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Viva La Mods ([personal profile] vivalamods) wrote in [community profile] vivalaooc2024-05-31 08:15 pm
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Test Drive Meme #1


TEST DRIVE #1

The day begins as any other, you’re going about your day, living your life, when, without warning, you feel the world around you shift on its axis. You feel a great tear, welling from the depths of your soul as you are ripped from all you have known. If you’re lucky, you arrive in the wilderness of an unfamiliar world, where the language is foreign and the people are hostile. To make your escape, you must learn some language, flee, and occasionally fight, all to find your way off the floating isles you find yourself on and to the great ocean below, where rebel forces will welcome you.

If you’re unlucky, you materialize within a room full of armed guards and are quickly subdued with charged nets, stripped of your belongings, fitted with strange devices that suppress your powers and pressed into servitude. Your days are unimaginable pain and toil.

Fortunately, even in this world, there is still hope. For the denizens of this world have not given up. And it is for that dream of salvation that the Crimson Corsairs raise their flags and sail - for liberation. Perhaps you are one who has lived their entire life under the oppressive yoke of the Empire. Perhaps you have seen first hand your family and friends cut down by nobles hunting men for sport, or perhaps you have run afoul with the church and barely escaped with your life. No matter your origin, the Corsairs sail for you, for your freedom, for your life. And today, a taste of freedom will be won for all.


ARRIVAL/LIBERATION
This month, the Crimson Corsairs raided a Larendt labor camp in order to obtain much-needed parts and textiles as well as liberate another batch of servants for the cause. The raid was executed under the cover of night, with one team sweeping the dormitories and gathering as many servants as they could while the other team hit factories as they could, focusing on taking important items like ship parts and clothing, loading them into prepared trams and fleeing before the guard could mobilize. The operation, thankfully, went off without a hitch, and the Corsairs were able to usher a number of servants into their waiting ships.

As dawn breaks, the raiding fleet docks at Flotsam as the city-fleet begins the long journey away from the continent before a retaliation fleet can be mobilized. The former servants are finally let above deck. The sun is beating down hard on them, its brilliance marking their first step into freedom.

Corsairs on the fleet will have a lot to do - the new arrivals will need to be sorted, clothed, and fed. Many are emaciated from the conditions in the labor camp, and the former servants will be immediately ushered to a mess hall for their first meal as free folk. Corsairs will be needed to organize the movement, prepare and serve the food, and also just sit with them and talk to them, helping them adjust and filling them in on the situation.

Former servants will have found the entire process exhausting to say the least. They were awoken in the dead of night by heavily armed people quickly moving through, shattering their chains and ushering them into ships. The entire night was spent sailing, and while the hull is dark it is crowded and difficult to sleep in. Finally, upon arrival they are ushered into a meal hall and served a humble meal - but a meal that far exceeds anything that was ever served at the servant’s table. What is known is that they are now free.


MEANWHILE IN THE WATERLOGGED ROW…

With another successful mission under their belt and their duties more or less complete, the triumphant Corsairs observe a time-honored tradition: heading to the Waterlogged Row and getting absolutely shitfaced on awful grog.

The mood is jubilant and self-congratulatory, with drinking songs ringing out across Flotsam. In consideration to other residents, the Row is currently moored a good distance from the residential areas to keep the celebrations from disturbing what little peace there is in the chaotic town that is Flotsam. But for those who participated in the mission, tonight is about celebration. Singing, storytelling, socializing, this is the glue that holds the operations team together. And as the Crimson Corsairs do not officially recognize a drinking age, everyone is welcome! Even if they probably shouldn’t be!

New arrivals are, of course, not at all restricted so those who finish their meal and go exploring will quickly find the Row, as well as many Corsairs eager to buy them a pint to toast their newfound freedom.


MAKING THE GOOD STUFF

Elysium often serves as the crux of Corsair operations, and the next operation is no different. While the operations team is carousing and toasting their success, the planning team is hard at work preparing for the next mission.

The order of the day is gathering, which has brought the team to the forests outside of Elysium. In the coming month, Elysium will host a lavish party for the guards of a certain continent, and it is the duty of the gatherers to ensure that any drink served is “enhanced”, with such potency that they won’t be in any position to do their duty when the raiders strike.

Any herbology specialists will be absolutely vital for this operation. While the Corsairs have some documents and know, generally, what they’re looking for, there are a wide variety of things that grow within the forest, many of which can be quite dangerous.

Those new to gathering will really need to watch their step. Elysium is rich in hallucinogens, and a whiff of the wrong flower or mushroom could leave them contemplating their navel for the next hour. Tasting is out of the question, but what they don’t know can’t hurt them right? After all, the Elysium workers spend a lot of time eradicating poisoned growths to keep wandering nobles safe so anything they find can’t be THAT bad. Right?

And of course, for experienced foragers, they will find an entirely new duty thrust upon them - keeping the newbies in line. Really, how can they expect anything productive to be done when they send a bunch of green recruits into a forest full of hallucinogens?


EDUCATION AS THE BOMBS FALL

New Corsairs almost always find themselves in the Vault. Nestled in the earth and subject to the constant pounding of munitions overhead, the Vault is the repository of knowledge for the Crimson Corsairs and the place where new inductees are educated. Language instruction, education on the world and its people, writing, reading, arithmetic, just about any kind of learning can be done in the Vault’s halls.

Notable about the Vault’s education is how deeply tied it is to the Crimson Corsair’s broader philosophy - everyone’s unique talents and insight have value. As such, Corsairs are often called to the Vault to share their specialized expertise. While many Corsairs do choose to become full-time teachers, any Corsair can come and teach a class.

For the new Corsairs, now is a time to learn and train, acclimate themselves to their situation and figure out where they want to go from here. For established Corsairs, this is an opportunity to meet the new recruits and help train them so they can help with the cause. Those who might be students today will be comrades standing at your side tomorrow, so teach them well.


DANGER AT SEA

As the most mobile of the Corsair’s settlements and the only obvious Imperial target, Flotsam is well equipped to deal with any number of dangers. One such danger is the enormous sea monsters who dwell within the Eternal Ocean. While many are not too keen to tangle with such a large fleet, occasionally a monster will become angry or territorial enough to try to attack the fleet.

And it is for that reason that the Corsairs now find themselves battling a massive sea serpent that has stretched itself across the western edge of the fleet. New Corsairs aren’t expected to assist in this battle, but as the sinking of Flotsam would be VERY BAD for those who are currently trying to live on it, many will jump in anyway, especially as they should have been issued weapons. As to established Corsairs, well, you know the drill by now. Monster bad, try to sink ship, let’s convince it that there are easier marks than the pride of the Corsair fleet.

Some Corsairs will need to man the cannons to blow it away, but many will get up close and personal, jumping into melee range to drive it away from the ships and mitigate as much damage as they can. Others still will provide support from the back with magic or ranged weaponry, and still others will need to weave their way in between the battle to carry out wounded Corsairs for medical attention. Whatever your specialty, your city needs you. Best get to work.


WILDCARD

Have an idea for your own prompt? Feel free to make any prompt that you think would fit!

OOC
Welcome to the first Test-Drive Meme for Viva La! All threads here may be considered canon once characters have entered the game. Threads here are eligible for use as a roleplay sample for applications, which will open on the 15th of June at midnight.

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fray: (down)

[personal profile] fray 2024-06-03 04:02 am (UTC)(link)
[ It's close enough. At least, Id can't do better.

He'd be terrible at impressions. ]


No reason for them to stop. We're convenient and expendable.
cutabout: (✃ bisectual)

[personal profile] cutabout 2024-06-03 04:09 am (UTC)(link)
[ Übel follows Musse's movements with her eyes, and a little smile returns to her face. Otherwise, she manages to stay quite still. ]

I'll have to get you back for this.
sapphirecontess: (021)

[personal profile] sapphirecontess 2024-06-03 04:10 am (UTC)(link)
You can work on that after you've finished this assignment. I think two hours should do for a beginner like yourself.
transrobotism: (standby)

[personal profile] transrobotism 2024-06-03 04:14 am (UTC)(link)
[ a world with a civilization that has found a way to commodify humans - and otherwise - nearly the same way Dolls are. Fascinating, really.


The mental burden on the individual is still much different, though. After all, replaceable as they are, the people still possess only one death, apiece. ]

As long as the water's still running.

Well, then... what do you think?
If you could level the Servant's Gate right now... would you?
cutabout: (✃ chop it up)

[personal profile] cutabout 2024-06-03 04:17 am (UTC)(link)
Plenty of time for me to think up something good.

You going to stick around and watch?
tisfinished: (uhhhhh... yes quite)

Liberation

[personal profile] tisfinished 2024-06-03 04:20 am (UTC)(link)
"Truly, no need?"

This takes the stocky, bearded man aback for a second, but then he nods and takes back the steaming bowl of porridge.

"A shame, then, you won't get to taste this. But I'll find someone who needs it."
Edited 2024-06-03 04:21 (UTC)
sapphirecontess: (012)

[personal profile] sapphirecontess 2024-06-03 04:24 am (UTC)(link)
I can't correct your posture if I don't. You may speak as you sit, but I expect you to do so in a courtly fashion.
tisfinished: (Default)

Re: 2!

[personal profile] tisfinished 2024-06-03 04:25 am (UTC)(link)
"Em Are Ee?" He shakes his head. "It keeps well, though we'd need to soak it overnight before cooking. The stuff we smoke will be more immediately accessible, and improved in flavor besides."

He lays down the filets, one by one, then pours salt over and pats them down.

"Next time, you pour as I lay."
tisfinished: (secret herbs and spices)

[personal profile] tisfinished 2024-06-03 04:27 am (UTC)(link)
Hm. Bladefish are a little tricky - the fins are sharp - but once you clip them you can treat them more or less like sardines.

If we're to slay these beasts in self defense, I've always felt it's wasteful not to make something of them.
tisfinished: (Default)

Re: 2

[personal profile] tisfinished 2024-06-03 04:28 am (UTC)(link)
Aye. That one we chop up for the smoker. A good oak, too, flavorful.

[And he's really going to take his axe and start turning the barrel to firewood.]

If you can find me a good empty barrel, we can start salting the fish as well.
knowhyoucry: (Default)

[personal profile] knowhyoucry 2024-06-03 04:30 am (UTC)(link)
"Yes. I will continue to function so long as my power cell remains active and undamaged. No other sustenance is required." The Terminator replies as the porridge is taken back. "I do not have the means to taste it in any case." Well, it can analyze the porridge, tell the makeup of what went into it, which provides it with data, but nothing that replicates the sense of taste.

That said, once the porridge is taken away, it pushes its chair back and stands up up. "I wish to familiarize myself with the layout of all vital areas of this vessel. May I accompany you?"
tisfinished: (relaxed)

liberation, the beginning of a beautiful friendship

[personal profile] tisfinished 2024-06-03 04:32 am (UTC)(link)
Coffee's more than welcome. I'll want to know where you're getting it from, if you're able to share that.

[The dwarf that's been dutifully slinging porridge seems genuinely delighted that someone thought to provide coffee as well, and takes his small cup carefully and with a smile.]

No cream as such, but I've some lump sugar for occasions such as this. Shall I fetch it for you?
fray: (say)

[personal profile] fray 2024-06-03 04:57 am (UTC)(link)
I would.

[ All Id truly wants out of life is to atone for the damage he's done and be a defender. Destroying that gate would mean no one from home could be dragged into this. It may be the only way that he can protect any of them, now.

But he's too much a soldier to think he can, right now. There's a whole empire behind that twisted technology, with forces and numbers they lack. And so— ]


If I had the opportunity, I would.

[ Godmight would be enough to tear it apart, surely. ]
cutabout: (✃ dice and easy)

[personal profile] cutabout 2024-06-03 04:59 am (UTC)(link)
So very magnanimous of you, m'lady. Though it wouldst behoove me just to keep my mouth shut, in that case.
transrobotism: (COOL)

[personal profile] transrobotism 2024-06-03 05:04 am (UTC)(link)
There are people even here who might not want that. Who knows...? Maybe the way we came in is the only way "servants" could ever go home.

But you knew right away what you'd want to do about it, hn?
Edited 2024-06-03 05:06 (UTC)
knowhyoucry: (terminator11)

[personal profile] knowhyoucry 2024-06-03 05:12 am (UTC)(link)
The Terminator's head lifts slightly, and to one side as it receives the transmission, a clear indicator she got through. After it finishes playing, it looks back down towards her.

"My optical systems contain advanced scanners that take in all relevant information about my surroundings." It explains. It knew from the moment it first laid eyes on her she was an artificial being like he was.

"What is the purpose of a Tactical Doll?"
transrobotism: (hm)

Re: 2!

[personal profile] transrobotism 2024-06-03 05:13 am (UTC)(link)
"On it~."

She's got steady hands, at least, so the pour isn't too much of a mess.

"What does soaking it do to it?"
fray: (Default)

[personal profile] fray 2024-06-03 05:21 am (UTC)(link)
[ It stands to reason that it is the only way back. Between getting home and ensuring the Captain, Lyria, and the others aren't captured, enslaved, and quite possibly worked to death? Id will prioritize the latter.

Someone has to make sure it ends. ]


If they can get back, let them. But more people shouldn't have to suffer.

[ He's been a party to that far too long already, and he'd only begun to make amends. Maybe this is the way he truly does so. ]
transrobotism: (thinks emoji)

[personal profile] transrobotism 2024-06-03 05:24 am (UTC)(link)
Organized warfare. In the modern era, mostly against other T-Dolls. But I was part of a special task force that would sometimes defuse situations with human insurgents, too.

...She finally turns back to look at him, smiling.

"But without my firearm, I don't look like much of a soldier, do I? All I've done for months now is hold a spindle instead of a trigger."
fuckthatdragon: (Please forget you saw that)

[personal profile] fuckthatdragon 2024-06-03 06:05 am (UTC)(link)
"Sure."

Marcille pulled on gloves pretty similar to the ones Momo had just made and they set about collecting mushrooms in silence.

After a minute or so, however, Marcille piped up with, "You know, we could say that we brought both kinds of mushrooms back on purpose, and not because we couldn't figure out which kind was poisonous and which wasn't."

You know, lie.
fuckthatdragon: (I'M NOT TIRED)

[personal profile] fuckthatdragon 2024-06-03 06:07 am (UTC)(link)
[Marcille feels like this conversation is going very poorly. A slightly manic urge to please slipped into her voice. She wanted people to like her! Who didn't want people to like them!?]

O-of course! Not a problem! We also have a vegetarian option! I should have thought of that right at first!
nevercravetherose: (Default)

[personal profile] nevercravetherose 2024-06-03 06:09 am (UTC)(link)
"I like knowing a thing or two about outfits. You can usually tell at least one thing about a person with how they dress. Or get an idea on how their outfits can be improved."

She doubled checked the ribbons on her own arms, making sure they were well tied.

"...Plus, it's something you can have some control over, with how you present yourself to others."
nevercravetherose: (010)

[personal profile] nevercravetherose 2024-06-03 06:14 am (UTC)(link)
[.........

.....

...Give her a second. Looks like Shionne.exe has stopped working and needs a moment with rebooting after receiving a sincere compliment. And once her brain is back in working order... Shionne is just going to hold a bowl at the tips of her fingers and offer it.]

"...Here. Just take that if you need something to eat."

[Because honestly, who doesn't always need something to speak? Speaking from experience.]

"Once we make it to this Flotsam place, I'll at least get to fix the outfit problem."
achelord: (SO fucking tired)

The Valt

[personal profile] achelord 2024-06-03 06:26 am (UTC)(link)
It is.

[The guy sitting at the next table over piped up. He had an obscure tome on curses and spirits open in front of him, and looked to be half asleep where he sat.]

They want to feel useful so they don't feel despair, but I don't think cake decoration is going to reveal the Empire's hidden flaw.
dreamflowers: (16883976)

[personal profile] dreamflowers 2024-06-03 07:19 am (UTC)(link)
[All things considered, this whole thing should be freaking her out a lot more than she's allowing it to. It wasn't too long ago that she was traversing the humid Powder Desert on Enderal, until she was swept up from her "mission" to participate in menial labor. If not for the fact that she was still seriously wounded from her battle in Silvergrove striving to save a boy's life, she might have put up more of a fight.

[Even though she's healed a bit since then, she still isn't okay. But heck if she's going to let that show around strangers when she just smiles and grabs for another drink.]


You could always run if it doesn't suit your fancy.

[The question is: Would he?]