Test Drive Meme II

[eternitymods]

A. RETRIEVAL Dreams fade slowly, and awareness returns in increments. The hum of machinery, the smell of recycled air, the murmurs of others waking up around you. The interior of the ship has been outfitted with cots for those Biggs and Wedge retrieve from the Dream Width. Outside of the makeshift infirmary, windows set into the walls of the worn lounge area offer a view of space. It’s time to meet your fellow new arrivals who have been brought together on Biggs and Wedge’s airship. The other newly-awakened people have no idea how they came to be here, but now's a good time as ever to introduce yourself to the others on the airship and glean what information you can. B. CURTI CENTER The researchers at the Curti Center are not quite so unprepared as last time, but it is still obvious that they are struggling to understand the sudden influx of interdimensional travelers from the Dream Width. "Please step into the lobby for a quick survey. Perhaps there is some common thread we haven't discovered yet..." The staff will do their best to help the off-worlders settle in. They answer the questions they can, write down all proffered information they can about the arrivals' homeworlds, provide maps and pamphlets about Vaikuntha and the destinations within it, and even guide the arrivals to a neighborhood where housing has been provided for you. Yes, due to the strange influx of arrivals, you’ll be expected to share, but the Curti staff are doing the best they can, considering they are still housing the previous arrivals here on the island. Experiences like these bring people together. Perhaps you are the only one here from your world, but at least you are not alone in this experience. Others are right beside you, learning the same information, planning trips to visit the same new cities, checking out these Job things, and settling in to their new (temporary) homes. C. UP IN THE SKY There’s a whole new world to explore. It’s almost enough to distract from the fact that there’s one place you can’t go- home. You are on an Airship, the main mode of transportation between the major cities of Vaikuntha. While the majority are owned by airlines, perhaps you hitched a ride with a friend that has their own. You can go anywhere in a matter of hours — One can only hope you don’t have motion sickness. D. GUILDS Proud representatives of the Guild are lined up, ready to demonstrate their skills for the new initiates. Make sure to stay behind the designated line, this might get dangerous. So you want a new Job? You'll have to first travel to the Guilds, sign the papers, go through the orientation and introductory lectures, and get basic training. Afterwards, you can freely chat and practice with your fellow members, celebrating your new powers, and checking out your new wardrobe. E. LET'S BE ADVENTURERS Separated from all of your material possessions, connections, and everything you know, and really, what you’re left with is time. Better try to make the most of it. Enough expository banter. It's explorin' time. Maybe instead of spending every day in your room, you'd rather spend it living it up in the city of Lavode, or betting on Chocobo Races in Sparks Goldsaucia. Or maybe you'd rather go and explore the caves and ruins near Arito. With Airships and Chocobos at your disposal, you can go nearly anywhere! F. SIDEQUESTS Maybe you’re telling yourself, ‘I didn’t sign up for this.’ But wait, you did. At least it pays. It all started when you checked the Quest Board.  All you wanted was a few gil to spend, and here you are in the wild, hunting for a Malboro Vine. Or maybe you are in some ancient and decrepit ruins looking for an artifact. Or you could be asked to be janitor for a week. Consider yourself lucky though, at least you don't have to do that alone. G. GET A JOB (THE OTHER KIND) You’ve got a Job, but Claire keeps sighing and muttering about layabout space-people not earning their keep, so it might be time to seek out Employment as well. There are plenty of opportunities to earn some gil in Vaikuntha, no matter where you choose to settle down. Your iMog slate includes listing for employment opportunities. Hopefully you can find something you can live with so that you can start saving up for an airship or the security payment for your permanent housing. H. MOGNET *Ding!* You’ve got Mog-Mail! Thankfully, you can instantaneously chat with your friends around the world thanks to you iMog Slate. And unlike old-fashioned Moogle Letters, you can even send messages to everyone in a blink of an eye! However, despite the change in technology, the old tradition of Mognet Strikes have never gone away. Nobody knows any more whether the Moogles have legitimate reasons to go on strike or if they are just lazy. But today, Mognet is down, and to get information you have no choice but going to the public boards or risk message corruption and mishandling. I. RANDOM ENCOUNTER The ground trembles, and out of nowhere, something hostile appears! Is that battle music playing? You were minding your own business walking around, and suddenly monsters attacked you! Time to put to use the skills you've learned with your Jobs! Will you try to fight on your own or seek help? And remember, you die in random battle, you die FOR REAL. There’s no shame from running from enemies that are a higher level than you! J. CHOCOBO MADNESS You look at the giant chicken, and the giant chicken looks back at you. Could this be the beginning of a beautiful relationship? The kind folks at the Chocobo Farm have provided you with the tools of the chocobo-catching trade: greens, a bridle, and more advice than you can remember. Time to go find your new steed. Or perhaps you have already captured a chocobo, and your friend has captured a chocobo, and now you'd like to bring some chicks into the equation. Chocobo breeding may be the minigame for you! K. WILD CARD Feeling inspired to create your own prompt? The power is yours!

Comments

Salieri | OC

[aethereally]

[Curti Center]
[The slight young man in the loud, early 20th century clothes looks very overwhelmed by all the information given to him, and the new world around him. This place is much, much different than Earth in 1901, even the fantastical version he comes from. He tries to act like everything's okay, however. Normally, that's something he's good at, but this is too much. On top of everything else, too, he's now stuck in his human form, making him even more anxious.

Anyone giving him any looks will be greeted with a big, bright, and very fake smile. See, everything's fine!]

My! This... this certainly is a lot of information! I hope we won't be quizzed later. I've never been much of a student.


[Random encounter]
[Hopefully some more seasoned adventurer is around, or at least someone willing to fight. While Salieri is very excited to be studying magic, he's not one for violence of any kind. So when that cockatrice start attacking him, he doesn't even know what to do, other than to try in shoo it. What Jobs does this guy even have?]

Go away! I don't want hurt you, you stupid thing.

[He doesn't have a lot of experience with animals, okay.]


[Chocobo madness]
[Speaking of animals, Salieri looks rather put out while holding all of the chocobo supplies. He's arguing in that polite fashion one does when talking with a retail employee about how they're unhappy with their service.]

I'm sorry. There has got to be some kind of mistake here. You're telling me I have to go and catch my own steed. That-- That can't possibly be right.

[This prissy city boy has a whole lot of new things to get used to on this world.]

Random Encounter

[sonoftenebrae]

[Luckily for the red-clad mage, Ravus is so very willing to fight a creature. He is not happy to be here, so it is useful to have an outlet for his anger.]

Close your eyes, you fool! [He shouts as he charges at the cockatrice, sword drawn. A sword strike is enough to drive the creature back momentarily, though nowhere near enough to kill it or make it flee.]

Its eyes can petrify you. Unless you'd prefer to be a statue, do not look at it directly.

[aethereally]

Why would I ever--

[Petrify? This guy better be right. Saleri doesn't exactly like the idea of closing his eyes around all this dangerous action, but he does as told.]

I suppose I don't, no. How on Earth am I supposed to defend myself against something I can't look at?

[sonoftenebrae]

[Ravus grunts in frustration as he waits for the creature to attack. He keeps his mismatched eyes safely trained on the cockatrice's talons. Given his limited skills, his best option is to allow himself to be struck so that he can Counter it.]

Just keep back. I'll deal with it myself.

[A warrior with forewarning and sense can battle such a creature without meeting its gaze, but Ravus is assuming the other man would be more a hindrance than a help if he tried.]

[aethereally]

Nn. My hero! I feel like a real damsel in distress. [He sounds sarcastic, but that's to cover up being genuinely intimidated by the idea of fighting a monster. No thanks.

Instead of closing his eyes, Salieri turns his back on the fight. He doesn't like that either, but it seems better than keeping his eyes closed.]

Just don't and get yourself turned to stone, alright?

[sonoftenebrae]

I'm no novice to fall to such tricks!

[Well-meaning as the warning may be, it sounds patronizing to Ravus. He's always been one to channel anger into his fighting, so anything that can be used as fuel for that fire usually is. He'll show this fool how it is done!

The cockatrice lunges forward and rakes a talon across Ravus's chest, leaving three slashes across his white-clad chest. Ravus curses and swings his sword up to deliver his Counter attack. Bolstered by rage and by his new job's skill, he follows up the passive move with another physical attack. It is weak compared to what he could have inflicted back on his world, but at least it keeps the monster from advancing.]

Are you one of those 'Red Mages', or is that just your idea of fashion?

[Because Ravus talked a big talk about handling this himself, but a level one swordsman could really use some magical backup for this.]

[aethereally]

It's not just my idea of fashion, thank you. [Yes it is. It totally is, especially on Vaikuntha.

When Ravus curses, Salieri turns his head a bit to sneak a peek, concerned.]

Are you hurt?

[He really doesn't like someone getting hurt on his account, but he doesn't like the idea of just standing here doing nothing. But he also hates fighting! Saleri's torn, but eventually he lets out a frustrated little noise and turns around, ready to help. He has to cast a spell, but can't look the target in the eyes. Check. So instead, he'll focus on the cockatrice's feet.]

I-- I can't let you have all the fun now, can I?

[He might say that rather convincingly, but Saleri has to take a few steadying breaths before he casts Ruin on the creature.]

[sonoftenebrae]

[The claw wounds are not so bad, but if they spur the boy on to action, Ravus will not dispel the illusion just yet. He'll need the magical assistance to see this battle to the end.]

Focus on yourself, not me. I'll occupy the creature. Keep casting.

[From his hesitation and that attempt at bravado, he takes it that the boy is untried, wavering on the edge of courage. Ravus raises his sword and changes forward. If the cockatrice is on the defensive, it won't look beyond the immediate threat at the second line.]

[aethereally]

... This is the only offensive spell I know so far.

[He's a little embarrassed by this, now, but he never expected to be needing to fight so soon. So, once again, he casts Ruin. Better than nothing! It's certainly chipping away at the cockatrice's health, though not as much as Ravus's attacks.]

[sonoftenebrae]

Then. keep. at. it. [Ravus growls as he weathers a peck from the Cockatrice's beak. Because honestly, he has only the one move as well, but he's not letting that stop him.

Ravus stabs at the bird, hoping that it will decide they are not worth the trouble they are causing it and flee.]

[aethereally]

[Ravus would be right. After his attack and another Ruin from Salieri, it's decided that this definitely isn't worth it, and it runs back off into the woods. Saleri breathes a sigh of relief, dusting himself off and straightening his tie.]

Well now, that was anticlimactic. But I suppose I'll take it. Are you alright?

[sonoftenebrae]

[Ravus is bleeding from a couple of places, but the cuts are all shallow. They're not life-threatening, so he ignores them, scowling. There will be time to bandage them when they are safely out of monster-infested wilderness.]

I am fine. You, on the other hand...Don't venture out on your own until you learn to defend yourself.

[He doesn't know how to deal with someone being concerned over him, so he focuses on the teaching moment here. This boy should worry about his own safety, not that of a stranger.]

[aethereally]

Are you sure? [This might be what convinces Salieri to take up being a White Mage. He doesn't like this violence in the slightest. And this was such a mild battle, too.]

I... suppose you're right, but one can't expect to have an escort for every time they want to go take a walk somewhere. That's absurd. If this place hadn't--

["Turned me human" was the end of that statement, but then he'd have to explain everything and he doesn't feel like doing that at the moment.]

...Normally I would have ways of defending myself that this little trip to Vaikuntha has negated. So please excuse me as I tried to live my life as I'm accustomed to.

[Salieri wanted to sound tough and certain there, but it comes out quietly. He feels bad about someone getting hurt on his account.]

I suppose we should get you back to town and cleaned up. Get you to a doctor-- or a white mage, I suppose?

Curti Center

[chefbayardee]

[ Hunk overhears this man and his old, bright suit. He seems new, but the fact that he mentioned a quiz just begged to be exploited. Besides, it'll all be in good fun, and educational, too! So Hunk closes the distance, a bit of a semi-serious look on his face. ]

Quiz time, rookie! Where are we right now?

[ Hunk is a little concerned, because if this guy isn't paying attention this early, he might have some problems. Like finding his house. ]

[aethereally]

[Saleri isn't normally so gullible, but he's so overwhelmed right now, that Hunk catches him off guard. He looks momentarily shocked, before he realizes he knows the answer.]

Ah! The Curti Center. I'm not that obtuse!

[chefbayardee]

Okay, but let's go more obtuse than that. [ Hunk makes a gesture like the widening of an angle with both of his hands. What a nerd. ] Where else are we, other than the Curti Center?

[ This is easy mode, Blondie. ]

[aethereally]

Oh, you mean-- this planet, right? [Saleri hopes he does, because if it's city or country, he can't remember. Then again, he's still struggling with the planet name too.] It's, ah... Vai... Vaikuntha! Yes? I'm saying that correctly?

[chefbayardee]

Got it! [ Thumbs-up for you, guy! ] Okay, so... there are a lot of monsters here. How do people deal with them?

[ An open ended question, with multiple potential answers. The worst kind of question. But, Hunk'll use this chance to gather some information of his own. ] Also, what's your name?

[aethereally]

Apparently people here slay monsters, which sounds positively barbaric. [He's got opinions about this topic.] In my experience, the term "monster" can vary from person to person, as does their treatment of them. I'll wait to meet some of them to form my own opinion.

[SO THERE. But now that it's time for introductions, he turns that frown around.]

Oh, we haven't been properly introduced yet? Forgive my rudeness. I'm Salieri.

[chefbayardee]

Salieri. Nice to meet you, the name's Hunk. [ And he grins, reaching out a hand for a handshake. Hopefully that wasn't too barbaric for him. But before that hand even stopped in midair, Hunk's words kept going. ]

I've seen enough aliens to agree, but... [ He winces, and a shiver runs down his spine. ] It seems like most of the monsters are angry beasts who want to eat you.

[ So there's that. ]

[aethereally]

[Saleri has a pretty firm handshake for such a small guy. Gotta make that first impression, after all.

The idea that the monsters here are all nasty is disappointing to him, but he;s still skeptical.]

That can't be the case for all of them, can it? Here-- [He grabs his pamphlet from his pile of stuff and opens to the job info, where Summoner is listed among them.] This world has summoners. Not everything they deal with is mean. Well, I suppose they can be depending on whether or not they're summoned to do harm to someone. So maybe that doesn't count after all. Anyway! Did I answer this correctly?

[chefbayardee]

Yeah, sure Salieri. [ He's pretty dismissive in that remark, actually. And after they shared such a good handshake! ] You've got a point with the Eidolons, but as long as you don't forget that most monsters want to kill you here, you'll be fine.

[ And then he nods. ] Next question! You mentioned Summoners, but there are a ton of Jobs. Any of them catch your eye? [ Now take some expectant staring, pal. ] Some of these have to remind you of home.

[ Loaded question??? Tell him about your homeworld, Salieri. Give him the deets. ]

[aethereally]

Have you come across summoned monsters? [Salieri has, though only like twice. Ain't gonna stop him from acting like he knows, though.] You might think differently if you have.

[He looks through the pamphlet again, marveling at the list of jobs.] Honestly, this is... a tad overwhelming. To think, people making a living from all of the magic-related professions! Open enrollment to the guild of your choice! What spellcasters go through where I am from... If they saw this, they'd either die of happiness or go green with envy. It's remarkable.

[Magic is for rich nerds who like to hang in clubhouses and keep everyone else out in his world.

There is one thing that's disappointing him about the list of jobs on Vaikuntha.]

So many of these revolve around fighting though, hmm? Gunslinger, Dark Knight, weapons Masters... Sounds dreadful. I'd rather go the magical route, but I've never been much for studies either. [He sighs and folds it back up.] How soon does one have to make a decision on this?

[chefbayardee]

[ Hunk just shrugs at Salieri's retort. The guy probably knows what he's talking about, but aliens. Just aliens. The gawking about classes and magic was pretty common, something he was used to doing himself. But this guy didn't seem to want to pick anything. ]

Go for magic anyway. I don't think you have to study too much. [ Or if mages do, he hasn't seen them do too much of it. ] And if you don't like a job, you can get rid of it later. [ And then he raises an eyebrow. ]

Was there anything you liked to do back home?

[aethereally]

Oh, you can? That's a relief. [Knowing he could trade a job in for another made it seem more appealing. The idea of being stuck with something you didn't end up liking or wanting seemed like a nightmare.

As to the question of what it was he did normally, that was hard to answer without making him sound like the spoiled dandy he was.]

Hmm, afraid to say I have yet to pick a career path yet back home. My family keeps insisting in pushing me in directions that I couldn't care less about. [Couldn't he follow in the exciting path of finances and banking like his dad?! The Shadows needed more of those.

Saleri slaps on a smile and tries to stay positive about this.] I guess it's time to find my true calling, hmm? I hope this place has something to offer me.