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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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istandwithmycancelledwife: (I used to hear a LOUD BUZZING NOISE)

[personal profile] istandwithmycancelledwife 2024-07-20 09:07 pm (UTC)(link)
[ Kalim smiles at him hopefully. It becomes clear, though, that Jamil is, perhaps...struggling.

Kalim reaches thoughtfully for a walnut, uses magic to crack it instead of slapping it on the table like a fucking animal, and then suggests: ]


Why don't...you tell me more about those people? So we can think about what they're going to do?
snizier: (122)

[personal profile] snizier 2024-07-20 10:38 pm (UTC)(link)
[Good job trapping Jamil between the options of eating something, going to sleep, and answering uncomfortable questions. Unfortunately, Jamil is starting to run out of figs.]

Well, I didn't want to have to work in the factories or something, so I laid it on pretty thick when I saw them at the Servant's Gate. And right after they first bought me, because I didn't want to get sold right back off, either. They're not in control of the family's assets anymore, their oldest daughter is, and she thinks I'm trying to make off with their savings, [which isn't wrong, to be fair] so I had to be on my best behavior at all times so she couldn't find a reason to sell me, or kill me, or whatever. So I'm pretty sure they think I'm their poor little precious rescue puppy they can dress up however they want and I'm happy to cook and clean and do all their laundry for them because I'm just so grateful.

[All of this is said in a dry monotone, like he's only irritated at worst by it all. This is old, bitter news to Jamil.]

The fact that they haven't shut my magic off means they probably think something happened to me instead of me running off. I guess that means I was pretty convincing.
istandwithmycancelledwife: (Have you been searching)

[personal profile] istandwithmycancelledwife 2024-07-20 10:55 pm (UTC)(link)
Haha, I mean, that's what I was saying! You're a good actor.

[ Kalim eats a piece of walnut, and offers some to Jamil. ]

And you didn't take any of their money, so... Wait. You didn't take any of their money, right?

[ HE DID SEEM REALLY KEEN ON THE IDEA, BEFORE... ]
snizier: (137)

[personal profile] snizier 2024-07-20 11:43 pm (UTC)(link)
[Jamil takes and eats the walnut without considering where it came from, because he needs to stall admitting that... uh...

Well, he did take something, which he knew was a stupid move as soon as he'd left the hotel, but he'd have lost too much time doubling back to return it so he'd had to commit. It wasn't even anything major--a black opal bracelet that Claudia hardly ever wore because the style never suited her chosen pastels, but Jamil knew the value of as soon as he'd seen it.

By the time they notice it's missing he'll be long gone. It's fine.]


Nothing they'll miss.

[Even as he fingers the bracelet in his pocket guiltily, he keeps his tone defiant. What's Kalim gonna say, the Pyrmonts don't deserve to be robbed? He's just as guilty of that as Jamil is.]
istandwithmycancelledwife: (As you might know)

[personal profile] istandwithmycancelledwife 2024-07-20 11:59 pm (UTC)(link)
[ Despite having felt the need to ask, Kalim clearly wasn't expecting the answer to be yes. He stares at Jamil for a moment, shocked that he'd go ahead with something that risky just to spite...

...Okay yeah it's not that surprising actually. When Kalim really thinks about it. About the side of Jamil he's seen more of since winter break. It's kind of... ]


Well...it's probably fine if it's not much. [ He's partially trying to convince himself. ] You said their daughter thought you were going to steal all their money, right? So even if they notice they'll probably just be glad that's all it was...
snizier: (130)

[personal profile] snizier 2024-07-21 12:35 am (UTC)(link)
[Well, the worst that can happen is they do notice the bracelet's missing, connect it to Jamil being the same, and realize he really has been conning them the whole time just like Ragna warned them. Then... he has no idea what their self-righteous fury might look like, because he's never dared cross them before.

But he's not going to tell Kalim that.]


They think it's some silly trinket. Compared to my disappearance, she'll just think she lost it if she notices at all.
istandwithmycancelledwife: (Most of us are only vaguely)

[personal profile] istandwithmycancelledwife 2024-07-21 12:47 am (UTC)(link)
[ Kalim nibbles some more walnut uncertainly and leans over to Jamil, like he wants a closer look if he'll show him. ]

What is it, anyway?
snizier: (131)

[personal profile] snizier 2024-07-21 01:09 am (UTC)(link)
[Jamil fishes it out of his pocket. It isn't particularly eye-catching, more tasteful than flashy--a thin gold band inlaid with black and red stones, much more Jamil's own style than someone like Gerliebt von Viscountess Claudia Pyrmont, more partial to florals. She probably inherited it and only brought it with her because she brings her entire collection with her whenever she travels, just in case she has the perfect little something to match the shawl she saw at the latest tourist trap gift shop.

So yeah, he also picked it for style, he's petty. Can you blame him? It's no more than she deserves. He'll put it to better use.]


It's not like she ever wears it.
istandwithmycancelledwife: (Many people love their cats but worry)

[personal profile] istandwithmycancelledwife 2024-07-21 01:15 am (UTC)(link)
Oh...!

[ Kalim's eyebrows go up a little as Jamil pulls it out, and he forgets that he's a little bit annoyed at him for being a hypocrite.

Nodding: ]
Yeah, it would look way better on you!

[ smh Claudia if he had something like that he would have just given it to Jamil ? obviously ? ]
Edited 2024-07-21 01:18 (UTC)
snizier: (134)

[personal profile] snizier 2024-07-21 02:14 am (UTC)(link)
[Right? So obviously it was worth it. Jamil slips the bracelet back into his pocket rather than show it off any longer--there will be plenty of time for that once he's home free. For now, it should stay hidden.]

Anyway, that's all I took.

[Well, that and the jewelry that had been in his hair earlier, but that really isn't worth mentioning--after all, it's what he'd already been wearing when he disappeared, so leaving it would have been more suspicious.]
istandwithmycancelledwife: (Some people dream of the club life)

[personal profile] istandwithmycancelledwife 2024-07-21 02:39 am (UTC)(link)
I guess that's not that bad, then.

[ Kalim rests his chin on his hand, elbow on the table, and smiles at Jamil. It really isn't that bad...and what's actually important right now isn't that Jamil is an annoying, petty, hypocritical jerk even though he acts like he's being so rational and smart all the time. Even though that's true...! ]

I'm really glad you made it.
snizier: (091)

[personal profile] snizier 2024-07-21 11:49 am (UTC)(link)
[Jamil hates when Kalim looks at him like that. It's like looking directly at the sun; he has to turn his face away, feeling his cheeks warm and his chest fill with a strange, uncomfortable lightness.]

...Me too.

[And just for a moment he lets himself believe it, that he's Made It, and it's like all the strings holding him up get cut all at once. He slouches forward against the table with a groan, then slowly slides forward to lie half on his stomach with his face smushed against the surface, just barely missing the walnut remains. He'll just stay like this for a bit. Not remotely comfortable, but he doesn't really care right now.]
istandwithmycancelledwife: (Laughing with your loved ones)

[personal profile] istandwithmycancelledwife 2024-07-21 01:17 pm (UTC)(link)
[ Kalim leans forward too so that he's eye level with Jamil, with his cheek against the table, so he can keep looking at him. He laughs but doesn't get up. ]

Hey, you know I have a bed, right?
snizier: (061)

[personal profile] snizier 2024-07-21 01:30 pm (UTC)(link)
[Without moving, or even doing anything to make his voice less muffled:]

I can't go to sleep, Kalim, I have to watch the door.
istandwithmycancelledwife: (ribbon)

[personal profile] istandwithmycancelledwife 2024-07-21 01:41 pm (UTC)(link)
The door's locked, Jamil! Come on, you have to get some sleep so you can make a good impression tomorrow!
snizier: (129)

[personal profile] snizier 2024-07-21 04:46 pm (UTC)(link)
[But you see, even if the door is locked, sleeping at all leaves them less prepared if something does happen. The more Jamil tells himself this, though, the less it feels like it matters. The whole night has felt blurry and surreal and out of control, and like his own body can't decide where to land between fear and relief.]

I'll sleep out here then.

[Jamil rolls off the table and flops onto his side to demonstrate his point. There's cushions. It's fine.]
istandwithmycancelledwife: (How to throw a horse.)

[personal profile] istandwithmycancelledwife 2024-07-21 05:20 pm (UTC)(link)
What? But you're my guest! You have to take the bed.

[ Kalim indignantly tries to tug him back up. ]
snizier: (016)

[personal profile] snizier 2024-07-21 07:54 pm (UTC)(link)
[Jamil just scoffs at him. What is Kalim talking about, guest? Is this just a sleepover to him? Still, he lets himself be pulled back into a sitting position, even if he doesn't exactly cooperate, either. Being dead weight is his silent protest.]

It's not like I haven't slept on the floor before. It's safer this way.
istandwithmycancelledwife: (How to throw a horse.)

[personal profile] istandwithmycancelledwife 2024-07-21 09:16 pm (UTC)(link)
[ He lives here and Jamil doesn't, ergo, Jamil is his guest. AND GUESTS CAN'T SLEEP ON THE FLOOR! COMMON SENSE

Kalim holds him up with one hand on each shoulder. ]


How is it safer! I have more magic than you right now. I'll sleep out here!
snizier: (122)

[personal profile] snizier 2024-07-22 12:12 am (UTC)(link)
[Jamil very nearly agrees to that one, just out of spite. Just because he can hardly believe he's at a point in his life where having the bed where Kalim takes the floor is a real possibility, and feels he ought to accept if only for the novelty. But he knows he'd somehow find a way to feel guilty about it all night, so he might as well head sidestep that prospect entirely and save himself the humiliation of having to backtrack the situation later.

Unfortunately, with that off the table, that now leaves them very few options. Jamil already knows where this is going but, as always, he insists on stalling the inevitable.]


My conscience won't let me sleep if you take the floor. We can both sleep out here, then.

[Please. Please, Kalim, accept this compromise.]
istandwithmycancelledwife: (You need to be fully prepared wigs)

[personal profile] istandwithmycancelledwife 2024-07-22 12:29 am (UTC)(link)
What? Jamil, come on! Will you sleep in the bed if I do too?

[ PLEADING FACE EMOJI. ]
chosenkingoflucis: (N6-19)

[personal profile] chosenkingoflucis 2024-07-22 06:32 am (UTC)(link)
The Empire. There's no way those are good memories.

"S... sorry..." Noctis utters, feeling bad for dredging up what most likely amounts to terrible things.

Maybe if he changes the subject.

"Uh, any idea where the best fishing spots might be around here?"
newmemorywhodis: (Puzzled 03)

[personal profile] newmemorywhodis 2024-07-22 08:28 am (UTC)(link)
Link pauses, clearly considering the question. Where were the best fishing spots?

It wasn't so easy a question to answer, considering that they were on an Armada of ships. Even when the ships weren't moving, they were still shifting along the waves.

So in the end, Link shrugs. "Anywhere?" he suggests.
snizier: (085)

[personal profile] snizier 2024-07-22 05:29 pm (UTC)(link)
[Nope. Of course not. Here they are, right where Jamil knew they would be.]

There's only room in the bed for one person, Kalim.

[He says it like a formality. He couldn't sound more defeated if he tried.]
istandwithmycancelledwife: (Shake Hands)

[personal profile] istandwithmycancelledwife 2024-07-22 05:37 pm (UTC)(link)
No way, we can both fit!

[ You know -- if Kalim gets really up in Jamil's business like he's trying to climb inside his ribcage and live there. It's fine!

He gets to his feet, reaching for Jamil's hands to pull him up with him. ]


Here, I'll show you.