recollecters: (Default)
Recollé Mods ([personal profile] recollecters) wrote in [community profile] repeter2018-01-17 08:44 pm
Entry tags:

JANUARY 2018 TDM

TEST DRIVE
JANUARY TEST DRIVE
The city of Recollé...

What do you mean the city's behaving for once?

I.
The large opaque dome enveloping the entire city continues to stand tall and firm, though this may be the first time you've noticed the dome itself rather than believe it's simply an eclipse effect. Faintly reflective in appearance but blocking the outside world, the dome still allows the warmth of the weak winter sunlight to seep through. It isn't hard to breathe, and the flora and fauna seem to be responding just as naturally as always. But the city of Recollé is pitch black except for the light citizens shine themselves.

The dome stretches incredibly high over the city, but anyone who can get close enough to it will find that they can briefly see themselves in the surface. Upon touching the dome, it appears to be smooth and almost rubbery in texture despite a shell-like shield appearance. Soundproof and unable to provide clues to what's happening outside of the city the dome is also harmless for those who wish to touch it and examine it, causing it to bounce a few times under light impact. However, do be careful not to trigger its defense mode! Should anyone attempt to damage the dome itself, it will light up with a bright, sickening blue color for three seconds before delivering a shock to its attacker and rendering them unconscious for an hour. Perhaps you'll get lucky and you'll only deal with the too-hot-to-touch surface that self-activates when the dome is threatened, or the spikes that appear at the source of impact. The dome seems to have a temperament of its own. It may be best to treat it the way you want to be treated.

II.
Going about your normal day, the darkness seems endless aside from whatever light can be shed via flashlights, cell phones and interior lights inside buildings. However, as you wander the streets of the city, under your feet a swirl of yellow light appears before darting ahead, bouncing and bobbing its way over snow and concrete to create a clear path for you. It's a little convenient to have a guide to follow, but you're not the only one. Others around you are following their own lights and they all seem to gather right at the entrance of the old subway station. Perpetually under construction for as long as you can remember, the station appears to be wide open for anyone who ventures in.

The light will guide you for roughly twenty-five feet before it dies down again. You're allowed to turn back, of course. There's nothing stopping you...except for the vine that suddenly snakes along the ground and wraps around your ankle, hooking onto you and beginning to drag you further into the tunnels. Now would be a good time to start calling for help.

III.

Back in the city itself, it's hard to say who, exactly, is to blame for the first hit. People are minding their own business and moving on as if everything is perfectly natural as usual. However, in addition to the hustle and bustle small barrels appear on every street corner with an assortment of colored guns. The moment you step up to investigate one of these barrels it becomes a little more clear what, exactly, is happening here.

A bright red, green, or blue dot appears on your skin as the laser light hones in on you. Someone's decided to make you their next target in a city-wide game of laser tag and you have precisely ten seconds to run. For anyone tagged by the guns, a confetti-effect of red green and blue dots will appear all over you lasting for up to fifteen minutes before you're back in the game.

Will you grab your weapons and join the game? Or will you dodge as long as you can?

IV.
As the evening sets in, there's a smell in the air. It's not the usual winter-y scent of peppermint or warm soup or anything like that. No, you soon realize that the smell is buttered popcorn and now instead of the barrels of laser tag guns there are carts containing popcorn machines, bottles of soda, candy and more. These carts don't move and they do not seem to be manned by anybody so feel free to take as much as you'd like! At precisely 7pm, the street lights dim a little and the dome above you starts to...glow? It glows and a picture stretches all the way across the sky as a movie begins to play for your enjoyment. Maybe it's the first of the Galaxy Fights series, or it could be that crazy archaeologist turned fortune-hunter Kentucky Smith. The movies will rotate one after the other for the rest of the evening until 7am when the street lamps come on, but for now grab some blankets and a good seat. There's always time for a movie with some friends.

BONUS.
Of course communication to people outside of the city is still out of the question. Of course it is. There are absolutely no signs of that changing anytime soon no matter how many times you call or text or email. Snail mail is nearly impossible and don't even think about videochatting.

On the other hand, it seems as though the powerlines above are beginning to spark, pulsing in patterns of a bright blue color visible to the naked eye. What's up with that? Trying to get a closer look will only reveal a thick, crackling sort of energy that is surely not dangerous in the slightest and is nothing to worry about.

The energy won't leave the powerlines at all, but instead the next time you use your phone for anything a song activates instead. It's loud and it can't be shut down, but once it ends you may find yourself in a video chat with a fellow Retrospec user. Say hi!

Welcome to the [community profile] recolle test drive meme! All characters will be begin in-game AU'd as Recollé residents. You may use any of the above prompts for ideas or make up your own depicting your Recollé AU! Prompts do not have to be set in the districts listed above. You can review our list of locations for what's available. Please note that TDM threads can be used as samples, can be kept as game canon, and can also be used for bonus points for future item regains. Share a few minor details of your AU, tag around, and have fun!

For current players, please remember that TDM threads can only be used for bonus points, not regains.

Please note: you will need a reserve to apply, and current characters must have full AC posted at the time of their reservation.

Your January TDM directory is here, and your AU workshop is here! Our mod questions thread for this TDM is over here!
activatingcombatmode: <user name=sefirot> (15)

[personal profile] activatingcombatmode 2018-01-20 08:47 pm (UTC)(link)
Bring it on!!

[Zack stays crouched low but has to throw himself behind another set of crates and boxes in order to avoid her line of sight. He waits for her attempt at shooting before returning fire.]
beneathmoonlight: (Realllllllyyyy)

[personal profile] beneathmoonlight 2018-01-20 08:52 pm (UTC)(link)
[Atsushi is in full on panic mode, and it takes him a good minute to realize that someone is speaking to him. He looks up to see an older man with a cane...poking at the vines?? He wants to ask what the hell is going on, but escape takes precedence, and he finally pulls himself together just in time to tug as hard as he can against the vines.]

O-okay!!

[He manages to get his ankle free, but the monster takes his shoe with it and slithers back into the subway tunnels.

Well, it could’ve been a lot worse...

Atsushi slowly gets to his feet and dusts himself off, looking completely frazzled as he bows in appreciation to the stranger.
]

T-thank you, sir...I don’t know what would’ve happened if you hadn’t come along.

Edited 2018-01-20 20:52 (UTC)
assyrian: (pic#12028813)

or just clueless. or both?

[personal profile] assyrian 2018-01-20 08:55 pm (UTC)(link)
That’s right. We blend in amongst the crowd, hardly square pegs to be forced into round holes, wise enough to either avoid chaos… or provide a solid artifice to our more unsavory activities.

[ There is always a bit of both, though these days Semira tends to avoid skirting the law. On the other hand, Kei still operates in such a world. She is hardly the woman to judge. ]

You’re beginning to sound religious now, priest. [ The word revelation seems to carry a pious undertone, especially from him, though she is simply deducing the intent behind the word. Hardly praying to any god herself, Semira remains a ‘culturally,' non-practicing Muslim. ] Is there something that I should be worried about? Should I confess my sins? There’s little that you do not know, but I never cared to have a personal conversation with God.
livingimpaired: (Default)

kindly clueless!

[personal profile] livingimpaired 2018-01-20 09:07 pm (UTC)(link)
There's nothing wrong about helping someone that's drowning, is there? Legally, yes, but morally...

[ He closes one eye to look at the cellphone, squinting at her image. ]

I've always been a little religious, but... [ It won't save him. He accepts this yet he does it. Yes, it's for the best, isn't it? To simply accept truths rather than seek out answers. ] Knock it off. [ His tone is hardly admonishing or angry. ]

Still... I doubt he has anything to say to people like us, anyway, beyond that he loves us. But, hearing that, I doubt that it'd make either of us happy. [ Sad trombone. ]
kindhearted: (✒ oh!)

[personal profile] kindhearted 2018-01-20 09:16 pm (UTC)(link)
Oh- Sakichi! Hi!

[What a coincidence to run into his roommate out here! Roji smiles a little bit and makes another apology before returning to the topic at hand. The more Sakichi fills him in, the more the look of surprise on his face grows.]

Wait, seriously? That's so weird... I mean, I guess it's even weirder that it didn't seem abnormal at first. When did you first notice it, Sakichi?
scarlet_devil: ([Adult] Ugh)

I

[personal profile] scarlet_devil 2018-01-20 09:19 pm (UTC)(link)
That would be a bad idea. This dome of... whatever it is will like that even less.

[ She should know, she's been hearing of the results of trying to damage the dome. ]
assyrian: (pic#12028901)

[personal profile] assyrian 2018-01-20 09:20 pm (UTC)(link)
The laws of men, so fickle and ever-changing. And as flawed as the men that make them.

[ A small smile plays at her lips as she begins to uncork the bottle of wine, catching the cork stopper in the palm of her hand. ]

On the contrary, I am always happy to hear that someone loves me. Though— [ He’s right though. She wouldn’t be happy. Why, though? After a moment of thinking, she knows her answer to that question, though she cannot fathom his own response. ] The appeal does wane if he loves everyone simply because they’re his creation. That is hardly a very unique trait.
kindhearted: (✒ in shining armor)

[personal profile] kindhearted 2018-01-20 09:28 pm (UTC)(link)
[The confirmation helps, and Roji's smile widens.]

Okay, I thought so! When you mentioned it, I thought maybe I'd seen you too. Funny coincidence to run into you here!

[And that they both seem to have this weird app that the video's operating through...]

I work at Recolle U, in the cafeteria. I stop by the bakery on the way there or back home sometimes.
angealwings: (Hm)

[personal profile] angealwings 2018-01-20 09:29 pm (UTC)(link)
Oh, is that so? I'll try to remember that.

[ Is he making it easy? Maybe?

But then he side-eyes Zack, just a little.
]

You haven't gone to poke at it or anything, right?

[ Zack has many amazing things about him, and he's learning, always, but 'consider my actions before taking them' is not usually his way. ]
liarboo: (The very proud Captain Usopp!)

[personal profile] liarboo 2018-01-20 09:36 pm (UTC)(link)
[Wow, the last thing Usopp needs right now is some snark. His fear turns to irritation as he shouts back, fists flailing, making him sway harder:]

What was I supposed to bring, a flamethrower?! I was just going to the store!!
rhapsodist: (📚 13)

[personal profile] rhapsodist 2018-01-20 09:36 pm (UTC)(link)
[The near sudden release has him landing on his backside, but at least his foot his free. He groans lightly, rolling his ankle. Sore, but likely uninjured. His skinned knees were another story but it could have been worse. He sighed heavily and moved to get up and grab his bag.]

Just my pride. You know me, I like shiny things.
livingimpaired: (Default)

[personal profile] livingimpaired 2018-01-20 09:36 pm (UTC)(link)
Right?

[ He swirls the wine in the glass, looking over the red color. Like he cares about the shade, about the aroma. Breathing out a small sigh, he wishes he took small joys in this sort of small things. ]

And, is that so? I learn something new, then. [ Another small laugh. ] I think it is very unique. There are those that cannot love their own creation, after all. But that sort of depressing talk... it normally ruins wine, doesn't it? The flavor and taste of it?

[ He shrugs his shoulders weakly before taking a small sip. ] All the same, I wonder how you have been. [ A beat. ] I suppose that I'm concerned. In my own way.
thebeastwithout: (Uh)

I

[personal profile] thebeastwithout 2018-01-20 09:38 pm (UTC)(link)
Uhh.

[Nearby stands a boy wielding a tree branch and a slightly guilty expression. As Nicolai comes to, Gar's eyes flicker back and forth for a few moments before he lobs the branch over his shoulder. It hits a parked car and clatters to the ground.

Nic may or may not feel a weird throbbing in his side as if someone had been poking him repeatedly in one spot.]


Dude, you've been out for like. 10 minutes, at least. Are you feeling OK?
thebeastwithout: (Grin)

iv

[personal profile] thebeastwithout 2018-01-20 09:42 pm (UTC)(link)
Wha?

[His voice is slightly muffled owing to the fact that there's enough popcorn crammed in there to comfortably serve several people. With some great effort, Gar eventually swallows his mouthful whole.]

Yeah, it's great! This is the best thing this city's done so far!

Haha, they've even got deep-fried Snickers!

[He appears to be dual wielding said candy bar, one in each hand.]
angealwings: (Default)

[personal profile] angealwings 2018-01-20 09:44 pm (UTC)(link)
[ Andrew hums, and takes a stance with his arms crossed in front of his body, flashlight to the ground and baton at the ready. ]

You up for going just a bit further, to see if anyone else needs help? Or would you rather head back up ASAP?
thebeastwithout: (Default)

i

[personal profile] thebeastwithout 2018-01-20 09:45 pm (UTC)(link)
lick it

[gar likes his own post repeatedly so it will climb up higher for the youtube star to see]
rhapsodist: (📚 3)

[personal profile] rhapsodist 2018-01-20 09:55 pm (UTC)(link)
I don’t exactly have a means to defend myself, Andy.

[So that would be a no. Besides, he hadn’t heard anyone else when he came down here.]

Unlike you, I’m just a humble book doctor.
thebeastwithout: (Default)

ii

[personal profile] thebeastwithout 2018-01-20 09:57 pm (UTC)(link)
[As Jack is being dragged to his certain doom to be devoured by sentient plants, his cries for help go unheeded, swallowed up by the night. It is a terrible tragedy in the making... Is there no one brave enough and strong enough to defend this innocent youth and this fair city?]

Hiiiii-yah!

[From the shadows, a hero leaps! And... karate chops the vine, which doesn't really do anything, but it looks kinda cool. More pertinently, in his free hand, the hero is holding... a large pair of gardening shears?]

Never fear, citizen! Captain, uh... Cutter? wait what did i decide on is on the case! You'll be free in a jiffy.

Don't mind me, just your local everyday superhero. With a giant pair of scissors.

[He brandishes his shears.]
liarboo: (Call me that!)

[personal profile] liarboo 2018-01-20 09:59 pm (UTC)(link)
Huh??

[He crawls over to his phone, peering down at the screen. Some blond was on it. He didn't know him, he would definitely remember someone with such stupid and pretentious looking eyebrow styling like that.]

What did you say??

[He's not yelling angrily, his ears are still ringing from that song.]
unreasons: (:/)

[personal profile] unreasons 2018-01-20 10:01 pm (UTC)(link)
[ Astin does his best to not show too much consternation either. Even if the whole thing has him feeling a little on edge lately. ]

Ugh. Yeah. The movies were okay I guess, but I'd like some proper sunlight back. And not getting woken up by pop music...
pronounces: time has a funny kind of violence (12.)

[personal profile] pronounces 2018-01-20 10:01 pm (UTC)(link)
Yes! [ offended little squeak!!!!

but. he still has to get the other one on, after all, and nazuna's stubbornness again defies his hatred of being short, so he will just go over and repeat the exact same hop motion, hopping in the air to smack the second star sticker down over the dimple.

he pushes back and admires his handiwork (hoppiwork?). ]
...there. It looks pretty good, right?
lowgrip: (make me your Maria)

[personal profile] lowgrip 2018-01-20 10:02 pm (UTC)(link)
[He doesn't have much else to work with besides force, in his defense.]

Hey, force can settle anything if you've got enough of it.

[Well, enough dilly-dallying. Nic approaches the done once more and takes a vicious swing


and is immediately shocked and sent flying once more, the tire iron getting knocked from his hand as he lays in the dirt. He's got one more try in him, right?]
unreasons: (☆_☆)

[personal profile] unreasons 2018-01-20 10:02 pm (UTC)(link)
[ They're both idiots. Astin fluffs out first one blanket to make sure there's insulation against the cold bench, then spreads another for good measure. They brought... uh... A lot. The last one is big, thick, and soft. The perfect blanket for cuddling under, honestly. ]

Maximum coziness achieved!
unreasons: (☆_☆)

[personal profile] unreasons 2018-01-20 10:03 pm (UTC)(link)
You can? You're the best!

[ Astin squints for a moment. ]

...What's your name?
unreasons: (>:()

[personal profile] unreasons 2018-01-20 10:04 pm (UTC)(link)
Yeah. This whole thing is a whole level of weird I don't need in my life. Classes are bothersome enough.

[ As if Astin actually cares enough to make an effort in their classes... ]