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

Sigma (Sigmund Klim) | Zero Escape

[meowchanics]

((AU workshop thread is here! Feel free to plot there and/or PM me o/))

[II, Pesgare]

Siiiingin' in the rain. ♪ Just singin' in the rain... ♪

[What a... less than glorious feeling, Sigmund thinks, shivering a little in his sopping-wet polo shirt. But the singing is a decent distraction, which is obviously the only reason he's still doing it. Man, if he'd known he'd end up in Pesgare today, he would have brought a coat. Then again, if he'd known he might end up in Pesgare today, maybe he wouldn't have taken the circuitous wrong turns that led him here.

Thank god he'd stumbled on a local who knew enough English to explain the best route around all the stupid-ass construction outside. Now all he has to do is, er... remember where he parked. Were the streets this windy whenever he last came out this way? Windy in both senses of the word. Brr.

Still, sooner or later, the paths have to start looking familiar again. Until then, onward stomps this grey-haired man in unseasonal short sleeves, through the puddles and their curiously-curving spray, towards the next person fool enough to hang around in this weather.]

Hey! You seen a car anywhere near here? ♪ It's blue, daba dee, daba dah. ♪

[...At least his voice isn't awful. Off-key, but not completely awful.]


[IV]

[The field of pinchology may be too young and untested to teach in college, but there's a lot to analyse if one cares about it as much as respected researcher Dr. Sigmund Klim. For example, the layperson might imagine that the butt is the ideal solution to any pinching problem. This is not always wrong, but fails to account for the tenfold multiplier it applies to the level of pinch retribution under many of the most common constraints. To simultaneously maximise plausible deniability and quality of vantage point, a good approximation is to start with the thigh, or in some circumstances elsewhere on the leg... and so on.

The upshot is that it's perfectly rational for Sigmund and his beer to be hiding under the counter at this bar, thoughtfully weighing up the suitability of each pair of legs that passes by. Why are you glancing down this way at all? Look, he only has two coins left before he can get a prize. Please don't begrudge him this.]


[Bonus]

Okay, who is it this time? Government? Hacker cabal? Big Pharma? 😩
Tell me I can at least still check my email. None of you guys wanna sift through *that*, right?

iv

[informantic]

Yipe - !

[Heigo stumbles away from the bar with a startled yelp, hopping on one foot a few times before he's finally able to get his balance back. Once he's sure he isn't about to faceplant onto the smelly, sticky floor, he props his other foot up on a nearby stool to see what caused the unexpected stinging near his ankle. His trouser sock isn't torn, so...

... so it must have something to do with the face peering up at him from beneath the counter.]

Honestly. A grown man. [Heaving a weary sigh, Heigo lowers his foot back to the floor.] Are you proud of yourself?

[meowchanics]

Oh, I dunno. [Yes he is, judging from his grin. Whoo! What a rush. He has to grip the side of the counter to lever himself back up onto his feet - not quite as young as he used to be, you know - but it hardly dampen his spirits.] Would you feel better if I said you looked lonely?

[Once he's up, he leans back against the stool Heigo just turned into a footrest, wobbling only slightly.]

[informantic]

Worse. I'm always being told I look sad, or angry, or lonely... this is just how my face looks!

[Well, if you can't beat 'em... he'll buy one of those noxiously green beers, but only one, and he won't be happy about it! Once he's got his drink, he forces his shoulders down from his ears and tries to relax.]

It's been a bad day. I may have overreacted because of that.

[meowchanics]

[While Heigo orders, Sigmund casually drains some of his. It is certainly very green. It tastes... green. It may turn his face green, later. But hey! That's, like, half the point.] Bad in what way? Leprechauns not treating you right?

[Has he mentioned that he only needs two more coins... no, he hasn't yet, but he's still psyched! Free shit! Yeah!!]

ii!

[sharplydressed]

[He may be fool enough to hang out in this weather, but at least he's a fool with an umbrella. It's a small blessing... Or a large one, considering all the weirdos he's been running into in the rain?? At least this one is familiar.]

Not bad, not bad. Maybe like, six or seven on the karaoke scale? You'd get more points if we were actually at karaoke, though.

[A PUNK... But he'll be mildly helpful too, glancing back the way he'd come from before shaking his head.]

A-ny-way, I haven't seen any cars on this street. You might wanna wait to keep looking until the rain lets up, unless you've got somewhere to be.

[meowchanics]

Punk ♪. Ahem. [See, he can stop the singing at any time! A role model for all his students, including the ones currently better equipped for the weather than he is.] Well ♪, that narrows it down -

[The effect of that dignity-preserving cough is a little undermined when it turns into an actual sneeze, mostly into Sigmund's arm. Life is hard for old people who never remember their physical limits.]

[sharplydressed]

[Mostly. Mostly. Kashuu, picky fool that he is, immediately bristles.]

Hey! You're not getting sick, are you? Geez. What, have you just been wandering around out here forever, looking for your car?

[On the less punkish side, though, he doesn't even ask before extending his umbrella upward a little so it can cover the both of them. No one wants to deal with sick professors roaming the streets, okay.]

[meowchanics]

Oh, you know. So easy to get distracted by the beauty of the natural world in weather like this.

[Sigmund has to hunch his shoulders and neck a little to fit his head under the umbrella, something he will undoubtedly regret later, but not right now. Is he going to sneeze again? Is he? Is he... okay, no. After about fifty years of indecision, he lowers his arm.]

But I'm fine, I swear. Sorry about that. Chances are it's just a little further out.

bonus.

[grumpei]

from what i can tell its a cross between a hacker cabal and a demented religious cult
but no ransomware to be seen just yet
so youre free to read all your boring emails for the time being

[meowchanics]

Damn. Any chance you want to reply to these boring emails for me, instead of them?
Just kidding.
For real though, that's some story premise. You didn't strike me as a novelist.

[Or a prankster, but come on, what else could this be but a prank? Tenmyouji isn't that common a name. Maybe some other students put him up to it...]

[grumpei]

hey im willing
as long as i cant be held liable for any consequences of what i decide to email them back

and thats because none of this is my idea
read through some of the posts here
it does sound like some shitty stoners attempt at a cohesive story
or a cult initiation
really you can take your pick

[meowchanics]

Eh sounds good, half of them don't check their inboxes either.
You can get on that right after you turn your last assignment in? 📝
If you're not busy reviewing stoner literature instead.

bonus

[physix]

I think the government is behind this.
Who else would be able to pull it off?

You can still check your email.
Maybe you've got some spam sitting inside.

[meowchanics]

That's an ominous way to talk about someone else's inbox.
...Which means you're actually in on the whole thing. Right?

[Man, modern college students really go all out with this shit. Back in Sigmund's day, students had to make their own offline entertainment... like wedging dead mice in that one professor's office door...]

[physix]

I sent you spam through a proxy email...

How'd you know?
That's supposed to be a secret.

Looks like I have to come out of hiding and tell you the truth now.
I'm actually an alien from outer space.

[SHE'S KIDDING.]

II

[argone]

[It's so bizarre seeing people acting all weird because they got wet. Kara's generally used to strange things happening right now, but it's entirely something else to be standing in the street with an umbrella when one of your colleagues comes along singing one of Gene Kelly's greatest. She not only gives Sigmund a side eye, she steps closer and waves.]

Is everything alright, doctor?

[Do you need your head checked?]

[meowchanics]

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.]

[argone]

[It's a tragedy, Kara feels bad enough for him that she won't make a quip about him being a forgetful old man. Instead she smiles somewhat fondly, but somewhat reservedly, gesturing for him to follow her.]

The main lot is down this way? Maybe it's there.

bonus.

[livingimpaired]

Is there something in your e-mails that warrants it, professor?

[meowchanics]

Yeah, I need to hide the scandalous paper trail after deliberately putting weird malware on my own phone.
Don't happen to know anything about it, do you?

[livingimpaired]

About your scandals? No.
About the app? I know a little.

bonus

[embearass]

I can assure you that there would be a lot more trouble if this app deemed it fit to search through your emails without permission.

[meowchanics]

Yeah, maybe, assuming you could even tell...
Honestly, my inbox is nuts this month. A little help couldn't be all bad. In theory.
But you're "answering questions" about this app, huh? What, is cyber crime part of your line of work?

[embearass]

Not particularly, however I did some digging in the field after I found myself with the app.