VoidTrecker Express Mods (
voidtreckermods) wrote in
voidtreckerooc2021-12-17 05:29 am
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Test Drive 031
Welcome to the Test Drive Meme! Here is the place to see how your character might fit the setting, grab samples and have fun!
1. Post with your character, including their name and series in the subject. We’ve written out some prompts but feel free to make up your own, you have a whole train to play with!
2. Assume they've been around long enough for threads to jump right into the action.
3. Have lots of fun.
Happy testing!
Winter Wonderland
Experienced Voidtreckers will be the first to recognise when the announcement of a stop comes over the speakers: “Arriving at world 9126110 in ten, nine, eight…”
The doors don’t open, the train doesn’t stop. Instead, it slows, and the garden carriage opens its curved, clear roof as though it were a convertible, both sides folding back until the carriage is open to the air. The world is a picture of snow-covered mountains and sparse conifers, and within minutes the garden’s fountain and streams have iced over, soft snow coating the cobbles and benches.
The stop lasts all day, the vending machines dispense free hot chocolate, and the dressing carriage is filled with thick coats, wooly hats, and warm gloves.
Void Santa Is Coming To Town
It’s a day like any other, except that the morning announcement has a rider.
“There are packages in the luggage car for all passengers. Enjoy. ”
And indeed, it seems that something has visited during the night - the carriage at the back of the train is unusually neat, the piles of empty luggage stacked carefully near the back to make room for a huge array of wrapped objects. Void Santa, maybe? The difference between Void Santa and, say, one of the many Earth Santas or the Gyueran Spirit of Generosity, is that Void Santa doesn’t give you what you asked for.
It gives you something you wouldn’t have dared to ask for. That nerdy figurine that you eyed in the window of the store, the dress you weren’t brave enough to try on, the device you decided was too expensive. The poster of your favourite holostar, the latest risque novel from the local printworks… the list goes on.
You’ve got a present in here, better find it before someone else does!
Meltdown
You have arrived in a place which might remind you of Victoria London if Victoria London had floating palaces and was ruled by wizards.
Their rule is strict and any kind of Winter celebration is banned. You have been called by a group of rebels to help with an underground celebration.Team One
Distraction. Be out in the city, keep watch. If the guards get anywhere near the secret entrances distract them. Perhaps by being a lost tourist. Perhaps by causing mayhem. Make sure the organisers and party goers can arrive without a hitch.Team Two
A party is not complete without food. The party is being held underground and there isn't much in the way of kitchens and do help bake in people's houses and smuggle the food across the city. Careful of guards.Team Three
The venue needs decorating and the presents need wrapped. It might be an underground bunker but everyone is determined to make it the best festival ever, despite the risks. Help make it happen!Party
Mission complete it is of course time to party! Eat drink and be merry before you return to the void once more.

Emet Selch | FFXIV
[Even Emet-Selch had his attention grabbed as the garden carriage opened up, giving way to snow and ice. As one of the quieter parts of the train he had taken to relaxing there at times, and this day was no different. His fur-lined coat tailored to withstand the harsh Garlean environment means that he does not suffer too harshly from the oncoming cold-- yet he does suffer once passengers begin to flock to the previously-quiet carriage in order to marvel at the spectacle. Time to go.
He makes his way through the snowy garden, approaching the vending machines to acquire some of that free hot chocolate before retreating elsewhere.]
Void Santa
[Although the announcement stated that presents had appeared for everyone aboard, Emet-Selch refused to believe it. That is, of course, until he is holding the gift in question. His brow furrows-- there is no reason why anybody here would deem him worthy of a gift, it isn't as though he's been a contributing member of society since arriving. He wonders to himself what the catch is..]
[Despite these internal doubts he removes the wrapping and opens the small box inside, letting out a quiet gasp as he realises what is inside.]
Amaurot..
[The gift is a snow globe featuring a city-- dark skyscrapers and spiraling towers illuminated by golden lights.]
Team One
[To be perfectly honest, Emet-Selch doesn't care about the party or whether it gets raided by the authorities. This is however the perfect opportunity to either a) gather information on this place or b) get some peace and quiet, which is why he volunteered. He can be found close to one of the entrances, relaxing in the lower branches of a nearby tree. He may or may not be snoozing, but if anyone were to approach he would at least engage in conversation with them and put some effort into the task he signed up for.]
Wildcard
[He can be found mulling about the train since his arrival so if you have anything in mind throw it at me ;D]
Team One
[Masumi, for her part, is keeping an active eye out for the authorities, since she does want to help make sure this party goes well. She's also the type to want to team up with others, so she's not likely to let Emet-Selch get that peace and quiet.]
no subject
[He is keeping watch in a sense- taking in a view of the city that this elevated location offers him. It also allows him to easily spot strangers walking towards their destination, but whether he will bother to get involved with them or let them pass freely will depend on his mood at the time.]
[Emet Selch glances down at the young girl- no more than a teenager to his understanding.]
Wouldn't you rather be inside where the festivities are taking place? [As in: not here?]
no subject
[She would genuinely hate to have everything ruined because the guards showed up unexpectedly. As much as she'd like to be inside, she wants to be sure this'll go well.]
What about you? What brought you out here instead of inside?
no subject
[A big party isn't really his thing, especially when he hardly knows anybody and he did not wish to be here in the first place.]
I merely wished to see the city instead, and my elevation allows me to notice any incoming intruders.
[Looking down at her once again, he is reminded of someone he once knew. Someone who would almost certainly be outside in the cold keeping watch so complete strangers could throw their silly party.]
..If you wish to return inside, I shall give you my word that this entrance shall not be breached save for those who have the permission to enter.
Team One
I'd expect you were trying to attract attention.
[His journey has brought him close enough to Emet-Selch that it wasn't too out of place to divert and strike up a conversation. Whether he caught the Ascian in the tree sleeping or not is wholly up to the individual in and being questioned.]
Yet that would be out of character. What advantage does your perch give you, I wonder?
[It definitely doesn't ward against
nosyinterested allies. It may also take some getting used to. The way that Elidibus's approach, while his manner is still calm and even, seems... softened? As though he seeks out the companionship rather than appears for strictly business. Even the question wasn't entirely in seriousness. Rather, it was a reason to approach in the first place.]no subject
The advantage was that I remained out of sight save for anyone directly beside this tree [Like you.] and I could be free from the constant chattering of the inhabitants of that cursed train and this city.
[Brought back from the dead and given a new lease on life is one thing entirely, but being crammed in a room with complete strangers has been nothing short of infuriating.
Emet-Selch glances down at Elidibus, looking him over. The change of attire to fit in with the locals does not escape his notice and he concludes that the other is far more invested in this whole ordeal than he himself is. Just how invested is, well that is a answer that Emet-Selch vows to discover.]
The walls built around the grounds here are low. From this perch you can easily spot new arrivals from several different locations, if you so wish.
[An honest answer. He may not want to bother with confronting anyone, but giving a warning to any other team members close by is something he can do if it isn't too much trouble.
Effortlessly dropping down from his branch, Emet-Selch takes a few steps forward closer to the young man, leaning against a brick wall beside them.]
And what task are you undertaking tonight, Elidibus? You are certainly dressed for the part.
no subject
Though it would probably be no surprise at all that he's inclined to believe Emet-Selch was more interested in keeping out of sight. This is not voiced. He trusts whatever priority has, if the other has said he'll do the job, then he will perform it.]
I took an interest in seeing the magicks wrought by the wizards of this world and so volunteered to act as distraction a little farther afield.
[There isn't so much as a pause for Emet-Selch dropping out of the tree to join him on the ground. It's all part of the conversation and he turns his head to from looking up to looking over as the perspective changes.]
My 'shift', as it were, is nearing an end. Hence my arrival.
[Briefly he takes a look at his clothes; complete with a top hat and a fur-lined inverness coat. It's definitely comfortable in the winter weather.]
The usual train attire would have drawn too much attention. So it seemed fitting to adjust to the local standards.
[That much at least makes sense. Blend in, become part of the society and don't let it ever know it's being led by the Ascian's machinations.]
But it seems the masters keep to their floating fortresses and the guards are thus far easily enough distracted. This may change if any of the train's passengers are inclined to use their various spell-craft and draw unwanted attention. But for now the peace seems to be kept.
no subject
And did you find anything of use? I will admit that having been here for longer than I, you are privy to information that I am not.
[Only recently arrived, his own knowledge is basic at best, taken from what he has learned himself or that others have relayed to him. He does take note however on Elidibus's musings on how to draw out these 'wizards'.]
So there is a way to gain access to them, if needed. [Something to think about, if nothing else works. Just need to make a little chaos, something they have had a lot of practice in.]
no subject
After that it was probably just practical for most circumstances.]
For mortals, they are adept enough at spellcraft. But even the Warrior of Light would have little trouble against them individually or even in a small group. Their strength lies mostly in numbers and organization. They are masters of this world for a reason.
[There is little concern suggested in his words. Sure numbers could overwhelm either of Unsundered, but together it would take a considerable force.]
There are cracks. Many of the guards are not in a rush to follow through with their duties. Some have been bribed. Others are sympathetic. The ones who are neither are quick and loyal to their duty.
[While Emet-Selch spends time musing over the potential access and... well, option of diversion by way of causing a little chaos, Elidibus looks up at the sky and toward the floating buildings. Weighing the gains and risks no doubt.]
A distraction may help those who've found it difficult carrying the supplies here. A matter that would call the guards away but not quell the spirit of celebration.
[Stirring the hornet's nest too vigorously would scare the civilians and cause them to panic. The government may be harsh, a rebellion afoot but right now, something seen as an attack on the country is not what these rebel spirits are fighting for.
Elidibus looks toward Emet-Selch, wearing a mildly interested expression.]
Have you something in mind?
no subject
[To do something, or to not do anything at all. To lend a hand, a real hand to this mission, or to ignore it entirely.]
If the natives cannot even defend their own seasonal party, are they really worthy of our involvement? To help them?
[And yet, there is that slightest pang of guilt upon saying it. Faint, but it's there, and he hates that it's there. This isn't their fight to fight.]
However that being said, we must look at the bigger picture. If infiltration of their ranks could potentially gain us access to information on the forces at play within this realm, I say we do not dismiss it out right.
[Bring brings him to another question. He glances over Elidibus's form- Ardbert- from head to toe.]
I assume you arrived wearing the body you last controlled, as did I. However, have you tried leaving it? [Do they still have the power to shift their form, or hijack the bodies of others.]
no subject
The mission's task is to see the party happen without incident. We aren't here to do more.
[While Elidibus points this out, it is almost mildly so. An easy enough mental exercise but one he's not fully invested in backing up. There is another moment of pondering.]
Though I suppose it might be prudent to know more of the scope, in case these rebels seek to seek more out of those on the mission. The train's passengers are often easily convinced to focus on what's outside the scope of the request.
[Really it's a little like being at home and watching intrepid heroes and Warriors of Light wander around trying to help people and save everyone. Except a whole train full.
When Emet-Selch brings up a more personal topic- inasmuch as it's related to their kind- Elidibus focuses on the other Ascian. His expression says it all before he even speaks. Unworried.]
I have. For the most part it is the same as always and even living mortals not from our world may be used as a suitable vessel. [Of course there are a few qualifiers.] You'll find the SCA, our tether to the train, will carry onto our aetherial form. As to the passengers, I've taken steps to allow them to be gradually aware of my true nature.
[Not all know but it's one of those things that many do. Elidibus is a spirit entity. The body he inhabits is not his own but also isn't occupied by another. It goes without saying that he probably avoids looking at the passengers as optional replacements.]
Whether it's because of this chain we wear or simply natural order, there are powers equal to or even greater than our existence. Something to keep in mind at least. As to this being the body I last inhabited, perhaps. Though likely no more than your current form is that of the original Solus zos Galvus.
[Ah, clones.]
Though we can speak more on the matter at another time. Suffice to say we seem to be as we were. It's the reality around us that's changed.
Winter Wonderland
My, you are just the portrait of festive cheer.
no subject
Perhaps I was cheerful before the entirety of this vehicle's population took it upon themselves to encroach upon my favourite resting place.
[Doubtful, but honestly the garden was quiet before all this happened yet now it appears to be the place that everyone wishes to be.]
And what brought you here? I overheard children gathering supplies for snowmen and one of the vending machines has broken if you are in search of more menial tasks to undertake. [A jab at the Warrior of Light's tendency to go out of her way to help strangers with the most pointless of tasks.]
Oh! Q'uila is pre-6.0 just for reference
Like you could not have simply put up a sign or barred the way for anyone else to enter, mayhaps it slipped you mind in your old age...
[She takes a sip of hot chocolate, her tail twitching in delight at both the taste of the drink and the opportunity to trade words with Emet once more.]
The underestimation of my busybody skills would mortally wound me were I not so well armoured against it, for I have already assisted those in need of supplies and machine parts both. [Another sip of hot chocolate in a show of faux-nonchalance to hide the concern.] So how are you faring, I imagine being dragged back in a manner is a novel experience even for you?
okay!
I understand that living for several millennia may be difficult concept for one sundered such as yourself to comprehend, but I can assure you that it resulted in zero decline of my skills nor my mind. [He may be old, but he isn't old.]
[And of course she's already been getting involved in everyone's business whether they requested it for not. Emet-selch seriously thinks that nosiness is right up there with stubbornness as the two crowning qualities for anyone Azem-related.]
[Her last remarks however, cause the ascian to forego his frowning for a more stoic yet melancholy appearance.]
'Twould be correct, at least in this context. But this is no work of Zodiark nor that cursed Hydaelyn. [He shrugs his shoulders, letting out an exasperated sigh.]
I shall tell you what it is however, and that annoying. Once I discover who or what is controlling this place I fully intend to make them pay before setting myself free, for I will not stand to be kept alive here by force and against my own will.
no subject
Mayhaps so, but after spending some time as a near immortal tree spirit there were certainly some things I forgot for a time. [This particular Traveller has had some strange journies.]
Well if you find whomever is responsible do please let me know, I have some rather choice words for them myself. [Hot chocolate dispensed she offers the cup to Emet.] Though I regret that we were so opposed, I at the very least hoped that you would be able to rest and find some measure of peace.
However, events back on the Source are enough to make us almost miss you and Elidibus.
no subject
[Honestly-- he is curious. How? he takes the cup offered to him, content for a moment as he sips upon the warm contents. Why is it, so often, that he ends up somewhere so cold...]
[Talk of the Source, however, directs his attention back to the adventurer beside him as he glances up from his cup, curiosity painted on his features.]
I hardly accept that things would be that bad. Though I am loathe to admit it, you did defeat me, therefore stopping the plans I had put into motion..
no subject
[She raises an eyebrow and takes another sip.] Believe me, the similarities to the way you lot engaged with the world is not lost on me. But, it would leave its mark, sometimes a skill or power, or sometimes, the form itself and hence I can turn into a tree spirit.
[She doesn't even try to hide her distaste, her nose wrinkles and she hisses.] Tell that that maniac Fandanial and bloody Zenos. Your nihilistic colleague has decided that naught but ushering in The Final Days shall do.
Replying to this suuuuuper late, but hello, not!dad 8D
The prince sighs and shuffles his feet for the fourth time in the last hour, the hiss of snow under his flaming toes the only other thing breaking the silence. But after minutes and minutes of waiting, the quiet night is starting to wear on Zagreus. He gazes up at his guard-partner, frowning slightly.]
Is guard duty not agreeing with you, mate? You look like you'd rather be in bed.
Hello not!son 8D
[A sigh, honestly he wonders himself what he is even doing here. The fates are surely cruel to him...
An eye opens, finally, to look down upon the younger man. Upon further inspection there is something different about him, at least in comparison to the natives and some of the other travelers. A peculiar nature to his essence, his soul. However, Emet-Selch does not dwell on it further. Quite frankly, he does not care right now.]
If I were the guessing sort, I would say it does not agree with you either. It is obvious that you are restless, every time you step into the snow it is met with that constant hissing.
no subject
[That's the part that confuses Zagreus the most about all this, to be honest. Not why this guy gives him similar god-vibes to Elidibus, not why he's napping in a tree, but why he's complaining about guard duty when he volunteered. Is it the partner he was assigned with, perhaps?
Zagreus' aether is a peculiar mix of Darkness and Fire, mingled equally with the Earth, Water, and Wind of what Emet-Selch might know as the magicks of the Padjali from the Source. A strange eikon, to be certain!]
I just thought the next guard party would have come to replace us by now. I don't like standing still and doing nothing. And for the record, I was born with these, it's not exactly something I can help. [His fiery toes wiggle in the snow, sending little rivulets of steam into the air that instantly refreeze and fall back down as snowy fractals.]