MARCH TEST DRIVE

[recollecters]

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!

Comments

Rapunzel l Tangled {Solana Evans}

[soligenous]

I:

[Yes, there were signs, warnings. That really didn't do much if anything to stop the curious Solana. Who....is currently admiring the adorable Dragonfly Bunny Spirits. Her hands are clasped in front of her at her chest as she talks about how cute they were.

Or maybe she found a Ditto imitating one. It's kind of hard to tell? Either way. She still thinks they are the most adorable thing.]

III:

Alright! Poster time! I've got this!

[She is the artistic type, after all. So it wasn't really a surprise when she offered to help do the posters for the drama club. Except. Well. She's in the library intending to plan something out to paint later in the evening, only to end up glaring and pouting and frowning at the decidedly still blank page in front of her.]

Ugh. Artist block, now is hardly the time!

Bonus:

Confused? Yes. Um, what is this app? How did this 'Retrospec' get on my phone? I'm not sure I remember downloading it? It's not a virus or something, is it?

bonus

[convincing]

It's not a virus. It's a helpful app! You're going to need it in the coming weeks. Months. Who knows how long, honestly. I'm kind of new too.

[soligenous]

How is it helpful? It just seems like some (random) social media thing I'm not sure I remember downloading myself? The way you say that makes me think I can't just delete it? Why would I need it?

[convincing]

Well it's kind of like a support group? And people can answer your questions here. Believe me, you'll have questions. I'm pretty sure you can't delete it, so you may as well accept it, honey!

[soligenous]

A support group for what? I'm not old enough to be drinking or whatever. And I think I get what you mean about not deleting it since that happens with some apps that come with a phone but. I'm pretty sure this one didn't. Come default on the phone, I mean.

[convincing]

For everything that's about to happen to you. You're going to be getting memories and things that you don't remember having before. Trust me, it sounds really weird, but it's true! You can ask anyone on this app.

[soligenous]

What, like, memories you think you forgot until someone mentions something that reminds you because it was years ago? That sort of thing? What things do you mean I'd get? I'm still picturing stuff from when you're a kid and you forget about a toy because you lost it or whatever.

[convincing]

Memories from a whole 'nother life. Like I said, I'm just getting used to it myself. It sounds crazy, but it's one of the less crazy things about this app and the people on it.

I.

[sanephiroth]

[Well, talking about how cute the bunnies are is in itself rather cute, not that Zephyr will say as much.]

I'd be more careful.

[He offers instead]

[soligenous]

Why? They don't look like they would hurt anyone. They're just. Cute!

[Look. Evidently she hasn't yet encountered the other creatures. Which is. Probably a good thing? In keeping her safe at least. But even so. He probably isn't wrong.]

[sanephiroth]

Hm. [He looks around, doesn't seem to be any other creatures around.] Keep a close eye on your surroundings. The other creatures may not be so friendly.

[soligenous]

Other creatures? Well. Sure, maybe. But these ones seem pretty harmless at least. Why? Had you been here before? Seen or read about other creatures in the area?

[Because. Hm. Now she is kind of curious, as she glances to the other from admiring the adorable little rabbits. Perhaps he had been here before or read something to make him more cautious?

Or maybe he is just naturally more wary in comparison to her. Either way.]

[sanephiroth]

An elephant.

[He says simply, as if that answers everything. Mostly because the elephant had him trapped in a tree for a good while and that's just embarrassing.]

[soligenous]

....eh? Here? Out in the wild?

[Elephants at the zoo, sure. Or you know, in the wild in Africa. She would expect that. Not so much here. So she isn't sure if he is serious or just messing with her. ]

[sanephiroth]

[he nods.]

Wild, and dangerous. [He lets out a reluctant breath, as close to a sigh as it gets] Saw it earlier.

III

[perma_banned]

[Ben respected the sanctity of the library for three reasons:

One. It was his primary source of education. Two. It was his primary source of free DVDs and VHSes. Three. He could use the computers and nobody would yell at him about breaking and entering while he was doing it.

He plopped down in a seat at the long table across from Solana with three cooking books and a tupperware container full of spicy-smelling curry.]

[soligenous]

[She is thus then also distracted from her attempts at her poster when she smells the food. When her stomach of course chooses then to start rumbling in reaction and protest of her not having eaten yet.

Her head falls to the table, smack on said poster paper.]

And now my stomach conspires against me getting this done. Great.

[perma_banned]

[Ben had the spoon lodged in his mouth by the time Solana's head cracked against the table, giving her a strange look from over his modest pile of cooking books. There was a little curry on his cheek--he had been caught off guard by the thud.]

...You diabetic?

[soligenous]

Diabetic? No. Just. I probably...forgot lunch earlier with lectures and stuff going on.

[Not that she cares to comment on his bringing in food to the library. She isn't even entirely sure if that is allowed. At least outside of stuff from the cafe or something maybe. Still, she definitely smells the meal he has, raising her head enough to blink at him. She gestures, indicating her cheek]

Um. You got a bit there.

[justchords]

(while apollo may not be a naturally artistic person, or artistic in any form at all, he is gifted at helping people whenever they need something! and passing by solana in the library, her frustration quite evident, he takes this opportunity to go over and check on her.) Uh... miss, are you okay?

[soligenous]

It's fine. I'm fine. I just -- need to get this poster done and I can't seem to think on what to do for it. I mean. Design wise. What font, what pictures to put on it, the layout.....

[It is a lot. A lot of work goes into posters. More than her usual paintings or sketches in considering the font and information, where that goes amid the composition of it.]

[justchords]

(that sounds the opposite of fine in apollo's book, but he won't say that!!! it's rude to call people out, after all. it does sound like a bit of a challenge, however, and apollo takes a moment to consider the situation. pressing a finger to his forehead, and quietly humming in thought, he attempts a logical approach.) Well... what sort of event is it for? You'd want the poster to match it, right?

[soligenous]

It's for the High School's play. Villanous.

[It's. A lot. Definitely going to be a work in progress. At least for now while she plans it out or even starts on it. Still. She won't object to him trying to help, as she presses her pencil against her lips, barely refraining from chewing it.]

[justchords]

Hmmm... (theater, music, and art were sadly never activities apollo dabbled in, so he doesn't feel as if he could give the best kind of advice solana deserves. but still!! he at least prides himself in problem solving, he tries to think up factors the poster should get.) Well... maybe characters of the play on the poster? Or important props in the play?

[soligenous]

Props....? Hm. I guess, the broom. The monkeys?

[She chews the end of her pencil in thought, before starting to sketch a couple of winged monkeys and a broom. Some heeled shoes, red of course. The name of the play in the top center of the page. Details on the place and time for the play near the bottom in smaller writing.]