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TEST DRIVE MEME 001
⚰︎ ⍢ ⌲ ⍚ TEST DRIVE MEME:
CONTENT WARNINGS for this game include: monsters, body horror, dub-con, non-con, religion, blood/violence, and marking/branding, loss of autonomy/self, and mental influences.
This log additionally has warnings for: nudity, spiders, waxplay, character death, and references to children in proximity to sexual situations.
✧ ✧ ✧
Welcome to RUBILYKSKOYE — a dark, horror-smut game where player choices will drive a mod-run storyline about the world and its NPCs. For the first round, this test drive serves as characters' arrival into game.
THESE THREADS CAN BE GAME CANON if both players are accepted into the game and agree to it. However, if players who'd prefer to start fresh are welcome to reuse these prompts in their own personal logs upon acceptance into the communities.
If you have QUESTIONS about the test drive prompts, please ask HERE. Questions about the game itself or the general setting should be directed to the FAQ.
FAQ ✧ SETTING ✧ CALENDAR ✧ RESERVES ✧ APPLICATIONS
This log additionally has warnings for: nudity, spiders, waxplay, character death, and references to children in proximity to sexual situations.
Welcome to RUBILYKSKOYE — a dark, horror-smut game where player choices will drive a mod-run storyline about the world and its NPCs. For the first round, this test drive serves as characters' arrival into game.
THESE THREADS CAN BE GAME CANON if both players are accepted into the game and agree to it. However, if players who'd prefer to start fresh are welcome to reuse these prompts in their own personal logs upon acceptance into the communities.
If you have QUESTIONS about the test drive prompts, please ask HERE. Questions about the game itself or the general setting should be directed to the FAQ.
AWAKENING IN PAJAK WOOD
The chirping of partridges in the treetops rouses you. Light barely filters through the canopy, just enough to suggest warmth of the sun. By the time it reaches the forest floor, the daylight has taken on a sickly green tinge. You lie amongst the mosses and ferns, the soil cold and just a little damp on your bare skin. Wherever you were before this moment, whatever you were doing or wearing, when you awaken in this forest, you find yourself naked and helpless as the day you were born.Fortunately, you seem to be alone. The birdsong continues as you sit up and get your bearings — aside from a brief wave of disoriented nausea, you seem to be no worse for wear than you last remember. Amongst gnarled oaks and moss, you see nothing around. No sign of civilization or sentient life. Movement flickers at the corner of your eye, but it's just a curious animal — brave squirrels or lizards who have come to see what stirs in their home.
Then, like the rippling of the horizon at noontime, the ash-gray soil around you undulates. Sea, not earth. Something else has come to greet you — their grey bodies blended in so easily with the floor, but as you stagger to your feet, you see them. Thousands of spiders roll like waves underfoot. They crawl towards you from the darker edge of the forest.
attack
Individuals who attack the spiders will find the small spiders are easy to kill, but the pheromones released by their corpses draw larger spiders in their place. Huge, blood-red spiders the size of hunting dogs drop from the treetops. In addition to their venomous bite, which contains a fast-acting paralytic, these creatures are clever: they will attempt to use their webbing to handicap any trespassers, binding limbs together or to trees. If you're unfortunate to become fully cocooned, you don't have long before this forest will be the last thing you see.
hunt
Any aspiring monster-hunters enterprising enough to try to follow the spiders to their nest will move eastward. This way, the forest grows darker and darker — though the sun never grows warm red-gold with sunset.
In the void, the birdsong is replaced by the click of mandibles and the skitter of many legs, but soon it is impossible to see. Even with the brightest magical light does not reach further than a few inches. The air grows heavy and thick, as if it were not air at all but some more solid mass. Almost like liquid-smoke, it presses down upon you. Slowing your movements. Soon, you cannot move at all.
Turn back while you still can — collapsing out here is dangerous. The void can play tricks on your senses. You may find yourself reliving unhappy memories or hallucinating your worst nightmares.
In the void, the birdsong is replaced by the click of mandibles and the skitter of many legs, but soon it is impossible to see. Even with the brightest magical light does not reach further than a few inches. The air grows heavy and thick, as if it were not air at all but some more solid mass. Almost like liquid-smoke, it presses down upon you. Slowing your movements. Soon, you cannot move at all.
Turn back while you still can — collapsing out here is dangerous. The void can play tricks on your senses. You may find yourself reliving unhappy memories or hallucinating your worst nightmares.
But flee the spiders westward and you will discover that the wood is well-populated with the survival resources that someone might seek — berries bushes and trees bearing stone fruits; sticks and dry leaves to aid in the building of a fire; rocks big enough to fashion into crude weapons; small animals that can be hunted or caught; hike long enough, and you might just find the freshwater stream that runs north-to-south, populated by both poisonous toads and delicious crawdads.
What's more, you may run into others with stories just like yours. Some may have already formed clumsy nudist hiking parties, others may still be naked and confused and processing how they have no memory of how they got here. They all stagger vaguely, as you do, with only the sun for a waymarker — and even that won't last long.
Now is a good time to overcome any hang-ups you have about modesty, as it's going to be a long hike. If you sneak a good look at your new companions, you may four varietals of marks on their bodies. Maybe someone will even point out that you have one, too.
EVERY DAY LIKE THE ONE BEFORE
Hike far enough — or long enough that the sun does go down — and signs of life come into view. The glow of fires and lights, the smooth curve of a stone wall. A town sits at the edge of this wood, a reward to the survivors.The fifty-foot wall of beige stone protecting the town's perimeter has only a single entrance — an iron gate positioned on the southern edge. When you arrive, the gate is already open, welcoming people into town from the winding dirt road. Attentive eyes may note that the road itself bears the mark of many wagon wheels and horse hoofs, but not cars.
guards
The guards grant entry to anyone who attempts a conversation with them. However, if your character is more likely to attempt to sneak in, overcome the guards, or attack them, please reach out HERE.
Inside the wall lies a quaint, historic town with a population around five thousand. The streets are cobbled, and their signs are lit by gas lamp. Wooden shutters protect otherwise open-air windows on the buildings, which are all under three stories with gabled roofs. A number of businesses hug the main street — a clockmaker, a cobbler, a bank — while residential homes sprawl outwards towards the wall. At the far end of the main street, visible about a mile to the north now that the trees and the enormous wall is out of the way, sits a castle with three towers.
No matter what time you pass through the gate, the streets are full of people. The climate of the bustle befits a night market or a busy friday downtown — plenty of people to ogle at your exposed body. But despite any efforts on your part to hide or make excuses, the locals don't seem offended by your nakedness. Even families with children don't gawk or look twice. In fact, the further into town you go, the more you may notice that they all wear revealing clothing that, to your sensibilities, may seem sexually suggestive. Some individuals openly expose their breasts and nipples, while some others may incidentally reveal when they turn around to tend to their errands that their dress is backless — entirely! If anything, they seem to be under the impression that you're naked to participate in the evening's events with the rest of them.
Those still determined to find proper clothing will find that modern clothing stores aren't a thing here. The closest this town has is a tailor's shop, which is closed for religious observance, and a stand in the central marketplace selling scarves and blankets.
Fortunately, the people of the town are very generous! The locals will gladly share what they have with those who ask politely — but those items are as revealing as what they're wearing. You might get a mesh bodysuit or drape outfit. Remember not to be ungracious! it's only appropriate for the occasion.
steal clothing
Anyone unwilling to ask nicely for help could break into someone's house or yard to steal some of their clean laundry. Notably, inside their homes, the people of the town also appear to own some more modest apparel. Be sure to alert us HERE if your character pursues this option.
And what is the occasion? The locals are excited and flattered by any interest in their ordinary weekly prayer: the folks dancing and selling their wares are all offering their energies to give thanks and ask for their god's patronage! The abstractions are all familiar — fertility, harvest, peace. Smalltalk makes them eager to chat and draw you into those festivities — including some ceremonial wax-dripping on the exposed parts of your body!
Anyone who chats at length with the townspeople will gather that the locals feel it's better for the newcomers to dive into the deep-end because, since you'll be settling in here, they expect you'll want to participate down the line. They seem to be under the impression that the new arrivals are a boon from their god.
In addition, many of the locals' choice of clothes reveal the same four types of marks on their bodies as the folx who were wandering out in the wood!
ROOM AND BOARD
Once you're tired out, the locals will help you find a place to stay. The boarding house is several stories tall and spacious, accessible through an embellished iron garden gate and obscured by hanging plants, trees, and vines. 
Beyond the overgrown yard is a bright red door, which opens into a spacious cottage.
The house has clearly been empty for some time — dust has gathered on various furnishings — bedding, sofas, curtains, wooden tables. According to the locals, it has remained empty since its last occupant passed away, and that's all they'll say about that!
Each floor of the house has a shared sitting room, but only the first floor has a kitchen — large enough to support feeding the entire household. Here, a few of the townspeople will help out — they stock the kitchen and help make dinner for the new arrivals.
Get a good night's rest. By the light of day, locals will help get the new arrivals set up on the coal stove with breakfast. You may notice they're dressed in a way you would almost call normal — at least, in a manner befitting 19th century Eastern Europe. As you find your way around town to get your bearings, folks are eager to help you find a place to apply your skills so you can contribute to your new home.
Beyond the overgrown yard is a bright red door, which opens into a spacious cottage. The house has clearly been empty for some time — dust has gathered on various furnishings — bedding, sofas, curtains, wooden tables. According to the locals, it has remained empty since its last occupant passed away, and that's all they'll say about that!
Each floor of the house has a shared sitting room, but only the first floor has a kitchen — large enough to support feeding the entire household. Here, a few of the townspeople will help out — they stock the kitchen and help make dinner for the new arrivals.
finding roommates
Don't spend too much time in the dining room going for seconds, though. You'll want to claim a bedroom quickly because each one only has two full-size beds, and there aren't enough spaces for everyone. The last people upstairs will need to double up to squeeze in. Roommates will not be mod-assigned; players should coordinate directly with one another to determine their living arrangements.
Get a good night's rest. By the light of day, locals will help get the new arrivals set up on the coal stove with breakfast. You may notice they're dressed in a way you would almost call normal — at least, in a manner befitting 19th century Eastern Europe. As you find your way around town to get your bearings, folks are eager to help you find a place to apply your skills so you can contribute to your new home.
Criston Cole | House of the Dragon | Wilk
[Despite being naked, Criston focuses first on survival, knightly instincts taking control naturally. There was a slight curiosity that had lead him towards wherever the spiders were scurrying. However, as soon as the forest started to thicken and darken, Criston turned back. A better choice, clearly. After drinking from the stream and choosing a rock to act as a weapon, Criston followed along with the other survivors, carefully observing and staying on guard.
As they mill about, he kneels close to a tree, sketching in the soil with the tip of his rock. If you lean close, you will see he's drawing the different marks on each of them.
He'll give a cursory glance at you before asking:]
Did you see any others?
B. Like the One Before
[Criston is not about to ask for clothing. Clearly their tastes aren't suited for a Kingsguard. He's quick to grab a pair of trousers and sheer shirt from a nearby house. Now, seated outside the boarding house, he's focusing on some sort of project. He's slowly drilling a hole into a sturdy branch with the tip of his rock. There is a thick rope vine curled at his feet. This task far more important than finding a room or roommate. He's slept in worse condition, this is more pressing.
If you stick around long enough, you'll see him tie the vine around the rock and then draw the end of the vine through the hole of the branch. A crude morning star, but still his preferred weapon.
Finally, he'll notice you.]
Did you take part in their bawdy games?
Wildcard
I'm open for anything. If you'd like to plot, shoot me a pm!
like the one before;
The man before her seems much more covered by comparison, and Ada's gaze flickers to what he's crafting, although she has no frame of reference for what it might be. It occurs to her, then, that she's been asked a question — and the longer the pause that results before her answer, the ruder he might think her to be. ]
No, sir, I find such things are not appropriate for an unmarried woman of my age. [ There is little she has been tasked with these days other than finding a husband, but nothing like the revels today would be considered anything but unseemly for her to engage in, even as far away from home's prying eyes as she is right now. ]
Is it not to your liking either?
no subject
Her answer is proper, easing his kind that there is at least another similar to his upbringing but just as uneasy as he feels. He sets down his weapon to give her his full attention.]
No. [Likely clear from the distaste in his voice before. However they came here, they were clearly being mocked.]
Did you arrive here alone?
no subject
[ It is more than one reason to feel overwhelmed by this place, so far from home in many ways — by distance, of course, but also in terms of every one of the sensibilities on display. She has seen more flesh here, exposed, with seemingly no care for whoever might glimpse it, than she had ever managed to sneak a glance at before, courtesy of her brother George's anatomy texts. ]
Though, if there are many more of us here who have been brought here under the same circumstances, does that mean we are still alone?
[ The best thing she can do now is to try and uncover the hope in things — and perhaps even attempt to find an ally or several as soon as possible. Enduring this alone is simply not an option, especially if she aims to find her way back home. She peers to him then, attempting the smallest smile. ]
Are we not all bound together by our situation?
no subject
If you look for community among them, you may find difficulty. From the sounds of it, they are close to blows for something as simple as a room.
[Spoiled children. Those who had nothing understood it's better to have a bed than nothing and won't bicker over room placement.
She's hopeful and he won't begrudge her that. It simply meant she has a pure heart, befitting the Mother or the Maiden. She didn't deserve the disappointment soon to come.]
I am sorry to say, many will likely be out for their owns. Be careful whom you trust.
B
she hesitates outside the boarding house, therefore, because she's fascinated by what criston is working on. it wouldn't be a terrible idea, finding some kind of weapon.
his question throws her, not least of all because she hadn't realized he noticed her standing there. she jumps a little, then forces a measure of composure back into her stature and expression. ]
I don't see how that's any of your business. [ she folds her arms over her chest. ] What is that? What you're making.
no subject
He blows away some sawdust from the branch before tugging on the vines, testing their strength. He's more than happy to demonstrate, swinging the makeshift weapon about.]
A Morningstar. [The weight is a bit unbalanced, but it's as close as he can manage for now.] I am no weapons mother, but it should serve, if I need to defend myself.
[He's not about to let his guard down.]
no subject
[ she blurts it out without considering how it looks to be asking after how to make a weapon, how much it says about her. ]
If I went and found the materials.
no subject
He's more bemused at her request, as the Morningstar is not an easy weapon to handle.]
Do you know how to wield one, my lady?
no subject
[ she mimes a gesture, but it's clearly all elbows, unpracticed. no concept of momentum. ]
no subject
[It is a bit cute she thinks it so easy. It reminds him of Prince Aemond and his enthusiasm to learn to use a sword.]
no subject
[ if there's occasion to use it, then the 50% chance of smacking herself in the face with it was still a 50% chance of hitting whoever was threatening her, and making them stop. ]
no subject
[She’s better off with something that doesn't risk bashing her head in, if she swings too hard or too fast.]
no subject
B
Since it appeared everyone for the moment had been warded off from sharing one with him, he'd dragged himself over to a chair and was sitting in it, taking some of the pressure off his aching bones. He'd managed to find a decent pair of pants, though all he had for a top was a tight leather vest. He watched the warrior busy creating a weapon for himself. Ivar had a healthy respect for anyone willing to get creative and make their own weapons when none were readily available. He answered the question when it was directed towards him.]
No. I was hardly in the mood for giving thanks after arriving here.
[He had a number of scratches, scrapes, and bruises that could be see, indicating he'd had to painfully crawl from the woods all the way to the town.]
no subject
[Getting a better look at the young man, it's clear that he isn't like others, suffering some sort of disability. The scratches on his hands and dirt on his hands indicate he had to pull himself from the woods. The wounds on his legs are enough to clue him in that this is the source, they must not work. A shame. Criston has seen men crippled during battle and tourneys. Whether or not Ivar's disability is from that or birth, he can't know unless he asks.
Criston gives his makeshift Morningstar a quick swing. The weight is off balance, but the vines and knots hold. It will serve until he can find the real thing.]
Ser Criston Cole.
no subject
[He nodded politely when the man introduced himself.]
You're a knight. [Not a question, merely an observation. Ivar hadn't much respect for knights. They were easy enough to kill on the battlefield, that much he knew for certain. But there was no need to mention that, especially since Criston was holding a weapon in his hands.]
Ivar Ragnarsson.
[He gave his own name out, shifting one of the pieces of cloth tied around his legs as he did so. There was a slight accent as he spoke, something that would have sounded Northern European to those from Earth.]
no subject
[He's impressed at Ivar's ability to spot that. That earns the man another long look of interest.]
I am a Kingsguard.
[Not that it occurs to him that the position might not mean anything to others.]
You have seen your share of knights?
no subject
[At least that gave what had happened to them a more positive twist than simply being like pigs or sheep to the people in this town. Such a thought didn’t sit well with Ivar.]
I don’t know what a Kingsguard is but I can imagine.
[Sounded like some sort of protective bodyguard for royalty.]
But I do know about knights. At least enough to know how to kill them on the battlefield.
[He smirked a little at that. Ivar found killing a pleasurable act. There was no moral compunctions when he did so. Guilt, sorrow, or fear didn’t enter into his mind either before or after the act.]
A
The doctor couldn't tell what the man was sketching, but he had a feeling he was leaving proverbial breadcrumbs. His dark hair messy, and his tattoo visible along with his mark on the opposite arm, marks, and scars littered his pale skin. While he hated his own nudity, everyone else didn't bother him at all. He was used to it from his field.]
None yet, no. And just what is it you are doing there?
no subject
He peered closer at his sketches, still unsure he had it correct. The shapes were twisted and strange to his unfamiliar eye. Even noted down, it meant little to his mind.]
I'm committing these marks to memory. If they branded us, it means something. There are only four, I believe.
Like the one before
Bawdy?
[ There's a word he hasn't heard in a while. If ever. It seems to fit this place, though, this weird, period drama looking place. And he's leaning against this wall wearing someone else's weird little pink hot pants and tight little mesh shirt that keeps sticking to him, and... ]
No, I'll leave the hot wax for a day I didn't start naked in the woods. Plus I don't...know anything about whatever religion this is. You have to be careful what you pray to. Fuck knows what any of it might mean.