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cracktheearth2015-08-10 01:05 pm
raisednpcs) wrote in cracktheearth2015-08-10 01:05 pm
Entry tags:
Fall 2015 Test Drive
Hello, and welcome to the test drive for August, 2015! We're doing things a little bit differently this time, as three of our test drive prompts are the same as events presently going on in the game! And that's not all; both players in the game and out of it can treat everything that happens with these prompts as canon to the game, and that they happened concurrently with what's going on on the main community. So, if you're looking to apply to Raise the Earth, here's a chance to get in on the ground floor of what's happening in-game!
In addition to these, we've got a few sample prompts for you to choose from; don’t worry about actually sticking to these, though! Go wild and enjoy what you’re doing with test drives. We should note, though, that you can’t use test drive threads toward AC. One note: characters can get Echoes from test drive threads that will be game canon! They count toward the starting allotment for their application, so don’t go too crazy there. You don’t need to request these, so long as they’re in keeping with the general Echo rules - just put them on your application. If you’re at all unsure, ask us and we’ll be happy to give you advice there.
Since nobody’s going to know who your reincarnation is yet, comment to this post with your character’s preincarnation and canon in the comment title! You might also talk just a bit about personality, appearance, and/or reputation for your character’s reincarnation, so we know what we’re in for.
Event Prompts
[A - Echo Incursion, Gateway City]
It's a particularly hot day in the Gateway City zoo. What else could you expect? It's not like it's not to be expected, it is the middle of August, after all. But there's plenty of things to see here at the zoo, and the visitors' center is air conditioned well enough.
Just a normal summer day in a typical summer vacation spot. Right?
Well, that's when things change. Those in the visitor's center would find the building changing around them. There's suddenly a dinosaur skeleton in the middle of the place, with the banner "When Dinosaurs Ruled the Earth" hanging from the ceiling.
That's not all. The animal enclosures are now different. What used to be a pen for the african elephants now has very large, very long necked reptiles in it. A gigantic, meat-eating dinosaur just tromped its way out of the lion habitat it's too much too large for, and unfortunately for the people around it, its vision is based on movement. The monkey house? Well, those are velociraptors breaking out of it. The aviary? Now filled with particular aggressive flying pterosaurs.
These are just some of the creatures making their sudden emergence, and it's not long until they spill out of the zoo and into the city proper. Dinosaurs are now walking the streets of Gateway City.
Yes, indeed. Just a normal summer day.
[OOC: For a guide on what to expect for this prompt, see here.]
[B - Shepherd's Haven]
Shepherd's Haven is one of the safest places for Numbered, but at night, after the sun has set, it seems that things are very different. People are appearing in the streets of the small community, as well as Christchurch and Woodend. People who are clearly "not all there", in that they are transparent and thoroughly nonsolid. Their behavior is strange, in that they either ignore people entirely, or start following them wherever they go.
This is oddly similar to an event that occurred in Locke many many months ago, but why is it happening here, halfway across the world? The ghosts seem that they can literally be anyone, possessing a diverse number of traits and qualities, not specific to this part of the world. Some of them might even look like people your past life used to know...
What are they doing here? Where did they come from? And how will you react to them?
[C - Locke City]
Everyone remembers the monstrous serpent that ravaged Locke City. That fateful day is somewhat foreshadowed by the horrors of the invasion, but it's not as if you can forget the fact that a giant serpent appeared and wreaked destruction across the entire city. But it was destroyed, and now, a new creature lays beneath the city, waiting to protect it should the need arise. Wise Snake is just a memory now.
Or... is it?
Snakes are appearing all over the city. Normal-sized ones. Why is this newsworthy? Because the little snakes appearing all over Locke are made of stone. They behave otherwise normally at first, and are nothing but a disturbing reminder of an event that changed Locke City forever.
But time goes on, and the snakes suddenly aren't so little anymore. They get as large as dogs, and turn aggressive. Attacking people, much like their larger progeny did. Thunder Corp is on the scene, rounding up as many of these snakes as possible, but they can't get all of them. And any Numbered they see? Well, they're gonna be pulled along for questioning.
It appears Wise Snake isn't ready to be forgotten or replaced.
Normal Prompts
[D - Sudden Storm]
Rain wasn’t planned today. The forecast had called for sun and minimal clouds, and a warm breeze. Instead, the falling drops seem to sparkle in the sunlight peeking through the clouds. Out a window, strolling down the street, sitting at a bus stop, it’s hard not to feel the drops coming down. And should you stop to stare at the rain for a bit, something seems to shift. A hollow feeling, a certain vertigo, that passes in a moment. As it clears, something changes. A new memory, from a life that isn’t familiar and doesn’t make a whole lot of sense; a tingling at your fingertips of some new energy; a certain knowledge of the world that shocks you with the new information it provides; something in your hands you weren’t holding before. Maybe you’ve already had an Echo somehow, and you recognize the feeling; maybe you haven’t, and it brings back memories of the people talking about “pulses” on TV, what seems like forever ago. If the latter’s true, the fading sense leaves behind a number, that seems to worm its way into your mind and not leave. Does this mean… you’re Numbered, now?
[E - The Network]
The number stuck in your head refuses to go away, so to work it out of your system, you decide writing it down on something is a good idea. Maybe you punched it into your phone; perhaps it’s on a piece of paper, or a mirror, or almost anything else.
The thing it’s on comes alive, filling with text and images. None of it was there before, and you can interact with it. Hundreds, maybe thousands of posts, all tagged with a number that looks similar to your own. Tales of fighting, of betrayal, of loss and sacrifice; stories of heroism, of gain, of victory and the elation attached. Questions about life, about the network, about the future of the Numbered. Idle conversation, videos of stupid things. Three years of history, from the beginning to the original incident on April 1, 2013, through to today.
You could add something. Clearly, it need not be profound, and if you don’t put a name, a face, or a voice to your number, nobody would ever know it’s you. It’s there, at your fingertips. What would you say…?
[F - New Los Angeles]
Far away from the gleaming jewel of Gateway City, in New Los Angeles, there are far less things to celebrate. The city is one of the last few bastions of civilization left in the western half of the United States - now called the “western territories” after the collapse of most state governments - and its here that a great many people have fled. Though the city is in the process of being rebuilt, the majority of it lies in ruins after the aliens’ attack, and most of the people have to live in camps. The luckier ones have spaces in shelters, but that just guarantees a roof over your head instead of a tent.
People have formed communities here, however. Some come together to share what they have, while others consolidate power and lord it over the other refugees. Most of the time, the governor and General Miller allow them to function independently, save for when a new city ordinance is in effect. And just your luck, one of those just happens to BE in effect today.
See, a shipment of relief supplies was discovered savaged and destroyed; what wasn’t ruined was taken, and the damage to the facilities led Miller to decide that Numbered could have been the only ones responsible. So, a curfew is in effect, and anyone suspected of being a Numbered is being brought in for questioning. You’re out past curfew? Well, now you’re suspected of being a Numbered. Little does Miller know that the real beings responsible are pack of Vermedi roaming the city. And while this is going on, groups of thieves are prowling the city waiting to take advantage of anyone stupid enough to be out and about after dark.
Are you one of the refugees living in New Los Angeles, or did you come to help with the relief effort? Either way, tensions are high, and the nights are dangerous, and monsters both human and inhuman are lurking the streets at night.
[G - Wild Card]
Don’t feel pressured to stick to our prompts - you’re welcome to do whatever strikes you. Lighthearted, serious, dangerous, mundane, spectacular… Raise the Earth is a game designed around everyday life getting a lot more interesting in a hurry. Play around with things!
In addition to these, we've got a few sample prompts for you to choose from; don’t worry about actually sticking to these, though! Go wild and enjoy what you’re doing with test drives. We should note, though, that you can’t use test drive threads toward AC. One note: characters can get Echoes from test drive threads that will be game canon! They count toward the starting allotment for their application, so don’t go too crazy there. You don’t need to request these, so long as they’re in keeping with the general Echo rules - just put them on your application. If you’re at all unsure, ask us and we’ll be happy to give you advice there.
Since nobody’s going to know who your reincarnation is yet, comment to this post with your character’s preincarnation and canon in the comment title! You might also talk just a bit about personality, appearance, and/or reputation for your character’s reincarnation, so we know what we’re in for.
Event Prompts
[A - Echo Incursion, Gateway City]
It's a particularly hot day in the Gateway City zoo. What else could you expect? It's not like it's not to be expected, it is the middle of August, after all. But there's plenty of things to see here at the zoo, and the visitors' center is air conditioned well enough.
Just a normal summer day in a typical summer vacation spot. Right?
Well, that's when things change. Those in the visitor's center would find the building changing around them. There's suddenly a dinosaur skeleton in the middle of the place, with the banner "When Dinosaurs Ruled the Earth" hanging from the ceiling.
That's not all. The animal enclosures are now different. What used to be a pen for the african elephants now has very large, very long necked reptiles in it. A gigantic, meat-eating dinosaur just tromped its way out of the lion habitat it's too much too large for, and unfortunately for the people around it, its vision is based on movement. The monkey house? Well, those are velociraptors breaking out of it. The aviary? Now filled with particular aggressive flying pterosaurs.
These are just some of the creatures making their sudden emergence, and it's not long until they spill out of the zoo and into the city proper. Dinosaurs are now walking the streets of Gateway City.
Yes, indeed. Just a normal summer day.
[OOC: For a guide on what to expect for this prompt, see here.]
[B - Shepherd's Haven]
Shepherd's Haven is one of the safest places for Numbered, but at night, after the sun has set, it seems that things are very different. People are appearing in the streets of the small community, as well as Christchurch and Woodend. People who are clearly "not all there", in that they are transparent and thoroughly nonsolid. Their behavior is strange, in that they either ignore people entirely, or start following them wherever they go.
This is oddly similar to an event that occurred in Locke many many months ago, but why is it happening here, halfway across the world? The ghosts seem that they can literally be anyone, possessing a diverse number of traits and qualities, not specific to this part of the world. Some of them might even look like people your past life used to know...
What are they doing here? Where did they come from? And how will you react to them?
[C - Locke City]
Everyone remembers the monstrous serpent that ravaged Locke City. That fateful day is somewhat foreshadowed by the horrors of the invasion, but it's not as if you can forget the fact that a giant serpent appeared and wreaked destruction across the entire city. But it was destroyed, and now, a new creature lays beneath the city, waiting to protect it should the need arise. Wise Snake is just a memory now.
Or... is it?
Snakes are appearing all over the city. Normal-sized ones. Why is this newsworthy? Because the little snakes appearing all over Locke are made of stone. They behave otherwise normally at first, and are nothing but a disturbing reminder of an event that changed Locke City forever.
But time goes on, and the snakes suddenly aren't so little anymore. They get as large as dogs, and turn aggressive. Attacking people, much like their larger progeny did. Thunder Corp is on the scene, rounding up as many of these snakes as possible, but they can't get all of them. And any Numbered they see? Well, they're gonna be pulled along for questioning.
It appears Wise Snake isn't ready to be forgotten or replaced.
Normal Prompts
[D - Sudden Storm]
Rain wasn’t planned today. The forecast had called for sun and minimal clouds, and a warm breeze. Instead, the falling drops seem to sparkle in the sunlight peeking through the clouds. Out a window, strolling down the street, sitting at a bus stop, it’s hard not to feel the drops coming down. And should you stop to stare at the rain for a bit, something seems to shift. A hollow feeling, a certain vertigo, that passes in a moment. As it clears, something changes. A new memory, from a life that isn’t familiar and doesn’t make a whole lot of sense; a tingling at your fingertips of some new energy; a certain knowledge of the world that shocks you with the new information it provides; something in your hands you weren’t holding before. Maybe you’ve already had an Echo somehow, and you recognize the feeling; maybe you haven’t, and it brings back memories of the people talking about “pulses” on TV, what seems like forever ago. If the latter’s true, the fading sense leaves behind a number, that seems to worm its way into your mind and not leave. Does this mean… you’re Numbered, now?
[E - The Network]
The number stuck in your head refuses to go away, so to work it out of your system, you decide writing it down on something is a good idea. Maybe you punched it into your phone; perhaps it’s on a piece of paper, or a mirror, or almost anything else.
The thing it’s on comes alive, filling with text and images. None of it was there before, and you can interact with it. Hundreds, maybe thousands of posts, all tagged with a number that looks similar to your own. Tales of fighting, of betrayal, of loss and sacrifice; stories of heroism, of gain, of victory and the elation attached. Questions about life, about the network, about the future of the Numbered. Idle conversation, videos of stupid things. Three years of history, from the beginning to the original incident on April 1, 2013, through to today.
You could add something. Clearly, it need not be profound, and if you don’t put a name, a face, or a voice to your number, nobody would ever know it’s you. It’s there, at your fingertips. What would you say…?
[F - New Los Angeles]
Far away from the gleaming jewel of Gateway City, in New Los Angeles, there are far less things to celebrate. The city is one of the last few bastions of civilization left in the western half of the United States - now called the “western territories” after the collapse of most state governments - and its here that a great many people have fled. Though the city is in the process of being rebuilt, the majority of it lies in ruins after the aliens’ attack, and most of the people have to live in camps. The luckier ones have spaces in shelters, but that just guarantees a roof over your head instead of a tent.
People have formed communities here, however. Some come together to share what they have, while others consolidate power and lord it over the other refugees. Most of the time, the governor and General Miller allow them to function independently, save for when a new city ordinance is in effect. And just your luck, one of those just happens to BE in effect today.
See, a shipment of relief supplies was discovered savaged and destroyed; what wasn’t ruined was taken, and the damage to the facilities led Miller to decide that Numbered could have been the only ones responsible. So, a curfew is in effect, and anyone suspected of being a Numbered is being brought in for questioning. You’re out past curfew? Well, now you’re suspected of being a Numbered. Little does Miller know that the real beings responsible are pack of Vermedi roaming the city. And while this is going on, groups of thieves are prowling the city waiting to take advantage of anyone stupid enough to be out and about after dark.
Are you one of the refugees living in New Los Angeles, or did you come to help with the relief effort? Either way, tensions are high, and the nights are dangerous, and monsters both human and inhuman are lurking the streets at night.
[G - Wild Card]
Don’t feel pressured to stick to our prompts - you’re welcome to do whatever strikes you. Lighthearted, serious, dangerous, mundane, spectacular… Raise the Earth is a game designed around everyday life getting a lot more interesting in a hurry. Play around with things!
no subject
"Don't move a muscle, freak!" one of the gunmen warns, though it's pretty obvious they're all somewhat scared out of their minds.
no subject
The streak of lightning zips down the stairs into the building... only to stop on a dime at the guns pointed at him, a flash of panic crossing his face for an instant. Fortunately, the gunmen probably wouldn't see it as instinct kicks in having people this close, people who might have even a small change of identifying him later. His whole body starts vibrating, leaving him blurry and indistinct to the men facing him, a quiet whirring sound filling the air.
Okay... at least they're scared. Maybe he can work with that.
"I'm not here for you." His voice is just as odd. Echoing with an unnatural reverbration and almost sounding entirely alien. "I came here for the medical supplies you took. Hand them over and this can all stop right now without anybody else getting hurt."
no subject
The apparent leader of the gang... a large man with scars and a wicked-looking grin, stands before Jason now, grinning at him.
"So you're the freak that's got my boys so worked up," he said. "The ones guarding the outside said you're pretty fast."
no subject
Probably easier to dodge than bullets.
"When I want to be." His voice continues to carry that bizarre tone to it as he holds his ground, looking... way up at the boss. "Now, are you going to return those supplies or does this have to get even uglier?"
That's probably good enough.
"If it even can at this point."
God... damnit.
no subject
"Funny. You're a funny guy. I like funny guys."
Without an ounce of fear of what Jason might do to him, he strode forward confidently. "You know, I could do that. I could give the supplies back, and we could all avoid a lot of pain. Or... we can both profit off of this."
That smile on his face turned into a cunning grin. "Why not join us? In return, I'll give you the medical supplies, and we can all profit off of whatever jobs we do in the future. You can even take enough to do your little Robin Hood act or whatever the hell this is."
no subject
And... damn, that is... that's a very good offer. A cut in an operation like this meant steady money. Good money too. He'd have to be an idiot to turn that down.
Except... he doesn't do that kind of thing anymore. Well, okay, he does but not like this. Not for people who hurt others to get ahead. Not being that person again... it's the one promise he can't break.
"It's not about profit. One way or the other, I'm taking those supplies back to the people who need them." The conviction in his voice even surprises him for a second, but he holds onto it. "So get out of my way."
no subject
Despite Jason's conviction, the man is unimpressed. In fact, he seems a bit annoyed now. "Look at where we are. We're living in literal ruins, under the thumb of a corrupt asshole who has done far worse than me or anyone else here!"
He's brazen enough to walk up and attempt to poke Jason right in the symbol on his chest. "Say you don't take my deal. Where the hell does it get you? This way, it's CERTAIN your supplies get back to the people. If you don't, you'll probably get shot by my boys. What the hell do you think your altruism gains?!"
no subject
"You're right. Miller is corrupt, and the things he does might be worse... but that doesn't make this right. You hurt people to get what you want." He glances downward at the poke to his chest and then looks up again, shaking his head. "I'm not gonna be a part of it."
no subject
Once the boss is clear, that's the only warning the thugs get before they all begin to open fire on Jason.
no subject
He braces himself for the inevitable as the first gun flashes and the world seems to slow to a crawl. The first bullet is already on him and he juuust manages to dodge to the left... only to see a second one coming right for his face. That one he ducks. Hops over a third heading for his legs. Dives out of the path of a fourth and fifth and then leeeans back, raising his arm over a sixth and then pushes himself to his feet, hopping back as a one final one passes by.
... Of course to an outside perspective all there is to see is an erratic flashing of lightning, followed by several sparks as the bullets impact the far wall behind him. He stops, stares, looks back at the wall then down at his very non-bullet-riddled self, then at the crooks.
... And laughs a short, awkward laugh of disbelief.
no subject
"WHAT ARE YOU IDIOTS DOING?!" their leader bellowed. "FIRE AGAIN!"
And they did. This time, however, their movements were much slower, hindered by shock and surprise.
no subject
He's emboldened both by actually pulling off dodging not just one, but many bullets and the bad guys' hesitation opens up a pretty decent window of opportunity. First things first, he has to deal with those guns. Despite his success, he's not too eager to try the bullet-dodging thing again and just smacking them or grabbing them might mean somebody getting hurt by a misaimed shot.
Better just let them empty them out themselves. But from a safer difference.
"Okay, fellas." A quick streak of lightning and he's gone... until his voice comes from up above on the upper level where he's leaning against a railing. "Take your best shot."
no subject
So, they made a prediction, grabbed onto a nearby piece of railing that connected to the level above, and crawled up. Once Barry was up on the railing, they'd try to get behind them and grab them in a headlock.
"Don't mind if I do, punk!" they growled.
no subject
Grasping hands and arms closed on thin air as lightning flashed around them and then vanished, leaving everyone within reach with empty hands and some truly righteous wedgies.
"Come on, guys." The voice came from the other side of the warehouse, where their opponent is leaning against a railing again. "You sure you don't want to call it quits? I can keep this up all night."
no subject
The thugs need only to look at each other before tossing their rifles down and holding up their hands.
"Just take the damn medicine and get the hell out of here!" they cry.
no subject
"Here's how this works from now on. Miller and his pals are fair game, I don't really care if you guys want to make a buck off some black market goods, but food and supplies going to the camps." He nods his head toward the stack in the middle of the warehouse floor. "Those are off limits. You leave them alone, and I leave you alone. Deal?"
no subject
It was unclear whether they would, but for now at least, the fear of god had been put into them.