ nothing lasts forever — not even entire planets, worlds, universes. that doesn't make it easier. people, however, do. (maybe that's all the team-building talking, huh.) natasha nudges dave's side with the toe of her boot, testing and teasing in equal measure. her aviators sit atop her head, but she can respect his move to wear sunglasses now, at least. of course the outfit is more questionable, but he's young. maybe he'll learn that it's leather jackets or bust in the future! ]

I know the best diner on the station. [ said in a tone that suggests the imparting of particularly dishy insider tips. It is, in fact, the only diner on the station. ] Could get you that fruitcake.

[parodeity]

[ unfortunately his other modes of dress seem to be "skinny jeans and shirts" or "full on suits for some reason", but maybe someday the gospel of leather jackets will descend unto him. like, probably not, but it could happen!

the nudge to his side gets him to remove his arm from his face, at least, revealing freckles and a neutral expression that's more habit than anything else. ]

Why the hell not? Everything is free for the first little while, right? Or I guess I'd have to go find a stock market to take over, but that's so much effort for one little meal? [ just let him roll up to his feet, easy as pie. apple pie, for preference. maybe the diner has apple pie??? ]

[shriver]

[ she doesn't normally hang out with kids his age, unless they want autographs, or they're getting the shit kicked out of them during super-sized rock 'em sock 'em.

this is preferable to both other scenarios, regardless of style choices. ]

Everything's always free in space, actually. [ she tips her head, suddenly thoughtful. ] Well, this corner of space. [ so stay off wall street, buddy. ] Planetside's the tough racket.

[parodeity]

Yeah? Guess I'd better locate a job or something. Knight of Time doesn't actually pay. [ unless you manipulate the stock market, and that is less to do with the classpect paying and more to do with stealing an economy. ] I'm Dave, btw.

[ he actually says the acronym aloud, because dave strider is a disaster. ]

[shriver]

[ wow... to her credit, she merely lifts her brows. ]

Natasha. [ a little smile. no handshake. instead, she turns to lead the way. ] Follow me — Knight of Time, right? Got any business cards?

[ could be a video game thing, an internship, or a space slash magic situation. jinkies. ]

[parodeity]

[ he taps the bright red gear on his chest. ]

Just the duds. Unfortunately, because havin' business cards with that on it might be pretty cool, even if "Dave of Guy" still sounds more interesting as a long-term career plan.

[ at least he doesn't seem to mind the lack of handshake, preferring to keep to himself touch-wise anyway and falling into step. ]

Do you have business cards? That seems like such a professional thing to have, even when you think about it and go "shit they can say whatever I want, and it doesn't even have to be true". Kind of like gravestones.

2b

[cutefaced]

[Dave is more composed than some people in the crowd.

By "some people," I mean Yona, who has been growing more and more freaked out the longer this goes on. Finally, she has enough, and as Dave's arm is laid flat on the altar, she bends down to work off her shoe -

And throws it straight at the guy holding the brand's face. Three points!]

Hey! Leave him alone!

[It's just a simulation, she reminds herself, but she's probably going to regret this, later.]

hi britt forgive me a day of coming home and crashing

[parodeity]

[ well, shit. score one for the feisty redhead? at least the shoe to the face might let him drop dave's arm, which is all dave needs to jerk away to try to like...escape...

did yona plan an escape route

are they gonna DO THIS freestyle

who's he kidding no one he interacts with ever has plans. dave scoops up the shoe and sprints towards her??? ]

[disharmonizer]

I didn't read a thing you said.

Just wanted to point out you're very annoying and I can't even hear you.

[parodeity]

thank you i am a top quality internet troll born and raised

training 1b!

[punshots]

[ The Natha seriously need to review their definition of "training", because how this is supposed to train them on anything besides how to be grossed out by creepy cults and limb offerings - which, by the way, pretty sure most people know is gross already - goes right over his head.

At least Prompto doesn't seem to be the only person there with misgivings about all this. He just siiiiidles right up next to Dave as a few of the natives turn to glare at him. The dragon, at least, hasn't seemed to notice, since its, uh, got an arm to munch on now.

Yikes. ]

Noooot sure that's gonna work. Tried it. [ And a few more glares turn in their direction. ] We might wanna...boogie on outta here. Like, pronto.

[ come with him if you want to not die ]

[parodeity]

[ dave is always a fan of not dying, for all that he keeps fucking volunteering for suicide missions???

okay, so like. maybe he needs to work on being a fan of not dying. but hey. ]

You got an escape vector? [ how do you leave virtual reality hell, my guy ]

[punshots]

Uh - yeah, sure!

[ Whatever he means by that. He's got a plan?? Well - sorta.

Ducking low, he cups his hands to his mouth and shouts: ]

Hey, I've got an arm you can have! Come 'n' get it while it's fresh!

[ And then, as the crowd begins to look around for the source of the voice, Prompto waves Dave along after him, adding a quiet: ]

Sweet jammies, bro.

[parodeity]

[ THROWING HIS VOICE...nice? dave follows along. ]

Thanks. They're way more expensive than they're worth, maybe?

storm!

[hedonistic]

[Kagari hasn't died countless times; if this one is to be counted, it would only be his second ride on the Death Express, but this time turns out to be no more pleasant than his maiden voyage, as it were. In fact, it could arguably be worse than the first time, given how fucking long it took and how painful it was, but at least this time he had the relative security of knowing it was a simulation?

But also, what the fuck. Kagari doesn't lay on the floor like Dave, but he does emphatically flop down next to him.]

Ooooon the plus side, there are dragons planetside?

[Look, the dragons are a significant presence in the positive column for a nerd like Kagari who never experienced a singular fantastical creature or magical occurrence in his entire life, okay. He has priorities.]

[parodeity]

Are they as likely as that one to try to murder me and whatnot? If so, I'm gonna have to say hard pass on that bein' any better. I have enough people and creatures in that category already without constantly adding to it, y'know?

[ spare him already!! but he doesn't seem that judgmental about kagari's opinion here, really, his tone mild and mostly tired.

beyond a layer of monotone, but hey. ]