Recollé Mods (![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png)
recollecters) wrote in ![[community profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/community.png)
repeter2018-03-17 08:46 pm
recollecters) wrote in repeter2018-03-17 08:46 pm
Entry tags:
MARCH 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 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! |
no subject
When they reach the locker room, Heigo sizes up his options for spots to collapse and chooses to lie across the length of a bench with his face turned to the ceiling. This is not the cleanest of rooms, definitely not somewhere he'd choose to recline so much of his body, but the floor looks infinitely worse and he hasn't yet got the stomach to check the showers.]
I'd say it was half peer pressure, half physical force. Maybe two-thirds physical force. [He pushes his bedraggled hair out of his face, then turns his head to look at Atsushi with a new sense of wonder.] ... you just saved my life. I don't know what to - is "thank you" enough to cover that?
no subject
He glances over at Ango with wide, curious eyes.]
Oh...that’s more than enough, Heigo-san. I’m just glad you’re okay.
[NO BIG DEAL OR ANYTHING.
God it’s so hot in this stuffy locker room...taking a shower almost seems pointless now, really, but at least the option is there.]
Did you drive here, or...?
no subject
But no, this is all far too real to be a dream. He wouldn't be able to feel every single beat of his heart as clearly as his fist clenching and unclenching while his pulse returns to normal in a dream.
Atsushi's reaction does at least prompt Heigo to sit up properly, which heads off his impending rant about all the traffic trouble he faced this morning before it can even begin. Is there - something different about Atsushi - ? It's something so small but so pronounced that all of Heigo's attention funnels into working out what it could be, his eyes darting back and forth behind his glasses as he takes in every part of Atsushi's face.
Oh - eyes. That's it.]
Are those... cosplay contacts?
no subject
...no. They’re real.
[How to explain this...?]
They’re...new. I just woke up with them a couple of days ago.
no subject
[Heigo's not totally unaware of the fact that strange things are afoot
at the Circle Kin Recolle recently, but he's tried to keep from getting involved in anyone's personal stories because - well, he simply doesn't have time to shoulder all those outside burdens, not even for his closest friends. He's juggling too many concurrent realities in his own life to get into "who am I, really?" conversations with people all the time.As a result, he has no idea that those aren't just existential dilemmas people are facing and that the question tends to be very literal in nature. What he does know, even from the brief time he's known Atsushi, is that he's not the type to tell bald-faced lies for attention.]
I'm sorry, please excuse my reaction... I'm sure you don't need anyone to tell you how bizarre that is when you're the one living it. [He sits up fully, letting his legs drop to either side of the bench, and leans in the direction of Atsushi's averted gaze.] Can I see them again?
no subject
It’s okay. It’s just...they’re weird, aren’t they? Nobody has two-toned eyes.
[Atsushi looks straight at Heigo again, allowing him to take in the bizarre sight of his eyes. Where they were a deep, rich brown before, now they’re a lovely gold split with violet that you only hear about in anime.]
It’s...it’s not unheard of for people to have sudden changes in their appearance here.
no subject
Now that he's almost died at the hands (or horns, rather) of a fiery bull, he's starting to wonder how many of those things don't have sensible explanations he just hasn't considered.]
I guess you're right... [As for Atsushi's eyes, though:] Your new eyes are unusual, but that's not always a bad thing. They look like a cat's eyes when you catch them at just the right angle, you know that odd reflective thing they do? Like that.
[They're incredibly beautiful, but that doesn't feel like an appropriate compliment here and now.]
no subject
[There are far worse animals to be compared to, even if Heigo’s comparison does bring to mind his eye exam with Kei Shigaraki. The light that had shone directly into his eyes had revealed catlike slits that appear when Atsushi’s pupils constrict. The lighting is so dim in here, however, that it’s doubtful that Heigo will notice, and Atsushi would rather not bring it up.
Only now does it truly sink in just how roughed up Heigo is. Atsushi looks at the crack in his glasses with sympathy, as well as his rumpled suit.]
I’m sorry that happened to you, Heigo-san. I can help you try to get home if you want, but I can’t drive.
[Not to mention the random detours...]
no subject
I can't just leave the car behind. Whatever this place is, it barely qualifies as civilization - I doubt I'd ever see the thing again, much less in one piece.
[God. Today really has been... something else, hasn't it? When he makes the mistake of trying to process even a single part of the day's strangeness, it all comes cascading down on him at once and he has to clutch the side of his head until a wave of dizziness passes. Apparently his brain is beyond the point where it can pretend all's fine and well.]
Have you seen any vending machines in this arena?
no subject
[Atsushi immediately looks concerned when Heigo clutches his head like that. He probably needs water! How could Atsushi forget about that?? It’s so hot here, and he’d been running for his life, so it wouldn’t be too much of a stretch to say that he’s at least a little dehydrated.]
I think so. At the entrance. I could buy you something, if you need me to.
[He’s already getting up to head out of the locker rooms.]
Anything in particular? Unless you want to come with me?
no subject
[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.
no subject
[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?
no subject
I never have time to nurse hot drinks, especially not when I tend to need something with a real kick the most. So - [He holds up the can and makes a voila gesture at it with his free hand.] - this garbage is my fuel.
[Retrospec? Why does that sound familiar? He feels around in his pockets and is rather amazed to find that 1. he didn't lose his phone in the bullfighting ring, and 2. he does have an app by that name. He's got a message on that app, in fact.]
Zee Carlisle? [His brows pulled together with apprehension, Heigo looks back up at Atsushi.] I don't know anything about this... what is it?
no subject
Whatever works.
[Atsushi is kind of amazed that Heigo’s phone didn’t get smashed or lost either, and it’s apparent from his reaction that he hasn’t noticed the app yet.]
Zee is an employee at a company called retrospec. They’re...kind of mysterious. The app is like a social media app, but it also allows you to notice things that you might’ve missed before. Like the strange detours outside of the city.
[He’s a bit hesitant to say this next part, but Heigo deserves to know.]
It...also seems to have something to do with regaining memories and appearance changes...
no subject
[Atsushi's talking about some sort of veil being pulled back, but on reality as a whole. Even with low-key descriptors like "notice," it's all too obvious that he's trying to downplay something that's happening on a much larger scale.
And even if Heigo wanted to write it off as madness, either on his part or Atsushi's, that's officially impossible now that he knows they're experiencing the same things. He trusts Atsushi enough to believe the parts he can't yet confirm from experience, so all he can do now is get more information so he'll be prepared for the next wave of surreality.]
Regaining from where, exactly?
no subject
[There's nothing that Atsushi hates worse than being the bearer of bad news, but lying about this or hiding it from Heigo isn’t going to do the poor guy any favors. Atsushi takes a sip of his coffee before continuing, brows furrowing as he tries to decide the best way to explain this.]
Another you. A past life. I’m not entirely sure how it works.
[A shuddering sigh.]
The other me, for example, lived on the streets and then eventually became some kind of detective. [A beat.] And had white hair and eyes exactly like this.
no subject
[As soon as the question is out of his mouth, Heigo waves away any possible response with a gesture and a harsh sigh of his own.]
No, forget that. You've already said you're not sure about the particulars, which won't change no matter how many times I ask. [He closes his eyes and squeezes the bridge of his nose for a very long time, possibly enough to cause Atsushi some worry, but he's much closer to his usual coolly composed self when he looks up again.] How did you get here, Atsushi, do you need a ride back to the city? Whatever comes next, I want it to be as far from here as possible.
no subject
He gives Heigo a look of concern when he goes quiet, but gives him enough time and space to speak on his own.]
I walked and got lost on one of those detours...
[A soft smile.]
I’d really appreciate a ride.
no subject
[Heigo finally gets to his feet at that point, frowning down at his bedraggled clothes as if they're his biggest concern. After a fair bit of straightening and fussing with them, he considers the showers with a leery glance, then decides to head for one of the sinks and just splash water on his face and neck instead. He almost feels like himself again once he's got his hair wetted and combed back off his forehead.]
Do you need anything else before we leave? [He lets out a small, self-deprecating sniff of laughter.] I'm fully aware that I still smell like an unwashed bull, by the way, but I think that's baked right into the suit now. We can keep the windows open.
no subject
No, I don’t need anything. [Atsushi lets out a soft, airy laugh.] That’s all right. I’m not really worried about how you smell. I’m just hoping we don’t get lost on another detour...
[Atsushi finishes off his coffee and gets to his feet before disposing of it in a nearby trash bin.]
Ready when you are, Heigo-san.
no subject
As soon as I recognize our surroundings, I'm following my usual routes everywhere I need to go. Anyone who wants to stop me will have to lie down in front of my car unless there's already a black hole in the way.
[That's quite an exaggeration of how determined he is not to be led on another wild goose chase, but honestly, today's been so aggressively weird that it's starting to make Heigo angry. He just wants to find a safe, familiar place to relax a bit and consider everything Atsushi just laid out for him, maybe contact some friends and see if any of then can corroborate what Atsushi's said about Retrospec. Not to mention the work he still has to do on his latest short story...
... maybe relaxing won't be a part of his evening after all. But the familiar place damn well will be, he's not budging on that part.]
Here's mine. [He points out his sensible little subcompact car when they reach the parking lot and unlocks it, grabbing his spare glasses the moment he's inside.] Whereabouts do you live, Atsushi?
no subject
[Atsushi can’t quite believe how things have transpired either, and he really does feel sympathetic towards Heigo’s plight. Having your entire world view turned upside down is no fun at all. Believe Atsushi, he knows.
He follows Heigo out to the car and slips inside, admiring the sleek, modern interior.]
Birch Hills. What about you?
[He pokes at the touchscreen radio, amazed when it comes to life with several options on what radio station to select.]
This is nice. It’s been forever since I’ve ridden in an actual car and not a bus.
no subject
He can't help but preen a little when Atsushi so openly admires his car, since it's not really anything special to most people he knows.]
Me too, actually. I ought to have moved by now, but I got hired right out of school and just... never got around to finding a new apartment. [Once he's pulled out of the parking lot and onto a straight stretch of road, he glances sidelong at Atsushi with a hint of a smile.] If you ever have shifts that begin or end around the same time as my work day, I can give you a ride.
no subject
[He looks much more relaxed now, the catchy music filtering in through the speakers a welcome distraction from the awkward silence that always seems to pop up between people during long car rides.]
Really? I’d appreciate it! Of course I’d pay for gas too!
[He glances out the window, taking in the...volcanic scenery.]
I really do appreciate it. I have some book recommendations for you, actually, if you’re interested. And a few drink and sweets samples too.
no subject
[Heigo can't help but laugh at all the things Atsushi rattles off, amused but also rather touched that he's put so much thought into what Heigo might enjoy. Must be the caffeine finally hitting his veins that has him in high spirits, or maybe the rush of nearly losing his goddamn life today.
For all that it was a waking nightmare as it happened, that was exactly the sort of adventure he's always experienced vicariously through his writing, and he can't deny that it's given him a strange sort of high.]
You've really put aside samples for me? Sounds to me like giving you the odd ride now and then will balance us out, you don't need to chip in for gas.
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)