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Entry tags:
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.
ardyn izunia | ffxv
[The mark of the niez is displayed prominently on Ardyn's broad chest. If the nudity and sudden arrival in some strange forest truly distress him, he does a good job of hiding it behind what seems like mere curiosity.
And he stands there for a few very lengthy moments, simply observing himself and his surroundings. And then looks up, ostensibly at the sky through the leaves.]
Well? Aren't you going to come whisk me away back home? No dramatic arrival to spare some new star the scourge you so despise?
[The sky doesn't answer. A few birds chitter. Ardyn waves a dismissive hand.]
Never talkative when you want them to be.
[As far as, oh yeah, a wave of spiders goes? He's barely curious, but barely curious enough that he might as well follow, right into the void. While others might go 'hm, that's sus, don't like that' and leave, Ardyn feels practically at home in the dark, with the constraining and choking not-smoke miasma in the air, though when his movements start to slow, that's when he starts to consider other options.
A voice rings out around him.]
You've really done it this time, brother.
[A sword manifests in a smattering of crystals in his hand as he whirls to face the--nothingness.] Come to haunt me again? You'd think even a ghost would tire.
[Look, maybe, maybe you should get out of here, and maybe help this tall disquieting fuckhead too before he ends up stuck here and chasing said ghosts.]
like the one before
[Once in the "safety" of town, he prefers to stick to shadows, to overhangs, to the awnings of shop stalls, out of the light until the sun finally disappears into nightfall. Even then, he drapes himself with a blanket--or two!--in covering like he's trying to make a hoodie.
Some scantily dressed young thing beckons him to dance. He slowly cocks his head.] To the appeasement of your god? Little lamb, [said lowly, sweetly, enticing and disquieting both] I wonder how soon to slaughter you'll go for them.
[So yeah, he's not exactly interested in being the most endearing to the supposed-natives off the bat. Should someone offer some wax?] Oh, no, terribly sorry, but I simply couldn't. I burn far too easily, you see. [With a dramatic sigh and 'what can you do' shrug. He's here to be handsome and weird and will observe the practices but not participate.]
room?
[Ardyn truly only ends up at the boarding house out of boredom more than anything, and a lazy cat-like curiosity as to where the other poor souls got herded to for sleep. It's the middle of the night, having spent much of the evening wandering about town to get the layout, so if you're up, there might be a tall, shadowy figure snooping around. Or maybe you hear a clatter from the roof. How did he get up there? Don't ask questions, just tell him to keep it down or go the fuck to sleep.
He will not, and come morning, he's likely going to stay in than be outdoors. Until the boredom strikes again. In which case, goodness, but he needs some proper clothes, does he not?
Contribute? With a job? That's cute. No thanks, not right now.]
wildcard
[go nuts my dudes, he's fucky bad news but doesn't usually make a point of showing off how bad news he is. his sense of style is trash jesus wear your granddad's clothes and look questionable at best; he's got magic that he's not afraid to show if need be; and he will act like a wine uncle you see at christmas right up until he says the most unsettling shit you ever heard casually
it's fine he's fine don't worry about it]
room
Ardyn isn't that pigeon. Annoyed at that noise, Vincenzo sticks his head out of the window. His upper body is bare if only because the clothing he's managed to acquire thus far has only added to his embarrassment, and he has no desire to wear it when he doesn't have to. ]
You're being too loud to be on the roof at night.
no subject
Ardyn hunches like a gargoyle at the edge of the roof, leans a bit to get a better look at the annoyed party.] And what, pray tell, do you plan on doing about my nocturnal habits?
[Habits, he calls them, instead of just being a nuisance who likes to be tall.]
no subject
Is it really a habit?
[ He holds his doubts. ]
I'm asking you to come down. How much would you really miss by not walking on the roof?
like the one before, dancing!
She was glad to dance among the locals herself. The blond twirls her way from her current dance partner to step in front of Ardyn next with a wide smile. ] And what about a wolf in sheep's clothing? [ More likely to slaughter than be slaughtered, she doesn't say, and her grin gives nothing away but an innocent question. ]
Any room for those to have this dance?
no subject
All beasts die the same, in the end. [and a good fucking evening to you too asshole] I'm afraid you have me at a disadvantage. I don't know the steps.
no subject
Interesting. She'll also be keeping her eye on him too. ]
Well, this isn't the end just yet. [ Or is it? Rose is still deciding. ] So why not dance the night away, I say! I can teach you the steps easy enough.
[ A hand is offered. ] Music and dance is kind of my thing.
like the one before
It's the friendliness that enables the outliers to catch Astarion's eye, or ear rather, but it does grab his attention. The rebuff draws a bemused expression across his face, and he watches the young dancer withdraw from the blanketed stranger ambivalent. It's an opening and Astarion takes it to manifest himself at the stranger's side just as unassuming as the collection of shadows he clings to.]
Spoken like a Cambion. [Cambions like their enigmatic way of speaking, leaving more questions than answers. They come off friendly, tempting you with offers, but receiving means one must give.
Cocking his head Astarion fixes his gaze on the retreating form of the dancer, benign interest, nothing more.] A shame, really, they weren't unattractive.