vivalaooc | Test Drive Meme #1

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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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The door's locked, Jamil! Come on, you have to get some sleep so you can make a good impression tomorrow!

[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.]

What? But you're my guest! You have to take the bed.

[ Kalim indignantly tries to tug him back up. ]

[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.

[ 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!

[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.]

What? Jamil, come on! Will you sleep in the bed if I do too?

[ PLEADING FACE EMOJI. ]

[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.]

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.

I don't need you to show me, I have eyes!

[But in the same way that it was comforting and familiar to instruct Kalim on contingency plans, it's easy for Jamil to let himself get swept up in Kalim's wake when he has his mind set on something. He tells himself he's picking his battles as Kalim pulls him up and toward the back of the room. He's running on fumes as it is, so why waste energy on this?

Go on, then. Demonstrate your genius idea for the class.]

[ Kalim just laughs and tugs him over to the bed, where he lies down on top of the covers and scooches over so his back is right up against the wall. ]

See? There's room for you!

[Jamil defiantly remains standing. There is certainly not room for him.]

There's barely room for you, and I'm taller. Come on, Kalim, we aren't kids anymore. You'll just get elbowed in the face all night.

Not that much taller! And I think you're really overestimating how wide you are.

[ He looks pointedly at the empty portion of the bed and then back at Jamil. He's still grinning. ]

Just try it, okay?

[Jamil sighs, possibly his heaviest sigh tonight, but he sits down on the edge of the bed where Kalim is clearly expecting him to. Then as he lies down, he pivots so that he's lying flat on his back, his arms pinned to his sides and his side right up against the opposite edge of the bed.

It's not comfortable in the least, but it gives them a few centimeters of space so that they aren't touching. Your move, Kalim, if you want to spoon you have to ask for it.]

[ This was always the plan. As soon as Jamil has settled down Kalim wiggles right over to tuck himself against his shoulder. ]

Hehe. See, like this! You can't elbow me in the face if you put your arm like this.

[ Isn't it way more comfortable to have your arm around Kalim than awkwardly at your side, Jamil! He's just going to put it there for you. Problem solved. ]

[Actually, he'd rather have his back to Kalim than lie like this, because he really would rather see the door, and he should probably try to sleep in the recovery position just in case he does end up paralyzed--but now if he rolls that way he'll roll right off the bed. He's played himself. He has to roll inward toward Kalim if he wants any stability.

At least he has an excuse to kick at him.]

Move over then, I'm gonna fall off.

Aha ha, okay!

[ Kalim scoots back to make room. The kicking doesn't phase him in the least; he's beaming at Jamil like he's gotten everything he wanted. Which he has! He lifts his arm up expectantly. We Are Cuddling, Bro ]

[Jamil is pointedly not looking at Kalim's face because he knows exactly what Kalim's face looks like right now and the mental image is enough, thank you.

Lying like this with Kalim becomes the last comforting, familiar experience of the night--Jamil can't help but think of all the other times they'd had to curl up in each other's spaces, from Kalim needing comfort from a nightmare to hiding in a cupboard from assassins with only room for one child between them. Most of them unpleasant, at least for Jamil, but still familiar--and they'd made it through all those times. Not necessarily unscathed, but they survived. Maybe they'll survive this one too.

Despite himself, Jamil relaxes with the feeling of Kalim against his side, Kalim's pulse point in the crook of Jamil's arm. He lets out a slow, ratting exhale, all his exhaustion settling on him all at once, and nearly passes out then and there.]

[ Kalim sighs in profound, undisguised contentment as he settles against Jamil. It is a bit cramped with them both in his little one-person bed, but it's also the most comfortable he's ever felt in it.

He doesn't want to go to sleep right away. He knows there's a reason it's been such a long time since he last got to be this close to Jamil, and he knows it won't happen again after they get up tomorrow and the Corsairs get Jamil's suppression band off and there's nothing he needs to rely on Kalim for any more. He feels bad for enjoying it...but it's his last chance! He might never be able to look at Jamil up close from this kind of unflattering angle again! Or hear him breathing in his sleep! Or pretend Jamil's arm around him is because he wants to keep him there instead of because Kalim arranged them like this on purpose! Kalim is selfish! He has to make the most of it!

Unfortunately he is also totally wiped after the day they've both had. He manages to stay awake for all of like a minute and a half longer than Jamil does before his eyelids droop closed.

He is cozy as hell like this. There is no way he's waking up first. ]

[Jamil hadn't meant to fall asleep right then. He hadn't meant to stay asleep, either, figuring he'd wake up after an hour or so at most and then he could gently extricate himself from Kalim's hold without waking him and spend the rest of the night on the floor with enough room to breathe and deal with Kalim's hurt feelings in the morning. After all, he hadn't gotten a good night sleep since he'd been dragged here, why should tonight be any different?

Jamil's eyes open with a snap when he realizes sunlight is already coming through the window--he'd slept through the entire night without realizing it. He jolts up immediately, forgetting to care about not waking up Kalim, and goes through a quick, panicked catalogue of the night's damages--none, apparently. The band never activated, nobody tried to break in or knock on the door in the middle of the night, they're both still here: none the worse for wear. Can it really be that easy?

The last thing to do is run through that magic exercise one more time, just in case there's been a change, which he does without even getting out of bed. The result is the same as before: a stable-enough flame, but at about a quarter of his usual output. So either they still don't think he's run off willingly or it just hasn't occurred to them to try messing with the band. Does that mean they're worried about him? That they're hoping he'll find his way back like a lost dog? That idea makes this stomach curl unpleasantly.]

[ Next to him Kalim stirs and yawns, but he keeps his eyes squeezed shut and presses his face into Jamil's side, at first -- sensing magic, though, he blearily cracks an eye open to watch Jamil conjure his subpar flame. The events of the previous night settle back in over him as he watches it flicker. He wasn't particularly tense when he woke up or anything, but remembering everything that's happened and seeing that Jamil is still here and nothing seems to have happened to him comes as a relief; he's able to relax in a way he hadn't quite realised he couldn't before. ]

Oh...good. It's still working the same as before, huh...

[ He detaches himself from Jamil a bit, but only so he can rub his eyes and stretch. ]

Did you sleep okay?

Fine. [Jamil doesn't actually want to talk about his sleep quality thanks!!! Now that he knows Kalim is awake, the fire goes out with a clench of his fist; he shrugs Kalim off and swings into a sitting position with his legs over the side of the bed, like he can't get up fast enough.]

We overslept, if anything. We don't have time to relax.

[Though if they haven't done anything with the band yet, they probably never will. Not before Jamil can get it off, hopefully. Still, it just... doesn't seem right to let his guard down.]

[ Kalim sits up, draping his arms over his knees, and frowns at Jamil's back. ]

I don't know, I think we can take it a little easy, if they still haven't done anything to your magic... I'll send a message, and then I could go get breakfast, if you want? D'you think you'll be okay on your own?

[Jamil freezes in place at the question, already halfway off the bed. The typical response would be to laugh at him--does Kalim think Jamil will be okay on his own? Really?--but now fear lances through him at the prospect of Kalim leaving him alone, just as strongly as it did last night.

What is wrong with him? Clearly Kalim isn't a suspect or there'd have been a knock on the door long ago, and even if he was it would be more suspicious not to leave the room at this point. And it's definitely not like Jamil can go with him, because it is very likely that the Pyrmonts are still in the area and have people on the lookout for him. So... Kalim will have to leave, and Jamil can't think of a good reason to keep him here.

Jamil just doesn't want him to, because having him there takes some of the edge off of the terror and dread a little. And isn't that humiliating. Thankfully his face is already hidden from Kalim's line of sight.]

Of course. [He gets up the rest of the way out of bed, after way too long of a pause. Hopefully Kalim won't notice.] I don't need you to babysit me.

[ Kalim did notice, because he didn't take his eyes off Jamil for a second. He can't see his face from this angle, but still -- he's just on the edge of suggesting he doesn't actually have to go anywhere when Jamil replies. ]

Oh, cool, okay! I'll get changed, then... I didn't mean to fall asleep in my work clothes last night, haha, I just got really comfortable!

[ He climbs out of bed to open a trunk that sits on the floor next to it. ]

Hmmm, I don't really have a lot of different stuff, but if you want to wear something else so it's harder to recognise you, you can take what you want! Oh, and the bathroom's through there...

Test Drive Meme #1

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i love that icon. hes thonkin

jostling that brain cell real hard

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