repeter | 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!

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

[Thankfully, not a woman. Has epic lovely long black hair though. Also smacking that hand that pinched him.]

Really?

[The tone is cold but there's enough annoyance in there to indicate such]

[Oh, but he's so cute.

Okay, Zeke doesn't really swing that way, but hey, he can tell you when shoes look good, even if he doesn't want to wear them.

Except, all of that is furthest from Zeke's mind because as soon as he grabs the older man, he stares at his hand like it's somehow betrayed him. His brows draw in, and he wiggles his fingers, like he can't believe they just did that.]

... Uhh... [Quick, cover!] ... Y-yeah! Where's your St. Pat's spirit?

[Zephyr does swing that way though he really doesn't appreciate people disturbing his personal bubble. He's also a model if that helps with any sort of recognition.]

Entering Krampus levels.

[He crosses his arms.] Care to explain yourself?

Oh, come on, Krampus is a Christmas thing. [Though Zeke isn't the biggest guy in the world, he probably could get stuffed into a bag and carried off by his companion.

He frowns at his hand again and then... raises it up behind his head with an attempt at a carefree grin.] I'm so into the spirit of it, I can't help pinching people not wearing green! It's what you're supposed to do, right?

[That would be a hilarious image, if probably a little illegal.

He sighs at the answer.]

I don't know what the mayor is thinking sometimes. I'd advise some restraint on your choice of targets.

[And no Kuja to save Zeke-dane this time.]

I... um. Honestly am not sure why I did it in the first place. [Hence why he was looking at his hands like they betrayed him somehow.]

Which is why I guess I'm that far into the spirit! [Pause. He pulls out the coin.] Have you seen any more of these around, while you're here?

[Well, aren't those coins suspicious then. But he says nothing, far be it for him to be the debbie downer of the day]

I have not. Is there a prize?

I think it said if you can find ten of them you win fifty bucks. Not bad for just scavenging around, if I do say so myself.

But picking one up was kinda weird.

The pinching? [All this for 50 bucks. He has to wonder about the mayoral budget sometimes]

Yep. Normally I don't care if you celebrate a holiday or not, that's your own thing.

But it's not like coins can mind control you, [He laughs because it's absurd to even think about] so I guess I'm just really into it this year.

It does seem a curious coincidence, however.

[Not like he has any proof despite his suspicions and Zeke is right. Coins can't mind control people, probably.]

Try not to go overboard for just 50 dollars.

Maybe it is. [He doesn't disagree, even if he's not sure exactly what's going on.

The statement makes him scuff his foot on the ground, though.] Hey, I'm a broke high school student about to be a broke college student. Fifty bucks is practically a fortune. If I spend it on Ramen, that's meals for almost a month.

[Oh... that's not very healthy, Zeke!! But he can't fault him either.]

Have you decided on a major?

Theater! [Said immediately, and without hesitation.]

So I get to be a starving artist on top of a broke college student. Ramen for breakfast, lunch, and dinner is probably going to be my life for a while. Until I get that 'big break' everyone talks about.

Maybe not. [A pause] I may know someone in the business. But you'll have to prove your worth.

Oh? [And this is the part where Zeke - hands behind his head and all - suddenly leans over like he's getting a better look at his companion's face. Hmmm, does he know or trust this guy to keep his word? Well, it would probably not matter much either way - if it ends up a dud or too suspicious, he's got the street-smarts to know when to back out, he thinks.] I won't look a gift horse in the mouth like that. How do I get in contact?

[And this is the part where he really should have gotten himself a secondary number already.]

Give me your number. He's a little flighty but I'll get him to help when I see him.

[Which is probably pretty soon honestly]

[Probably, but Zeke lights up at the idea. Wow, he could already be getting his 'big break'! ]

Alright. Um... [He pats himself for a piece of paper, and then just makes a helpless motion with his hands.] Whenever you can get your phone ready? I'm afraid I'm a little out of paper on me at the moment.

[There's a faint smile as he takes out his smartphone. A few swipes and taps later, he looks to Zeke expectantly. He'll give Zeke's phone a call once he gets the number too.]

[A moment later, he's rattling off his number, fishing through his pocket for his own phone. Most people throw a text or a call or something afterward, he wants to make sure it went through alright, too.]

And um... I guess just watch my phone for it to ring?

[Zeph holds up a hand as he hits call and stares at Zeke's phone to see if it rings.]

I'll be in touch.

[It buzzes and rings the instrumental version of a popular music song, and Zeke holds up his phone, wiggling it between a couple fingers with a totally, genuinely happy grin, before rejecting the call and reaching up to give a brief, chest-pat of a salute to the older man.]

Thank you very much for any opportunity this may afford! [Because why not, right? And this one was raised by an actual family so he has manners.]

[Zephyr can't help but chuckle, shaking his head slowly]

Thank me when you actually get something out of it. Send me your portfolio if you have one.

MARCH TEST DRIVE

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