repeter | MARCH TEST DRIVE

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MARCH TEST DRIVE

TEST DRIVE

MARCH TEST DRIVE
The city of Recollé...

To infinity...and beyond!

I.
Wake up, get up, get out there, Retrospecters! Today's a new day and with the roads in place thanks to the efforts of Retrospec users, several locations may be explored. With Pesgare three hours south by boat, Respatrum an hour east and underground, Bosuma two hours west through the Recollé Woods and Magatus seven hours north from the city, visitors may come and go to explore the regions and their points of interest.

The travel may take some time and the scenery will change around you as you go. Those same monsters from before continue to lurk just outside of the city and on the path to these locations and wild flora sprawls over various pathways. Take some time to study them if you'd like.

And speaking of study, along the way you'll find various road signs and warnings along the way including giant man-eating frogs, fire-breathing horses, severe flood warnings and more. In addition you will find large directories in the middle of the road pointing you in the directions of the four locations.

However, you'll also find these helpful guys who just want to do a good job and will get to work on these new roads! But wait, shouldn't they be working on some of the unfinished pathways and not the main ones? How do you stop these crazy things anyway? You may have to find a way to subdue the jackhammers or direct them to a new location. Good luck getting them to listen over the noise.

II.
Then again, with these pathways open now you may find yourself already in one of these new districts and very, very far away from your home. One minute maybe you're driving along, listening to your favorite road trip playlist as you prepare for Spring Break and the next you'll realize a wrong turn has lead you straight into the heart of a snowy mountain. Has this forest always been here? This seaside village is way too crowded!

No matter which of the areas you end up in, it will be up to you to find your way out and back without a map on-hand. There's a good chance you can find strangers or maybe even some friends in these regions to fill you in, but there's always something going on to distract from your main goal.

In Pesgare, you may find yourself in the midst of a heavy rain shower. While some of you may be prepared and have an umbrella on hand, others will notice that the rain is an iridescent color that falls and curves in arcs. Getting soaked by the rain may invoke a strange desire to cause a scene and yell dramatically at whoever is close by (and perhaps even belt it out if you're unfortunately unlucky.)

In Respatrum, the sound of loud cheering and applause draws your attention to a large stadium. In the center of the ring is a man with a red cape, waving it in front of a burning, burly bull. A final flourish sends the bull back into its pen, raring and ready to go the next round. But wait! Without warning, the organizer of the bull fights grabs you by the shoulders and hands you a cape, shoving you straight into the ring with the crowd roaring above you and the bull bursting out of its cage. What a rush!

In Bosuma, the creatures of the forest appear to be out and around including rabbits, squirrels, giant woodpeckers and rainbow-colored deer that aren't afraid to approach people. In fact, all of the creatures appear content to welcome these newcomers and show them around the forest. At night, several large, blooming flowers begin to glow in various neon colors. Colored pollen also appears to be falling from the flowers, leaving a mist over you that sweeps over you like a soft waterfall. Depending on the color though, you may find yourself feeling a little different...

And finally, what's going in Magatus? Why it's sports! A winter sports competition is going on at the mountain looming above the Magatus ski lodge and the snow is fresh and perfect! However, landing on the slope is probably a bad idea, isn't it? Hope you're ready for a slippery ride down the mountain!

III.

Back in the city itself, life goes back to normal and several citizens are preparing for spring. The Recollé Community Center has gathered together to start cleaning up the local parks and community areas to plant brand new flowers to brighten up the city. Are you good with a shovel? Come join them in rehousing potted plants, picking up garbage and dead shrubbery from winter's harsh temperatures and more.

If planting's not your style, over at Recollé High School several citizens are working together to prepare for the musical production Villainous, as put on by the high school's drama club! Sets still need to be built, costumes need to be finished and advertisements need to be distributed! For you artistic types out there, the drama club would love your support and time to get them ready as the premiere draws closer and closer.

IV.
Those of you who have lived here for years know that Mayor Mayer loves holidays. He does his best to never miss a celebration of any kind and while sometimes his efforts are smaller and more personal, this year he seizes the opportunity to celebrate an entire weekend dedicated to St. Patrick's Day! Though the holiday is on 3/17, festivities extend to 3/18 for two days of fun.

What does this mean? It means that everywhere you go you'll find discounted prices for anyone wearing green, carts selling corned beef sandwiches and cabbage salads, and for those of legal age bars are specializing in green beer and green mixed drinks for miles. Seabiscuit the chocobo rides proudly through the city with the mayor dressed as a leprechaun, encouraging citizens to hunt for his pot of gold that he's hidden somewhere in the city! A series of clues will lead players onward and spreading out through locations such as Expressive, the Towers, Freshens and more. With luck, citizens playing along will find small golden coins emblazoned with a chocobo portrait!

Unfortunately, something seems to be in the air and surrounding these coins. Unknown to the mayor, those who pick up these coins will find themselves hit with the overwhelming urge to find someone not wearing green and pinch them as tradition. Whether you're doing the pinching or you're a walking target, the coins' power over you will only wear off when the deed is done.

As for the mayor? Anyone who collects more than 10 coins will find that they're eligible for a prize of $50 which can be collected at city hall. Happy ~~pinching~~ hunting!

BONUS.
The nice thing is that if you're in the city or if you're in one of the new regions, your phone works. Where would we be without technology? It's nice to be in constant connection with your friends and loved ones with the ability to check emails, social updates, maps and more.

However, the internet can sometimes be a strange place and you will find yourself receiving a message from a Retrospec user named Zee Carlisle.

Hey newbies, how's it going? You're probably pretty confused, aren't you? I think I can fix that.

It's all the text says before you find yourself redirected to a private chat with another Retrospec user. Don't be shy now! Say hi and ask all of the questions you need!

Welcome to the

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 March TDM directory is here, and your AU workshop is here! Our mod questions thread for this TDM is over here!

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What?

Hold on, I've got some cash for it... [He pulls out his wallet and hands Atsushi enough for two drinks at an average vending machine, then adds one more bill because they're at an outdoor venue.] Coffee. Please. Whatever looks the strongest without the actual words "energy drink" attached.

[Not so much dehydrated, then. Or if he is, that's not his main concern.]

Get something for yourself as well, it's the least I can do. Thank you for this.

[Despite himself, Sigmund can't help but squint at Heigo through the soft aura of alcohol for a moment. ...Nah, that would be reading too much into that hesitation. Meh.]

Well, it is what it is. You know, maybe they were. This is technically a college town. [Glug.] Or maybe the whole of this state is a computer simulation, and it only just started glitching out. Wouldn't that make as much sense?

[Yeah, adult conversation is probably not happening at this time of day.]

Tell me if YOU need any kind of help? If not now, then down the line at any point.

I know I can't make things right. Or maybe there's nothing left to make right. It's not about that, I just want to help if I can.

[ eren’s not into too many festivities— but here he is with a green soccer jersey on to keep the pinches away (belonging to the one and only king) and ear buds blasting some sort of devil’s rock music, he’s got his head low and thoughts running on recent happenings, work, everything important, all while having a german shepherd accompanying him by his heels.

he’s on his leash, an air force collar with his name on it (USAF: TITAN), and a muzzle just in case. a good thing, people felt more secure and they all can avoid a freak accident with other dogs. or, like in november, turkeys. eren notices the tiny dog up ahead a little too late to cross the street, so he holds the leash tight and preps to call titan’s attention if he went for a passing sniff, having yet to look up from his phone and playlist.

if the owner (owner?) said anything, eren didn’t quite hear it amidst aggressive, melodic screaming, only making the world renknown tsst and giving the shepherd’s leash a jerk away from the other dog. not that titan would do anything, but. you know. not everyone likes a dog that big with its mouth so close. at least, titan is a good boy. a good, trained boy.

the encounter probably would’ve stayed passing had eren not had his eyes flick up to the other man as he walked, then back down— then quickly, as his stomach drops and his heart lurches up, he doubletakes and turns his head into a 180. he . . . knows that guy. he knows that guy partially, from what his memories tell him, he knows his boot intimately. he knows the sensation of utmost respect and intimidation that ushers through him, and never had he thought he’d feel it in the flesh.

and so eren stands there, staring at the back of the man’s head as he walks away. perhaps it’s unexpected shock that keeps him planted enough on the sidewalk that people need to start side stepping him, but. after a tight swallow, a few blinks and listening to a racing heart, he takes to curiosity and turns back around, in levi’s direction. it wasn’t chasing after ghosts if the ghost suddenly had a body. he could leave it be, they could be completely different people in the end, but— but how, through his own nature, can he let the question hover aimlessly without an answer?

he doesn’t know 30% of what he’s doing right now, but hey, he rolls with the punches. he’s safely a couple of steps back, mostly to figure out what he was going to do, or even say if he got that far. ]

Edited 2018-03-20 00:45 (UTC)

Ah - so you're a masochist. Somehow that doesn't surprise me.

[That would explain a lot about Heigo's social life, actually - if he were a masochist as well, that is. He's really wondering if social masochism is a thing now.

For all his good cheer, John's smile can get a bit... unsettling at times. There's a Cheshire cat quality about it in moments like this. Hiking up one of his own eyebrows, Heigo shrugs loosely.]

Ready as I'll ever be. What is it?

You can’t help. Not because I don’t want your help, but because I’d rather not involve others. It’s a complicated situation.

I understand.

Thank you for your straightforwardness about it.

...It is. [ Jamie turns his own gaze downward to the invasive flower and its tenacious root system. ] It just showed up uninvited, and I guess it's choking out the native flora and depleting the soil or whatever, but... it really wants to live, doesn't it?

I’m sorry. Even after our relationship I’m still a burden.

Then you'll know what I feel liunya!! [ naturally, nazuna is extremely ticklish, so even if his curse was so serious and not at all a joke, any of the seriousness is completely ruined as he starts squeal laughing, squirming wildly to try and grab at his wrists. ]

Shtop--shtop--shtop!! [ he's got tears in his eyes from laughing so hard. ]

You've never been a burden to me.

Stop lying.

You haven't! Where did you get that idea, anyway?

[Geez, don't ask him that, it'll tempt him to explain! Which would be bad. He likes his job.

Somehow, he finds the self-control to simply wag a finger at her instead.] Don't you know the rules? If you mess up and pinch the wrong person, you need to make up for it by... [Quick, what can he bullshit that won't get him arrested?] h-huffing the mayor's chocobo.

[Hmm. That was totally off the cuff, so why does it sound a little weird to him already? Well, never mind. She looks nervous enough not to care.]

Sorry. I shouldn’t have. Guess it’s hard not to think that when our relationship ended the way it did.

That was fast.
I'm impressed by your quick-thinking.

And I am Kei Shigaraki.
I work as a restaurant shop owner.
Still, a firefighter -- that's quite daring work.

[Heigo's much more appreciative than he'll ever let on about Kashuu's ability to keep up banter in this situation, which includes the huffiness in his voice as he asserts his swordsmanship skill. Both of them should probably be melting down with panic at this point, or at least Heigo definitely should, but Kashuu's questionably casual priorities have a soothing effect that Heigo can't quite explain.

Not that he has time to explain, so he just sprints off toward one of the four enormous gates at each compass point of the ring. The locks are built right into the massive doors, which makes Heigo's job much more difficult, but something as simple as a padlock would hardly work to restrain massive flaming bulls. He works his tie pin into a shape that'll slide between the doors, then runs it down the length of the seam until he hits resistance.

There. The actual, physical bolt. If he can weaken or move that bolt enough and then they're able to use the bull's strength and heat against it...]

It's going to work, I'm almost certain! How are you holding up, Kashuu?

Okay. Be right back.

[Atsushi rushes off to the vending machines before coming back with two cans of plain iced coffee. He’s not sure if it’s a good brand, but it’s all that was available, and he hands a can off to Heigo before sitting beside him on the bench.]

You always order the same thing at the bakery. [A soft laugh.] Sorry I don’t have any sweets to offer.

[He pops open his own can and takes a sip. It’s bitter and yet refreshing, and Atsushi definitely needs a good refresher after that.]

Do you have the retrospec app now?

[ Listen some times you just gotta find a nice good place to nap and that is this place. Kongo has no qualms about doing so it seems, nor does he seem to have any qualms about Zephyr nudging him with the end of his bokken. He'll stir from his sleep opening one eye then another before he tilts his head up to eye the young man. ]

My apologies. I didn't mean to fall asleep here. What time is it?

[ He had wanted to go on a nice picnic too. ]

It wasn't because you were a burden.

God. I don't know how to say any of this over text. If we're really going to have this talk, can we do it in person?

Oho?

[Nero hasn't even been picking up the coins. What a silly game. But he has been out and about, and noting the higher than usual proportion of the population participating in the pinching, well, it seems a shame not to take part in the fun.

He can try to stare him down, but not down, since the height difference is bordering on the absurd, with Nero well over six feet. Still, he was caught before he could actually do it, so one hand goes to touch the back of his head sheepishly instead.]

I'm terribly sorry, but it seems to be too late to stop thinking about it! Perhaps you should consider your choice of clothing before you go out on a day such as today.

[Nero himself has a light, fashionable green scarf added to his ensemble. He's simply not a suitable pinchee, at least in his opinion.]

[She reaches out to him and wiggles her fingers like a baby learning how to walk towards her mother.]

Maybe help me remember how to do it? And show me some of your fancy moves, if I remember fast enough!

Kara! ♪ Good timing. [Sigmund waves back, spirits apparently undampened despite - well, every other part of him right now. Every part.] Other than not remembering where the fuck I parked, everything's great! ♪

[It's actually rare for him to claim he doesn't remember something, but heck, it had to happen eventually. Help an old man in his dotage, etc.]

[ Kuro gives him the continuing bland look as he keeps going, even after the recording has stopped. He even levels the person with the same look, even as he accepts the trophy. He could probably break it off the little stand its on, it's that unimpressive in quality. (Besides, he has plenty of karate competition trophies. This is nothing, even if he literally downed a bull.) ]

Where are you taking me back to, huh? My place? Real romantic, Leo. [ There's amusement in his voice, though. He's just bantering back. He heads over to the railing with the trophy, before giving it an underhand toss up to the ginger terror. ]

Here, this was your trouble to begin with. [ Of course he would swoop in? Leo starts a fight, Kuro finishes it. It's the rule of the universe.

Just wait until Nazuna rolls up to nag them both. Then the circle will be complete. ]

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MARCH TEST DRIVE

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it’s iv but i do what i want

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YOU CANT FUCKIN USE THAT ICON THATS ILLEGAL

I DO WHAT I WANT

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iv!

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