riverview: test drive meme

[riverviewmod]

riverview test drive meme

Welcome to Riverview's test drive meme! Feel free to dip your toes in on the test drive meme to try out your character in the setting, play out a mission, and get samples for your application at the same time!

● Reserves are currently OPEN.
● Applications open on April 1st.
● Providing all parties are amenable, threads on the test drive meme can count as game canon, as the plot in the prompts presented is game canon.
● TDM threads do not count for Activity Check, but they do count for Activity Bonus Points, so long as all characters involved are accepted into the game.
● Since this particular TDM is plot-heavy, current players are welcome to do their own top-levels to interact with the plot. However, since it is still a TDM intended to help potential new players get involved, there will be a special additional +25 Activity Point bonus for any thread submitted by a current player that involves a potential new character rather than focusing on existing CR, for this TDM post.

Feel free to use the prompts below or create your own scenario. The setting is built to be flexible, so feel free to make things up as you go. Thanks to player-created plots, this month's Test Drive is set to effect the game setting for the next few months, so please enjoy!

information resources
premise ● arrival ● setting ● ask a question ● calendar ● navigation

plot overview

After just over a week of increasingly serious blackouts and brownouts around the city, the team in charge of the structural integrity and defense of the wall has found the source of the problem, and posted a network entry explaining that the issue is caused by a large quantity of lizard-like monsters that have compromised the underground infrastructure of the city, and requesting volunteers to help do a full-scale manual extermination of monsters and assess the damage and do urgent repairs.

prompt i: a call to arms

The most urgent request presented is for people to help clear out the monsters in the underground tunnels - and there are a lot of them! With estimated monster numbers in the area of 500-1000, ranging from adult to juvenile, there's a lot of work to be done to clear out the underground infrastructure of the city. The Perimeter Guard will have a steady stream of transport trucks going to escort any fight-capable residents who want to volunteer out to the tunnels. They will also provide weapons of various varieties as well as short training sessions on how to use them safely in a confined space for anyone who doesn't have their own.

Whether you fight with a weapon, your fists, magic, or poison darts, your help is more than welcome down in the tunnels. The only real request is to keep seismic or explosive abilities or attacks on the mild side, and to be careful not to poison the city's water supply! Other than that, go wild.

prompt ii: into the depths

Clearing out monsters is all well and good, but they have definitely done some damage to the city's infrastructure. So it isn't just the brawn that needs to step up to help the city, it's the brains. There's a call for anyone with any kind of special ability that would help with emergency repairs. Whether it's engineers, chemists, anyone with first aid, runners to distribute supplies, or any other special ability that would help out in the underground tunnels and fix some of the damage that's been done, anyone is welcome to help. And if you think it's just scientists who are needed, think again - magic is a well-known if not-well-understood facet of life in Riverview Quarantine, and some of this stuff works on a more arcane level than a mundane one.

And, of course, all of these brainiacs are going to need a little backup, so any bruisers to act as escort and protection are also welcome.

prompt iii: trapped in a...

Not everyone has the skills or desire to head out into the jungle and fight for the city, and that's perfectly fine. Inside the Quarantine walls, life is carrying on as normally as it can. That is, aside from the ongoing blackouts.

Wherever you might be in the city, you run a pretty decent risk of getting trapped somewhere for a short period of time. Whether it's trapped in an elevator, a tram car, a store, the housing you share with someone you barely know, or anywhere else in the city, it could happen to you. This could be the start of a beautiful friendship or a meet-cute to tell your grandkids about...at least, that is, if you get along with the person you're stuck with...

prompt iv: friendr/network

Whether your character is posting up a silly word game to distract people from the dangerous mission going on, trying to get hold of a friend, or putting out feelers for people to go out into the fray with, the network is going strong.

Alternately, an offer for a new, free app is popping up on people's devices - Friendr is a friend-finder and/or dating app. If characters choose to install it, they will fill out a short bio and parameters for what they're looking for, upload a snap of themselves, and then proceed to browse for matches. This is a typical swipe-left-or-right type app.

Code to post your character's bio is in the textbox below, or you can just do a text version of the information in the app. An example of how it looks can be found here.

<center><blockquote style="width: 220px; margin: 0; padding: 0px; background-image: url('http://i42.tinypic.com/2uf53s4.jpg'); font-size: 12px; font-family: verdana; border-radius: 20px; text-align: center;"><div style="padding: 10px 0 0 0; text-align: center;font-size: 25px; font-weight: 900; font-style: italic; color: #528887; text-shadow: -2px 2px 2px rgba(150, 150, 150, 1);">F<span style="font-size: 16px;">RIENDR</span></div> <center><img src="ICON URL HERE" style="border-radius: 50%; width: 70px; height: 70px; box-shadow:-3px 3px 2px 0px rgba(82, 136, 135, .75);"></center> <center><div style="width: 210px; background-color: #528887; color: #fff; padding: 5px; font-size: 14px;">Name of Character</div></center> <center><div style="width: 210px; background-color: #528887; color: #fff; padding: 5px; font-size: 11px; text-align: left;"><b><small>AGE:</small></b> ## <b><small>INTERESTED IN:</small></b> Male/Female/Any <b><small>SEEKING:</small></b> Type(s) of Relationship(s) <b><small>ABOUT ME:</small></b> Blurb goes here, can be as long or short as you wish.</div></center><br> </blockquote></center>
Many thanks to mistojen for coding this especially for Riverview!

prompt v: wildcard

Choose your own adventure and do something else in the setting!

navigation

Comments

Yuuri Katsuki | Yuri!!! On Ice

[yokunaru]

ii: into the depths

[The past few days have been a blur to him, being pulled from one new universe to yet another. It's just his luck that he'd arrived right in the middle of a crisis of sorts, too. Yuuri supposes he can't complain too much about something that's keeping him too busy to lose himself in anxious thoughts, though.

After picking up some first aid supplies, Yuuri heads down to the tunnels before he can talk himself out of it. He's just passed a group of engineers assessing the damage, when some suspicious noise further down the tunnel makes him pause and then look back at the others heading the same direction.]

Um. Most of the monsters have been cleared out already, right? [His voice wobbles a little with nerves, but he presses on, clutching the bag to his chest.] I brought first aid supplies, but I don't think I can fight one of those things off.

iii: trapped in a...

[Frankly, Yuuri's had enough of blackouts to last for a good while. Even after he's been warned of the blackouts, he still isn't expecting it when one suddenly hits as he's heading back to his floor. He gasps in alarm as the elevator suddenly jolts to a stop and the lights above them flicker and the go out. Only when it's been quiet for a second or two does he finally straighten up again.]

Are you okay? [There had been someone else in the elevator with him, though Yuuri hadn't done more than given them a hesitant smile when they walked in. He fumbles in his pocket and brings out his phone for some much-needed light.] It looks like we're stuck here for now. How long do these blackouts usually last?

iv: network

user: katsuki

Just wondering, how often does the city have to deal with monsters like this? I've taken self defense lessons before, but I'm pretty sure I wouldn't stand a chance against one of those lizards if I ran into one.

v: wildcard

Or hit me up with something else!

ii

[advanced]

[Bucky has spent nearly all his waking hours down here clearing out monsters. It's something he can do, and do well, and it feels good to be helping even if it is through violence.

He's been trying to avoid the other groups coming down here, but it's impossible to avoid them all, and so he's ended up sort of merged with this one for now. He raises an eyebrow when he's addressed, incredulous.]

They're still down here.

[Sorry if that's not comforting.]

[yokunaru]

[That's definitely not comforting in the least.]

Okay. [From the way Yuuri worries at his bottom lip, eyeing the stretch of tunnel nervously, it's actually not "okay".] I-I'll keep going. I'm already down here, and I heard some people were injured...

[advanced]

You're not a fighter.

[It's not a question, said bluntly, though not an accusation either.]

You'll get yourself injured if you go down there.

[yokunaru]

[Yuuri hesitates. He's got a point, and Yuuri knows it.]

How bad are these lizard things?

iv, un: jb.barnes

[anotheroldsoldier]

Stick to the city if you need to, it's usually safe enough. That's what the perimeter fences are for, but the engineers found these nesting in the service tunnels.

If you need real self-defense lessons, I've already got one student, I can take another. I'm at the gym around 0600 most mornings, though I won't have time until after the crisis is handled.

[yokunaru]

That's okay. I'm newly arrived and I could use some time to get used to the city first.

You're really offering, just like that?

[anotheroldsoldier]

Then I'm sure there are things you could do around the city if you wanted to help. Safer things.

Like I said, I already have one trainee, it isn't a hardship to take another.

[yokunaru]

Safer things would be great. I learned self defense out of necessity, but I know I'm still just a beginner.

Thanks. It's kind of you to offer. I'd be happy to take you up on it once you have the time again. I'm Yuuri.

v. wildcard; hope this is okay!

[seditionist]

[There's something reassuringly familiar about some of the back streets in this place. Eclectic and noisy, the sides of the street lined with booths and tents with goods piled up on tables, aliens shouting advertisements in a plethora of languages. It's comfortable, and even if Cassian isn't particularly in the market for anything, he tends to spend a lot of time in any one of the permanent street markets.

It's raining, today, but with weak, watery sunlight streaking through the drops, and he pauses just under the edge of the awning at a fruit vendor, buffing off some kind of local fruit on his sturdy, functional jacket. Dark eyes scanning around, he takes a bite, winces a little as his teeth cut the sour rind and sink into the sweet core. He's chewing when he catches eyes with a young man around his age, dark haired and dark eyed. For just a moment, he holds eye contact, just long enough to register the faint hint of recognition before he drags his gaze downward. Even in a place that offers as many distractions as this one, Cassian knows the value of being unobtrusive.]

looks good to me!

[yokunaru]

[For a second, Yuuri's frozen in place, too surprised to do more than stare at that familiar face, even when the connection's broken. Then, he manages one step, and another after that, until he's just a few feet away.]

...Captain Andor? [It's spoken with familiarity and a whole lot of tentativeness, like Yuuri doesn't quite believe what he's seeing yet.]

[seditionist]

[So much for unobtrusive. The moment the young man stops and then starts over toward him, eyes locked on his face, Cassian goes still, his hand moves toward the blaster strapped to his thigh almost instinctively, dark eyes on the other young man.

Then this person, who he's never seen, never met, says his name. Cassian's entire body goes stiff, and his face goes hard.]

How do you know that name?

[yokunaru]

[His expression fluctuates between hurt and confused at first, but he doesn't try to get any closer.]

You...you told me when we met at the New Year's party. You don't remember?

[Though he's still overwhelmingly relieved to see another familiar face here--and one that Yuuri had considered a friend--he's quick to realize that something isn't right with the situatioin here.]

ii ish

[bespredel]

[ It had been a long day for Yuri. Longer than usual, even for an olympic level athlete. He'd started that morning with James; a run, some warm up training- he'd been awake since 4:30 in the morning, usual for Yuri's schedule. Nothing in the tunnels slept, though, and the Perimeter guard worked in shifts. The runners, too. Yuri had gone underground with his Squad sometime just after one in the afternoon, and it had all just sort of blurred together, after that. Hours upon hours upon hours of traveling through, of finding nests, eradicating monsters. And then when he'd been separated- found his way back, just to go under again.

He didn't know what time it really was now, didn't know if he'd been working for hours, or for days- the exhaustion in his body was bone deep, all consuming. Practically dead on his feet, dark shadows already forming beneath his eyes. Too long a day, maybe, but Yuri felt like they had been making such good progress that he hadn't wanted to stop. Going under with Squad C after Squad B had retired for the day.

Maybe that had been a mistake, though. Towards the end he knew he'd been getting sloppy. Could only count his lucky stars that no one had gotten hurt for his inability to keep his attention as sharp as usual. He'd taken a few more bruises than he felt he ought to, and the scabs still healing on his arm had opened up a little again, trickling blood down to his wrist as he slogged towards where the tunnels opened up, and headed towards the surface.

His spear was scraping along the bottom of the tunnel floor, his arms too tired to lift it any longer. With the echo of more than one set of dragging feet, plus the catch of wood along the uneven ground echoed around them. It probably sounded unsettling further down the tunnel, and the thought amused Yuri. In that, exhausted delirium sort of way, at least.

Coming around the corner, Yuri halted abruptly as the low light of the tunnels revealed an unexpected, familiar face. Yuri couldn't help himself, he let out a loud groan, head tipping back and foot stomping in frustration. ]

I should have known with Victor here his fat piggy wouldn't be far behind. [ Yuri growled, features stormy as he stomped over to the other, prodding Yuuri hard in the center of the chest and snarling. ] What the hell do you think you're doing down here, huh? Think you'll make a good monster snack?

[ As if Yuri was one to talk. Bleeding as he was, battered and bruised and absolutely filthy in monster blood and other acquired muck- carrying a spear in his other hand, a large bowie knife strapped to his thigh, and a stun gun strapped to his other hip. Looking prepared, if nothing else. ]

[yokunaru]

[After a second of blinking rapidly in surprise, Yuuri's face lights up with a relieved smile.] Yurio? I didn't know you were here, too... [Yuuri's gaze slides past him, as if looking for something.] Is anyone else here?

[He rubs at the spot that Yurio had jabbed at, still smiling, and not at all phased by the unhappy greeting.]

Ah, I heard some people were injured down here. I might not be able to fight, but I can help bandage them up. [Even as he holds up the first aid kit he'd quickly thrown together, Yuuri's smile slowly turns into a concerned frown as he gives Yurio a closer look.] You...you're bleeding! Have you been down here fighting the monsters?

[bespredel]

I mean, there's plenty of people here stupid. Just open your eyes. [ Yuri huffed out, gesturing to the soldiers that he was with, who after a glance had continued heading back towards the surface. Their shifts were over, after all, and like them, Yuri was looking forward to a shower, and then getting some much needed rest. ]

But if you mean other's from home- I've just seen you. And that idiot Victor. [ If not for the spear he was carrying, Yuri would have crossed his arms to hide where his arm was bleeding, the bandages left having started to unravel, just as filthy as the rest of him. ]

No, I've been down here enjoying a nice lovely picnic. The spear is just for decoration. [ He deadpanned, looking extremely unimpressed. ]

[yokunaru]

[This time Yuuri's frowning for another reason altogether. Something about Yurio's response strikes him as odd... as if Yurio hadn't expected to see him or Viktor here at all, despite being on the ship with them briefly.

For a second, he's torn between asking about that and fussing over Yurio's injuries. The concern wins out in the end.] I just meant... I didn't know you could fight. [With an exhale, Yuuri pushes his glasses up his nose.] Look, you're heading back up to the exit, right? I'll help you redo your bandages.

iii

[howlongiwonder]

[The android woman was standing aside as the lift moved, appearing cool and stoic with her arms crossed. Too bad the black out happened and she was suddenly sent stumbling around clumsily.]

I... do not know. Are you needed somewhere soon?

[2B blinks, trying to adjust her eyes to the darkness. Not that anyone can see it under her visor/blindfold.]

[yokunaru]

I don't think I am. I'm really new around here.

[Since it doesn't look like she needs help, Yuuri shuffles toward the panel, phone raised as he peers at the buttons on there.]

I wonder if there's a button to call for help. [He frowns, leaning down.] Though, they might not be able to do anything while the monsters are attacking in the tunnels...

[howlongiwonder]

There's no need for that.

[2B shifted her weight from one leg to the other, appearing calm in the darkness.]

The maintenance crews must be aware of a malfunction by now. I'm sure we'll receive relief as soon as someone is available.

[Her head lowers as she considers something.]

If the situation changes, we may need to break out by force...

[yokunaru]

[Instead of being put off by her demeanor, Yuuri finds it reassuring that she's managing to stay so calm. At least one of them should be able to keep a cool head if anything happens.]

I did hear they've had these blackouts for a while. They must be used to fixing these problems by now. [Yuuri turns toward her.] If that situation changes...how?

iv (un is still just 'carolina' what do you really expect)

[leaderboards]

[ so this may or may not be the 'katsuki' she's used to, but even if it isn't, the guy sounds like he needs help. ]

Have you considered stun batons? Good at close range and very effective on these lizards so far.

[yokunaru]

[He stares at the username for a moment, caught by surprise. Mindful of Re-L's advice, Yuuri replies cautiously.]

I have a stun baton. My previous instructor recommended it.

[leaderboards]

[ oh good, this is hers after all! ]

It sounds like she might have known what she was talking about. Do you want to pick up where you left off?

text --> video

[yokunaru]

[There's a flood of relief (it's her, and she recognizes him) before Yuuri scrambles to switch over to the video option.]

Carolina?