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sexyspace2018-10-24 07:44 pm
zhautasmods) wrote in sexyspace2018-10-24 07:44 pm
Entry tags:
TEST DRIVE MEME #6
Awakening
The multiverse is sick. It’s dying. And it’s up to you to save it. Or, at least, that’s what the Zenith Corporation had told you when they announced their search for a cure across the multiverse. They hand-picked individuals to be "volunteers" for the next stage of experimentation. Maybe they made it sound dire, maybe you already had your mind set on helping, or maybe the exact specifications of how you could help were vague. Considering the alternative was wasting away on your home planet with no promise of when this cure might actually come to fruition, it ultimately wasn’t much of a choice either way.
Everything comes to life the more awake that you start to feel. "Good morning, volunteer," sounds a synthetic, feminine voice in your ear. That must be one of the fancy features they advertised about the chip that was injected just beneath your skin. A projected HUD above your torso displays and scrolls through several readings about the state of your being. "A scan of your vital signs show that everything is functioning as normal." There’s a small pause. "Wait-" The spike of alarm that should follow that single, distressed-sounding word is accompanied by a light chime. "Emotional responses are still accurate, too. Thank you for your cooperation!" Without any further explanation or allowing for protest, she continues on. "I hope you enjoyed your nap! We’ll be descending to planet #05031941 - common name designated as Zhautas - in approximately three hours. There will be a brief orientation for all volunteers shortly after landing. Due to potential unnatural stress levels upon awakening from stasis, I suggest a relaxing trip to the spa!"
If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to ask. My name is R.O.S.I.E. and on behalf of all of us at the Zenith Corporation, we’re happy to have you aboard.
Spa Day
- While the staff are helpful, many of them seem to be fairly distracted. There's an unmistakable uncertainty in the air. If anyone tries to ask, they reassure volunteers that everything is fine. Still, the moment that anything goes wrong or they can't exactly answer a question it's clear that they grow even more troubled. Just what's going on around here?
They won't say. Maybe one or two might eventually let it slip that the Zenith Corporation isn't especially happy lately with Professor Quintalian and the progress that his volunteer program has been making. Not to worry though! That doesn't include you, new volunteers. In fact, you might be the ones to get things going in a positive direction again! After all, they wouldn't allow volunteers if they weren't going to keep running the program. Right? Right. So try not to think about it too much. Oh, and, don't tell their boss that they let you know this. They technically weren't supposed to. - As you draw closer to the spa, soothing music begins to play through the halls. A quiet orchestra fills the air idly as the lights begin to dim. Artifical gives way to candlelight. It also smells slightly of lavender. How nice!
Suddenly, the hallway opens up into a large open area lined with warm pools infused with different plants and minerals. Some have rose petals floating along the water's surface while others are a creamy, milken color that's advertised to help exfoliate your pores and just feel really, really nice. Volunteers are instructed to take off all their clothes in a changing room off to the side and given only a soft, cotton robe to cover up instead while they explore this section of the ship.
There are massage tables and oils available for volunteers to use. If they ask about a masseuse, they'll be told that the only one available is currently busy. It seems that he's one of the especially popular staff members, being a man with eight arms, and is unfortunately pre-occupied with his previous appointment. He has a tendency to get, uh. Very hands-on with his clients. There's a reason he has such great reviews though. Maybe next time, volunteer!
Seeing as how there are no professionals available, maybe you could ask someone nearby if they wouldn't mind just rubbing a little tension out of your shoulders. You could even return the favor! Actually, this massage oil will make you feel a little more than just relaxed... Maybe they should have made the print about the fact that it also serves as an aphrodisiac a little bigger on the side of the bottle. - Off to the far end of the spa, there's a part that doesn't seem to be getting a lot of use. Upon investigating, volunteers will find that this secluded section houses a few mud baths. While not exactly the most sanitary seeming thing in the world, it does seem like it'd be fun to at least try...
Once you settle into the mudbath, it's undeniably warm and relaxing. The earthen smell calls to mind visions of damp mountainsides and the forest right after a nice rain.
It's enough to get lost in. Or, well, if would be if it didn't feel like something suddenly slithered past your leg. Maybe it was just a shifting of the mud naturally? It's hard to say. Give it a moment, however, and there it is again. It's a subtle movement but it's there. You're not the only one in this tub.
The mud starts to bubble then between your legs. There will be a rush of pressure before a section of the surface pops and mud splatters your face. After wiping it away, you'll find yourself face-to-face with a mud slime. The sheen of its skin matches the mud almost perfectly but round of its head above the surface is what makes it stand out. It has two big, black eyes and its main body melts into the rest of the mudbath. It seems to be roughly spherical in shape but it's hard to tell with how... goopy it is. It means you no harm and might actually appear embarrassed that it's caught you in such a state. Who knew that mud slimes could blush?
Orientation
Shortly after landing, an announcement is made to everyone aboard the ship. It’s time to find your way to the amphitheater for orientation. If anyone gripes, they are reminded that it has mandatory safety information that the Zenith Corporation is legally required to cover. In fact, there's even a quiz at the end to make sure you understand all the technical ins and outs! The Zenith Corporation only has your best interests at heart. They also can’t afford another lawsuit or PR nightmare but who can, really? It’s only a half an hour long and R.O.S.I.E. reassures everyone that it will go by faster than they think.
- Are you way too cool for school? If you try to play hooky, the crew members of the spaceship are already on guard. You're not the first one to try this and they doubt you'll be the last. Try as you might to super sleuth your way around, there’ll be someone at apparently every single twist and turn.
It’s also very likely that in scrambling to find a place to hide, you’ll run into someone else breaking the rules! Perhaps great minds think alike and you decide to try to defy the system together. Or maybe they’re totally just getting in your way and you decide instead to throw them to the wolves to give yourself a better chance at escaping the certain boredom that is an informational seminar. The choice is yours, volunteer! - Whether you come to the orientation willingly or are dragged in by one of the staff, you’ll quickly realize just how bad R.O.S.I.E. lied. A half an hour feels almost like ten hours instead. The last time you checked your watch, it was somehow later than when you check it now. Is time going backward? It sure seems like it the longer you listen to the monotone voice read over colored flavor text clearly meant to engage but missing its mark stupendously. Even the motivation of a quiz at the end that needs to be passed in order to disembark seems to do little to nothing for your dwindling attention span.
Finally, there’s a break in the bureaucratic monotony. The faceless, droning voice announces an additional seminar from Professor Quintalian himself! He's the one in charge of the volunteer program here on Zhautas and so very happy to meet everyone. The topic of today will be natural aphrodisiacs. Considering the location that volunteers will be arriving at, it seems very apt!
When the video starts, the professor appears to already be in the mood with hair tussled and shirt haphazardly re-buttoned. He isn't in a pristine lab space like usual but what looks to be a rustic bedroom. "Hello, volunteers," he says, smile warm and inviting. He then begins into a short educational spiel about the different natural aphrodisiacs that people may know of already - saffron, red ginseng, maca - but others that are also only found on Zhautas. As he talks, there's a shuffle from the bed behind him that seems to draw his attention away from the camera. An antlered man sits upright, still groggy.
"Good morning, dear," he says sweetly.
"What are you-" the deerman starts but is interrupted.
"We can get up soon, I just have to finish this lecture first and then we'll be on our way. Promise." The feed is abruptly ended as something appears to be thrown at the device recorder. The world goes lopsided, Professor Quintalian gives a squawk, and then it's static and silence.
"Thank you, professor," the voice says, cutting off the feed and with discomfort clear in his tone. "Wasn't that... enlightening! Volunteers, what do you think about the topic of natural aphrodisiacs? Discuss amongst yourselves!" - Hopefully, you didn't forget about the quiz! The staff certainly didn't. After the pre-recorded seminar is run, papers are handed out. A quiet shuffle carries through the room as people pass them to and fro down the aisles. It all seems rather arbitrary and tedious but remember! You have to pass in order to disembark.
It isn't too hard. Or maybe it is. Perhaps it's just the pressure that you only have fifteen minutes to complete it. What was the professor's first name again? How many research facilities are there on the planet? Staff are scrutinizing your every move now, it feels like. Do you take the risk and try to whisper for help to the person next to you? Pass notes? Do what you must to succeed! ...Or you can just shamefully take the quiz again and again and again until they're legally obligated to let you off board.
Welcome to Zhautas
Volunteers will be dropped off at the outskirts of the city of Heawood. The market is bustling, the streets are full, and most homes have their doors and windows open to peer out at passerbys. For the most part, everything seems fairly busy throughout. While volunteers will be directed by staff to the Nevrione Inn, why not stop and explore a little bit? The locals certainly don't seem to mind the company.
In Nevrione the current seasons is clearly Autumn. There’s orange, red, and yellows everywhere in varying shades and varieties. Once everyone descends from the hill they had the initial view from, the trees seem to stand so tall that it might make your head spin if you look up for too long. Piles of their fallen leaves are collected neatly and ripe for jumping in if you so choose.
When you next blink, the person next to you might suddenly be a lot more fashionable. They might be sporting a beanie with a little pompom on top. If your fingers suddenly feel constricted, that could be the mitts that have formed over them. Several people may now have a warm-colored scarf draped around their neck as well. No skin is showing anymore as everyone’s outfits switch over to long sleeves and pant legs, which extend to cover any and everything they can. All the way down to the socks, everyone should find themselves feeling especially cozy and bundled up in a range of fall-themed fashion.- Perhaps a pair of a bunny ears pops up from a burrow close by and pink nose twitches as they snuffle the air uncertainly. Or maybe a little-feathered child blinks owlishly as strangers pass by before its mother swoops down to tell him that it’s rude to stare. Whatever the case may be, one thing is clear: this new group of volunteers - like the ones before them - stand out.
Suddenly, R.O.S.I.E. turns on one of her newest features to help volunteers blend in a little better. Someone next to you might sprout cat or dog ears. Don’t mind if you get knocked in the face suddenly by someone’s new butterfly wings. It happens! It’s also possible they take on the long whiskers of a Coeurl or plumage of a Chocobo or other animals entirely unfamiliar to some. Either way, everyone just got a lot more animal-like. While it doesn’t look exactly like the natives, it does bring a smile to the faces of the locals and they seem a bit more generally receptive to the people waltzing into their homeland.
This feature is extremely customizable. Volunteers can toggle it off if they don’t want it at all. Additionally, they can have as many or as few animal features as they’d like. They can also change what creature they’d like to take after with just a thought! The only limitation seems to be that they can only appear as one animal at a time.
While all the add-ons seem to be mostly for aesthetic, it is a lot of fun to play around with! - The market seems to be an especially lively place this time of day. Like before, it's buzzing now with constant activity. Ihon hop across the way and iffon swoop to and fro and might even snatch up a snack from a local food stand as they go. Be careful you weren't aiming for the same one! Those talons are surprisingly sharp.
There are shouts left and right to come and see what they've got, how their products can only be found here, and other bold claims. It's been a while since they've had any new customers so they're really pulling out the stops to get people to buy, buy, buy. There's plenty to purchase, although one of the features is a section of the market a little less literally loud because it shouts at people in a different way.
The blacksmiths and leatherworkers are diligent in their craft. They work close together to make the finest leather cuffs, whipping crops, and more (nsfw links). They aren't shy about displaying their products nor do they hide what they're for. The people of Nevrione are a very open, sex-positive people it seems and this appears to be their expertise. They'll be happy to answer any questions that volunteers might have, as well as have a sales pitch at the ready for anyone that might show interest in their wares.
Network/Bangr
During all the goings-on, R.O.S.I.E. will prompt you to set up your presence on the network. Pick a username, a profile picture, and commence to shitposting immediately if you so desire! Additionally, if you want to get a headstart on your contribution to the volunteer program, why not set up your Bangr? R.O.S.I.E. even has an icebreaker question ready for you! They change every month. This month's question is:
(*Despite what you might actually put, know that R.O.S.I.E. is a little glitchy. What you wrote might not actually be what's displayed! I.E., you can totally use this as a misfire type deal in case your character wouldn't answer this question.)
bangr
Professor Quintalian | 35
Both have their appeal, honestly. I do so enjoy having a clear look at my partner's O-face though. Everyone's is so unique. It makes for a lovely mental snapshot.
| ✓ | ✕ |
| YES |
NO |
PLEASE NOTE: This BANGR code is the COMMENT-FRIENDLY version, there is a separate code for entries! If you're testing this code before posting it here please do so in a comment to an entry for accuracy!
Extra Notes
- Remember that all prompts are OTA! It can now be assumed that after the ship lands, current volunteers in-game were able to board and hang-out for a little bit before it leaves again! That means established volunteers can welcome new members, show them around parts of the ship they're familiar with, and explore new areas that weren't open during their own arrival! Only new volunteers will be taking the orientation quiz, but established volunteers are free to peek inside the room or try to help with the quiz!
- A reminder that the TDM can be considered game canon and timeline-wise the TDM takes place on the 8th when the arrival ship arrives, as shown on the calendar.
- Going into NOVEMBER, we are continuing with an APPLICATION CAP of (40).
3
But she's guessing that the new Hawke's first thought upon seeing a perpetually glaring woman with long braided hair and ram horns wouldn't be 'Justice', and she's content to leave it that way.
"It depends on your preference. You know why we are here. If you find shackles and leather to be sexually arousing, then you should buy them. If you do not, then do not." Justice says it lightly as she examines the heart-shaped riding crops, but she keeps a healthy physical distance from this Hawke. She doesn't like being too close to any Hawkes, really.
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"So practical. I appreciate someone who doesn't take the sheepish approach to these things." There's one. "I do enjoy the allure of being cuffed, but it takes a little more than that to make me horny." And there's two. By this point, the merchant is trying really, really hard not to groan and roll his eyes.
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Justice can only arch a single eyebrow at the new Hawke.
"That was terrible."
But hey, this first conversation is going better than her first conversation with Garrett.
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The more people groan and insult the puns, the more that come.
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"I find them less majestic and more inconvenient." Justice's hand goes up to trace the shape of one of her horns. She deeply dislikes having ram horns. They're a symbol of Vengeance, and she feels like someone out there is laughing at her. "I have yet to learn how to get rid of them."
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"How sad, but true. I imagine there are a number of bad ram-ifications of having such unwieldy horns." Someone please make her stop. "But didn't that... ROSIE thing say that there's a way to make them go away?"
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"I have yet to understand how to make them leave. I do not know if I am merely ignorant or if the device intended to get rid of them is malfunctioning."
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Hawke shrugs, a fair bit unsure as to how to help here (because really, in some fashion or other she's helping even if she won't ever admit it). "Can't you ask ROSIE or whatever it's called? If the thing talks to us, can't we talk to it? I just arrived here, so I'm not familiar with this thing."
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"I am uncertain. I have not been here for long. I only arrived a short time ago."
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Ugh, and of course she has to ask about Justice's name. She can't be like Fenris and just never realize he didn't ask for it.
"I do not have a name. Call me what you will." Justice is honest, but avoiding telling the woman what people usually call her. "What do people call you?" 'Hawke', of course, but what else? The first names seem to be inconsistent here.
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Excuse her for being polite, Justice. Gosh.
Needless to say, that's not exactly the answer Relm expects. There's a confused frown. "You don't have a name? What were you called growing up? Surely there was a nickname or at least something you were referred to as." It almost reminds her of the Qun and how many under the Qunari didn't have actual names. Was that the case here? "I go by Hawke." Sorry, Justice, she doesn't give out her first name often anymore.
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Of course, that explains absolutely nothing, but Justice isn't one to lie outright and she doesn't want to reveal who or what she is. Either this Hawke would fly into a rage and call her a demon, or like Garrett, be filled with remorse and apologize for the last three years. Justice wouldn't be able to handle either option.
"There is more than one Hawke in this place." Though Justice really isn't one to care about repeating names. She's only grudgingly accepted how important names are to mortals, but they're not as important to her, who has no name.
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Luckily, Garrett found her first and gave her the rundown, so Hawke's not so caught off guard by that statement as she might have been before. "So I've heard. From the big burly one, no less." She has yet to meet Hawke #2. Honestly, given how overloaded her brain is with everything, she's not real keen on doing that just yet.
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"Titles have power," she says carefully. "Choose something that you wish for me to be, if you are wise." And if it's something that Justice doesn't want to be, she won't answer to it. Simple as that.
"Yes. The big one. Did he greet you warmly?"
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Relm huffs out a laugh. "Initially, yes. But he... sort of put it together that I was Hawke. Or, a Hawke I guess. He said 'If you're Marian Hawke I'm going to freak out'. No idea why."
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"Temperance is a noble virtue. I will allow it."
She nods in ascent. If she can't be called by her own virtue, then she will consent to this one. Perhaps it will be helpful to have a title that encourages more virtue than just justice. It hasn't escaped her notice that her self control has grown... thin these days.
"I believe many people from Thedas with a female Hawke calls her Marian. I do not know how many different versions of Thedas there are, but apparently there are many."
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"I'm absolutely calling you Tempy for short."
And there's the ridiculousness.
"Ahhh, that explains that then." Marian's a popular name, she guesses. Strange, though. If so many different versions had it - clearly her father and mother liked it - then why wasn't that her name as well? "Relm's a far cry from Marian."
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There are no negative connotations to that made up word, so Justice will live with it.
"Indeed. Though perhaps you will find others that know you. As I said, many people came from Thedas, but not the same Thedas."
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"I'll be surprised if someone does, considering how popular Marian seems to be." None of the people she knows will know her, and that's an entirely unique kind of heartbreak she doesn't know what to do with. She'll have to start all over again with their friendships, especially Fenris. "So you're from Thedas as well. You have no name, but you surely came from somewhere."
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"9:34 Dragon." Yes, she's pretty sure that's right. "The Champion of Kirkwall recently defeated the Qunari invasion. And you?"
It occurs to Justice for the first time that people from later years could give her insight into what will happen to the mages of Kirkwall. She's not sure if she should have that knowledge. It seems like it would be dangerous.
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"I hope that Kirkwall was able to rebuild after the invasion." Justice holds up a hand before Relm can respond. "Do not share your knowledge of the future with me, at least for now. It seems like the sort of thing that may have unforeseen consequences."
Justice hopes that Relm doesn't think about the future too loudly, but she can't exactly say that without giving herself away.
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