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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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flashpointe: (pic#)

[personal profile] flashpointe 2024-06-04 09:22 pm (UTC)(link)
[ And Musse gets a placating smile in return. ]

But it’s only noon. [ Is it? ] And there are others who have been at it since before sunrise. I feel guilty taking a break while they continue to work.
flashpointe: (022)

[personal profile] flashpointe 2024-06-04 09:28 pm (UTC)(link)
[ It’s true, beggars can’t be choosers! So what if the way that their magic manifests itself is a little horrific unconventional. It still works, right? Much better in Marcille’s case, but Vivi is still learning. ]

I appreciate the help, I don’t think I could have gotten to everyone if you hadn’t stepped in, miss..?

[ There wasn’t exactly time for introductions while doing triage. ]
Edited (Repetitive) 2024-06-04 21:29 (UTC)
sapphirecontess: (011)

[personal profile] sapphirecontess 2024-06-04 09:29 pm (UTC)(link)
[Musse sighed deeply]

Vivi, dear, it's three PM. You need to eat something.
sapphirecontess: (031)

[personal profile] sapphirecontess 2024-06-04 09:30 pm (UTC)(link)
Yes.

[Musse's expression was distant]

I've heard many stories like that. And I remember every single one. I could likely recite hundreds of them, given the time.
flashpointe: (076)

[personal profile] flashpointe 2024-06-04 09:33 pm (UTC)(link)
[ An owlish blink—and her stomach letting out a mighty growl on cue. ]

Oh.

Oh, I guess I should. [ Oops. ] Maybe I should have grabbed more than soup and a bit of bread… Hmm.
cutabout: (✃ gash money)

[personal profile] cutabout 2024-06-04 09:40 pm (UTC)(link)
Right.

Basically, if I went out of my way to kill that particular nobleman, it wouldn't even do that much good. Sort of puts things in perspective, doesn't it?
sapphirecontess: (029)

[personal profile] sapphirecontess 2024-06-04 09:51 pm (UTC)(link)
[Musse slid a plate with a large helping of bread and meat across the way]

I already anticipated this.
sapphirecontess: (015)

[personal profile] sapphirecontess 2024-06-04 09:53 pm (UTC)(link)
Even you would be hard pressed to kill them all, and that's not really the point of this exercise. We have to make sure they enjoy themselves so we can steal the secrets they hold. That's why this training exists.
flashpointe: (036)

[personal profile] flashpointe 2024-06-04 09:55 pm (UTC)(link)
[ She fights back an instinctive “Are you sure” before giving her an apologetic look. ]

You were going to come find me even if I didn’t come sit with you, weren’t you?
sapphirecontess: (020)

[personal profile] sapphirecontess 2024-06-04 10:03 pm (UTC)(link)
You speak as if I didn't have a hand in ensuring you take a break in the first place. I knew you'd come find me, in time.
flashpointe: (022)

[personal profile] flashpointe 2024-06-04 10:11 pm (UTC)(link)
[ Tearing off a bit of bread, Vivi offers some to Musse. She would feel weird being the only one eating here. ]

I didn’t know you were a fortune teller, Miss Musse. Let me guess, “our meeting today was written in the stars, as our souls are intertwined.” Am I warm?
cutabout: (✃ rends with benefits)

[personal profile] cutabout 2024-06-04 10:19 pm (UTC)(link)
I know. That's just where my mind goes.

Anyway, I told you I wasn't a good fit for this kind of stuff. Not that I regret giving it a go, but it probably isn't worth us investing that whole two hours. We could have some nice girl talk instead.
sapphirecontess: (019)

[personal profile] sapphirecontess 2024-06-04 10:35 pm (UTC)(link)
[Musse takes the bread and munches on it idly]

Sure, we can go with that. The stars are very pushy after all.
sapphirecontess: (019)

[personal profile] sapphirecontess 2024-06-04 10:36 pm (UTC)(link)
If this was just an excuse for some girl talk you could have just asked. Saved us some time.
desashin: (Default)

[personal profile] desashin 2024-06-04 10:45 pm (UTC)(link)
[ Sadly responding to his ridiculous inquiry is as good as volunteering to help him, and Ace turns to Angelika with a broad grin and the sword raised with a salute that is definitely a practiced pose. ]

Then we'll just have to get dramatic. It's probably hungry, right? I bet if we offer it something that looks good enough, we can get it to come down and say hello.

[ Or bad enough. He's going to start with the good though and see where that gets them. ]

How are your acting skills? Do you think you can play the part of a damsel in distress?
cutabout: (✃ dice and easy)

[personal profile] cutabout 2024-06-04 10:53 pm (UTC)(link)
It wasn't.

I was born a commoner, after all. It helps to know how nobles really think, even if it turns out that I can't play the part.
desashin: (Default)

[personal profile] desashin 2024-06-04 11:03 pm (UTC)(link)
[ Good old delayed-reaction Michinaga. That's what Ace counts on. Once he's grabbing him he's already committed and unlikely to turn around and change directions that fast. The stubborn bull charges ahead no matter what, and in this case it does save Ace from spilling into the ocean.

He grins when the other Rider grabs his shirt, standing tall as he's shaken by the fist, which doesn't do much to prove his innocence either, but that has never been his concern. ]


Were you hoping you got lost in a world alone? Too bad, 'Lo, you won't be able to split from everything that easily. We've got you tagged.

[ That is absolutely not the case this time, but he's not going to reveal that. ]
sapphirecontess: (017)

[personal profile] sapphirecontess 2024-06-04 11:09 pm (UTC)(link)
It's not a hard mentality to grasp. You just need to imagine what it's like to have everything given to you, while being upset that you don't have even more.
flashpointe: (pic#17208294)

[personal profile] flashpointe 2024-06-04 11:29 pm (UTC)(link)
I thought that was only if you were indecisive, or bad at love or romance.

[ Someone needs to look at the theater’s repertoire one of these days… ]
fuckthatdragon: Maybe a massage too (I need three naps)

[personal profile] fuckthatdragon 2024-06-04 11:35 pm (UTC)(link)
Marcille drooped bit. She had kept to what she thought of as The Basics, but thinking back there had been an awful lot of confused questions and uncertain looks.

“I guess I got overexcited. It was my first time actually teaching a class.”
cutabout: (✃ chop it up)

[personal profile] cutabout 2024-06-04 11:39 pm (UTC)(link)
[ Übel hums, considering. ]

Isn't that a pretty wide brush? I'd say you turned out a bit different, at least.
stophamatime: (023)

Re: 2

[personal profile] stophamatime 2024-06-04 11:40 pm (UTC)(link)
Yes, that's right.

[ He knows what's actually meant by "tallman," but the term always makes him sigh a little, internally. Hopefully. Eventually.

He's got a long ways to go before he can honestly call himself tall, though. ]


Is an inch deep enough? Or should it be more?
sapphirecontess: (013)

[personal profile] sapphirecontess 2024-06-04 11:41 pm (UTC)(link)
Oh the stars can be responsible for all kind of fun outcomes. And since they keep bringing you to me, what they have in store must be exciting indeed~
sapphirecontess: (030)

[personal profile] sapphirecontess 2024-06-04 11:42 pm (UTC)(link)
You could say I'm from an unconventional family. Although many of my relatives are very conventional, unfortunately.
stophamatime: (015)

i won't tell a soul!!

[personal profile] stophamatime 2024-06-04 11:45 pm (UTC)(link)
At least she managed to get one honors student in the door for this one.

He stops and takes a beat to survey what he's written. "Doesn't that change for other kinds of spells, though? Like, instead of calling lightning, if you're...I don't know, making someone able to breathe underwater or something?"

(Or for the D&D nerds in the audience, the difference between evocation and transmutation.)