Test Drive Meme #1

[vivalamods]

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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Comments

Musse Egret | Trails of Cold Steel | AU

[sapphirecontess]

LIBERATION

[While Musse was not able to take part in the strike force due to her status as an Imperial Noble, she did manage to slip away to assist with their integration. A fair hand in the kitchen herself, Musse helped prepare food and was now aiding it in serving it, generally being on good behavior although she will openly admire any particularly lovely specimens who might be arriving in the mess hall.]

My my. Well, we'll have to get a proper meal in you. You've been through a lot, and it's important that you regain your strength~

EDUCATION

[Given her status, Musse has been tapped to teach etiquette lessons - vital for infiltrators and those who might work at Elysium. Despite her usual carefree demeanor, she's taking this surprisingly seriously]

Courtly manners are of paramount importance when dealing with nobility. If a noble ever comes to believe that a commoner is treating them with disrespect, they can have that person killed in an instant. What you learn today is not a guarantee, but it may save your life. You would do well to pay attention.

DANGER AT SEA

[The giant sea monster is intimidating to be sure. As Corsairs enter the fray, they might witness an icy blue bird cutting through the air, leaving a trail of ice behind as it punches through the serpent. From the rear, Musse is holding a rifle, her stance seemingly relaxed but, to a trained observer, highly competent.]

What an impressive snake! It seems almost a shame to slay it~

Education

[achelord]

I'm not-

["I'm not actually a newbie." he tried to say, but despite his large stature, Ziel was someone easy to talk over, and before he knew it he had a bowl of soup in front of him. He had to admit he probably looked the part, with his constantly exhausted demeanor and dusty, ragged clothes.

Fuck it. Dinner is dinner.]

...Thank you.

[sapphirecontess]

[This man was concerningly scruffy, clearly he had gone through unimaginable hardships]

If you need anything, just ask. You must have gone through a lot.

[achelord]

[Technically wrong! The hardships just...weren't today.]

I guess I went through a few imperials.

[This is as close as Ziel gets to making jokes, these days.]

[sapphirecontess]

Then the meal is well deserved, no? To fight in your state is quite impressive.

[achelord]

Hah. Once, I could have cleaned that whole prison out by myself.

Now...

[Ziel trailed off. Now, he could barely lift his own weapon without tearing himself apart from the inside. Rather than say that, he started eating the soup. He barely tasted it, but it was hot and hot food usually helped no matter what your situation was.]

[sapphirecontess]

Are you injured?

[She seemed rather curious - a man who could face down an entire prison camp would be an enormous asset to the Crimson Corsairs]

Liberation

[fish4science]

^.^ is the expression Angelika has forced her face into at this point for several minutes but a slight twitch is working its way through it. Working with the incognito noblewoman can be fun and exciting! Listening to her flirt with every third person they serve, and having to carry the pot of food that was being distributed, that was less fun. Well, if she has to listen to this every time they see a cute guy or girl, (she's not interested, but cute knows cute), then maybe she can play off her a bit.

"Musse, please, don't make it sound like that. Why, you almost sound like a scary witch, trying to fatten them up!"

[sapphirecontess]

"The only eating we need here is for them to eat and regain health. Well, the fun kind too but that can wait for later~"

[fish4science]

"Yeah, no fun eating today, I'm afraid. Wholesome, filling meals only you guys."

She waits a beat for Musse to react, and then thrusts her point home.

"Cookies and cake and other sweets are for later when they won't do more damage than good."

[sapphirecontess]

"Once you're nursed back to health of course, there will be all kinds of entertaining things to eat."

Musse was clearly enjoying herself here.

[fish4science]

"Hmmmm. I think she's talking about cheese, it has too much fat to be on the menu just yet."

Verbal fencing had all the interplays of actual fencing. And there was a certain satisfaction in defensive play, stepping back as the opponent advanced, luring them in. Angelika had trained enough with a sword to know all about that pleasure, but it was still nice to dabble in it from time to time.

[sapphirecontess]

"While cheese is certainly quite good, there are far other delights offered here that one simply must sample when offered."

It's cute that you think this is anywhere near over, Angelika. So long as it remains amusing, Musse has no qualms letting this continue.

Education

[cutabout]

[ Übel has her elbows on the table in front of her and her chin in her hands. She could really use this kind of lesson, actually, but is that going to tamper down her usual behavior? Obvious answer. ]

Considering you're a noble... should I expect some kind of punishment if I start mouthing off to teacher?

Re: Education

[sapphirecontess]

[Musse's smile was sly]

But of course. You'll find my punishments are quite strict.

[cutabout]

Scary. I'm getting the shivers.

[ It's been two seconds and these two already need to be separated... ]

Well, I can behave myself. Probably. Though I really don't think I'm a good fit for high society.

[sapphirecontess]

Which begs the question of why you've elected to attend this class in the first place. Surely there are better uses for your time, yes?

[cutabout]

You've got me there.

Buuuut I suppose it's good to get outside of your comfort zone every once in a while. Or am I too much of a lost cause? I won't take it personally if that's your read.

[sapphirecontess]

The better person to answer that question is you. One's success in this class will ultimately come down to a person's investment and effort.

Danger at Sea

[adeptslayer]

That was a good shot.

[Copen had just merged from below deck, having been disturbed by this sudden sea leviathan attack. And he wasn't in the best of moods after his studying work being interrupted. But he'd arrived just soon enough to catch that icy bird fly through and strike the monster effortlessly.

He had to admit, it was flashy and effective. And it earned that comment, blunt as it was and coming from a face that didn't look like it had interest in actually being nice.]

Have you spotted a weak point on it yet?

Re: Danger at Sea

[sapphirecontess]

Why thank you~

[Musse's tone is flippant, but her eyes are anything but as they scan the massive beast with a burning intensity]

Well, there's some good news and bad news on that... the good is that one exists. Unfortunately, it's the mouth. Where all the teeth are.

[adeptslayer]

[Copen furrowed his brow, focusing on what Musse was saying over the din of shouting, cannons firing, steel clashing against scale, and the roars of both wave and beast.

That wasn't good news, especially with how the creature thrashed in the sea while under so much pressure.]

...At least it's a big target.

[Again, his tone is blunt, dry, and humorless, though clearly directed at the situation while he quickly assesses things with that new information. Copen draws his Divider pistol from its holster as Ether energy built up in his other hand, his white armor seemingly coming to life.]

Your weapon has better range than mine. I'll get in there and make a window for you. Probably take more than that to kill it, but... [He trails off, knowing very well this wouldn't be that simple. He struggled putting more to words, though.] ...If you have another idea, though?

[While his initial thought of drawing its attention might well work, if there's another way that doesn't involve teeth, Copen's open to it.]

[sapphirecontess]

Just one. Be prepared to engage, on my mark.

[Musse took a restrained stance with her fist clenched and held close to her heart. She closed her eyes and blue arcane circles began emanating from her feet. After a few moments, she opened her eyes and unleashed a burst of ice that trailed across the water, forming into sharp points that drove them into the serpent.]

Attack now! Draw it's head as close as you can manage!

[adeptslayer]

[Decisive. He could work with that. He gave a single, acknowledging nod in response, the flarings on his back and in his boots opening, giving a telling whine of something powering up.]

Got it.

[Copen grit his teeth as he waited for the mark... and as soon as she gave it, the boosters in his jacket and boots flared to life, sending him rocketing off the deck of the ship, toward the next ship, bounding off that to follow the line of magic as it went. The beast was going to look where it came from, and he needed to be there when it realized what hit it. Jetting between ships and hopping off residual sea ice, Copen turned his thrusters to throw him straight up into the air.

Launching himself a good distance up as the creature roared in pain from the ice spikes piercing it, Copen opened up with his Divider pistol. Rapid beams of light peppered the creature's face as it turned toward him. How much damage the shots actually did was irrelevant, as long as they angered the serpent enough to give chase. And like a charm, the creature leaned back for a fanged lunge at Copen.

He quickly spun in the air and engaged the drive thrusters once more, dropping altitude to bound off the sea ice and continue building distance in the short window he had to evade. Another dash, just skimming above the surface of the water before rocketing up and away, away from the beasts lunge... with only a matter of meters between success and failure.]

[sapphirecontess]

[The cry of a bird could be heard alongside the sound of gunfire as a blue bird trailing a stream of ice shot past Copen, into the creature's open mouth and out the back end. In its wake a path of ice glistening in the sun could be seen as the beast's head snapped back from the strike]