towerofjamjars | Test Drive Meme

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test drive meme

Test Drive Meme

Test Drive Meme

✭ Reply to this entry with a character you're considering apping into the game. You can include the name of your character and the fandom in your subject line.
✭ Check out our plot guide if you're interested in what's happened thus far!
✭ Comment around to others on the meme, whether you're in the game already or not.
✭ Now you have a sample ready for your application!
✭ So go reserve your character, and apply when apps are open.
✭ Seriously, do it.

To get you started, here are a few optional prompts for you to use if you so wish:

Prompts
1. [Setting: Floor Twenty-Eight] There are musical instruments all around this floor, with a grand organ taking the center stage. It could be a good place to pick up a new skill or two! But wait... what's that? You hear music playing? Well, maybe there's someone already on the floor. Or maybe not... sometimes the instruments play themselves, after all.

2. [Setting: Floor Forty-Five] The walls on this floor are made of glass, which would be nice if there were anything to see. Sadly, there's not much, as the clouds are so thick at this height that you really can't make out if there's anything out there, anything below you, or anything above you. If you hear a skittering sound, that's just the faceless humanoid creatures crawling around on the outside windows. Don't worry, they can't get in... but they will skitter around to watch your every move.

3. [Setting: Floor Eighty-Eight] There's a bar here, and you better hope there's not any alcohol. Most of the time there isn't no matter how hard you look - but sometimes there is, and more often than not even a little bit of it will make you violently sick from alcohol poisoning. But if you're really lucky, you'll just get drunk. There's a pool table in the center of this always-smoky floor, so even if you can't drink you can still act all adult and sophisticated.

4. [Setting: Floor Twenty-Two] Are you a cultured person? Then this is the floor for you. It seems to be an art gallery, and there are paintings from many different worlds on display here - maybe even one or two from yours! But don't get lost, because if you do, you may not like what you see. Paintings of the worst atrocities known to mankind have been known to be on display around here, and if you're really unlucky, you'll stumble across an entire section filled with paintings of the things you fear most.

5. [Setting: Floor Ninety-Four] This is a darkroom, and it's okay if you don't own a camera, because there are a few old-fashioned ones you can borrow to take pictures. Maybe this is a good time to pick one up and try your hand at photography. Or maybe you've turned off the lights, but if that's so, don't look too closely at the shadows. They'll sometimes become humanoid figures that will follow you around, and if you look directly at them they'll possess you, crawling into your throat - you won't be able to leave the floor, and you'll try to kill anyone who enters, but this will only last until you are killed or the lights are turned on.

6. [Setting: Floor Three] A bookworm will feel right at home here, among the towering shelves filled with books of all kinds. You won't find anything about the history of the Tower, though, and you certainly won't find anything about the world you or anyone else here came from, but if you're looking for a tale to read or something to study up on, you're in the right place.

7. [Setting: Anywhere] Uh-oh. That's a monster, or maybe more than one of them. You might be equipped to handle it or you might not. But the question is, what do you do? Do you face it head on... or do you flee? Or maybe the monster has already spotted you, and you're in need of a rescue. That's alright. It happens quite often here.

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[Probably a normal individual would be begging him to stop by now.

This one isn't.

There's something in the music, the noise and the effort, that suggested this strange large-eyed man was trying to get a message across, and Lorelei is not so bad at interpretation of such things.

Gilles is no Phantom of the Opera, but one can't train passion! Besides which, if he wanted the world to know how he felt, sound was the best way to convey this. What else could possibly be better?

For a while, Lorelei says and does nothing, he simply listens. Then, as one or two of the instruments on the floor begin playing of their own accord, the Aggregate simply moves to fetch them, and set them nearby, adding to the already enthusiastically noisy playing. They're quieter than the organ, a subtle backup, that with Lorelei's careful (and unseen) encouragement, are nothing more than an underscore to further build up Gilles' playing.

Somewhere, someone is going to possibly hate Lorelei for not stopping this awful abuse of a perfectly good instrument.]

[He doesn't understand why this man is helping him, but he's not going to object. The other instruments seem to be playing along with him, and they augment and improve his song. He tries, always, to express himself, to pour out his rage and hatred and joy and exultation. It is true of all his art, and no less so now, when he's trying his hand at music. As he continues to express himself, his mood continues to improve, and his rage gives way to pleasure.

As a child, when he could have learned to play music, he had always chosen warfare, had expressed his feelings physically, yet there is something physical about this as well. Even when joyful, it is music like an act of violence.

Most people would be tired out from this kind of sustained activity, but not Gilles. He could keep this up for quite a while. However, he's starting to grow curious about his benefactor and audience...]

[Lorelei is patient. He's waiting.

Eventually what seems to be fury and pain begin to leech away, and it seems to be that this is what he's waiting for. Still he doesn't interrupt for a time, waiting further, listening. Even violence was a song, if a jagged one full of fangs and swords. It deserved a little appreciation. Whether anyone else ever could.. well that remains to be seen.

But in time the self-playing instruments quiet themselves, inert once again. Elsewhere on the floor others play, to their own tune and whims, a distant thing. Only then does Lorelei actually speak. Kind of. He's not using his mouth any and it isn't telepathy but even over the organ he's perfectly audible without even seeming to raise his voice.]

I suspect you chose a life away from that of music, even if sound responds so well to you. Why?

[It's not an unpleasant voice, at least.]

[Gilles gives a start at the unexpected, unusually transmitted voice. He's not surprised as he would have been in life--he's become a magical being himself, so he's come to understand and even expect such things. Lorelei's behavior thus far has made Gilles well-disposed toward him. Someone who supports his art, who appreciates his music!]

I was a nobleman! In my grandfather's court, such things were possible, but not generally done, and I did not think to do them. I became a knight.

[He had been free enough, unsupervised enough, that he could have learned to play music, but what had truly been encouraged was warfare. It had been different, before his parents died, but he barely remembers that time.]

I was but thirteen before I took part in my first battle. I was consecrated to the slaughter! Only later did I discover art.

[There is a remarkable lack of judging going on here, by way of Gilles' being even only thirteen at his first fight. That suggested his civilization was fairly young, when life was cheaper. It .. was how it went, and Lorelei had little issue with it. Humans were humans!

Besides, this one had a real enthusiasm for sound.]

That's unfortunate.

[To the choice of knight, not battle.]

I imagine there isn't enough time in one life to master both art and combat, though I have heard even a bloody battlefield can be an artform, a dance.

[How few he himself participated in! Lorelei gestures slightly to the organ. Was that bad music? He didn't think so. It was very passionate.]

Are you a knight still? It seems you are young enough to choose another path, if you wished it. Music will wait forever, but a life seems so much shorter than that.

Do you think so?

[He's flattered by the idea that this man thinks he has talent.]

Ah, yes, I did enjoy the battlefield. The rush and press of combat. The thrill of danger, the color of bloodshed. It is very like a dance. A dance with all the majesty and furor of life and death!

[What an understanding person!]

The war ended. I retired to my estates. It was there I found an interest in art, once the dance was finished. I suppose... you would not call me a knight now. I had not time enough to learn music or master art. My life was too brief. I died.

It seems to me the world has plenty of warriors, and too few who appreciate the arts. Maybe things would go differently if it were otherwise.

[Lorelei closes the cover of the piano just behind him, and hops up on it lightly. His weight's not enough to cause damage through doing this apparently. Or he's not really concerned. Either way, the piano seems to be fine.

Although his eyes were strange, it seems Gilles was a proper human after all. How they hungered after combat! But having died and still being here is a bit of a puzzle, and he tilts his head slightly.]

And yet you are here, and as living as I it seems. Do your people enjoy reincarnation? A second, or third life should allow you all the time to master the things you truly desire, if it was your wish to do so.

[Gilles stares at the man, somewhat fascinated by him now, keeping his gaze fixed on him as he watches him move. As he's decided he likes Lorelei (for now), he's all too willing to answer his questions.]

Perhaps you are right, but my life was given over to violence, and it may be too late for me to be other than what I am.

[As bloody as his life has been, he does not know if he is capable of changing now, but violence can be a form of art, too. Like battle is a dance, as Lorelei so eloquently put it.]

I am now a Heroic Spirit, the soul of a dead man given form and power, not living at all, in truth! I will have no other life but this.

[Liking each other, even if for the moment, means Lorelei's probably not going to find out so early into his tenure as a human what pain and dying feels like.

As it is he's working out this heroic spirit thing, and what it means. This is taking a little bit of work.]

In this place, all of us are little more than souls in new vessels, you'll be in good company. Many call the Tower a hell, but perhaps it could be an opportunity instead. I've certainly not found it that bad. There's lots of time now to pursue your own interests! ....Since we can't seem to leave, might as well make the most of it.

[The Aggregate kicks his feet a little idly, like a child might.]

Maybe you'll even find old friends here.

[Being liked by Gilles comes with certain privileges, like not being murdered by him.]

Your words are fair! In my world, I was returned to life as a Heroic spirit, but I died a second time, so there is no life for me there. I did not think I would receive a third life! How many men can say as much? Truly God must have seen fit to bless me. To a man such as myself, this seems to be no Hell, but a Paradise. An opportunity... yes, I can see it as such. Here, as you said, I may at last focus my attention on my art!

[Gilles, no, your art is all horrible things.]

Old friends...

[His smile fades, and something of a melancholy air seems to overtake him. For a moment, he's a changed man, more sober and quiet.]

Do you think that could be so?

[This matter of God is also puzzling. The Aggregates were sometimes called gods, but they weren't and he knew it. Maybe Gilles' world had Aggregate Sentiences as well! .. He doesn't ask. It's not important.]

I'm told there's drawbacks, but I haven't seen many yet. So long as you don't linger after dark, it seems a rather nice place.

[This sudden sobriety draws Lorelei's attention quickly, regarding the fish-eyed man with steady thoughtfulness. What brought on this sudden fey change of mood?]

Whatever chooses to draw us here is as kind as it is cruel. Although riven from my proper place, it has seen fit to also grant me those which I cherish most. This ... seems to happen to most people here. I have no reason to think you would be left alone.

[Gilles is mercurial at the best of times, and recent events have left him, if anything, more so.]

And what happens after dark?

[This sounds intriguing and rouses him slightly from his sudden grim mood, but it persists.]

Ah, to see Jeanne again, or Ryuunosuke, or Prelati... [He's lost both Ryuunosuke and Prelati. Jeanne despises him now. She killed him. He loves her still, but she denied him to the end, and look at him now, more monster than man...] Stranger, God has shown me mercy now, but I have as much reason to believe He will be cruel as kind!

[The redhaired man makes a negating gesture with one hand, his smile brief but seemingly really amused.]

Monsters come out and try to kill you. And everyone else. They're not that dangerous though.

[Well not for him but Lorelei cheats.

He doesn't know any of those names but they are very obviously important to Gilles. And there's God again. This God thing is clearly also very important to Gilles, it's almost the same adherence he expects of those who follow the Score. Well.. how can he help with th--

Wait, he knows one of those names. Lorelei brightens visibly. Ryuunosuke had been so helpful to him when he was busy being a cheagle! ... That this was mostly because the strange young man was dreaming of his entrails is just not relevant as far as he knows.]

I have met someone here by the name of Ryuunosuke, come to think about it! Maybe fortune rolls in your favor, and one of your friends is already here. What might seem cruel at first might be a secret blessing in disguise!

Ah, monsters! What manner of monsters?

[People being killed by monsters is relevant to Gilles' interests, but the next thing Lorelei mentions is even more relevant.]

Ryuunosuke?

[Now it's Gilles' turn to brighten.]

My Master is here? That is good news, if it is he... Dear Master. I felt him die. Are all of us here numbered among the dead?

[This could take some explanation. Most people didn't ask what sorts of monsters.. Lorelei considers it for a few moments.]

Well, I'm certain I saw a young liger a couple nights ago.. and I've heard there's been at least one dragon. Some shadow creatures. The mermaids that'll drown and eat you given the chance.. Mm. The ones like wild animals, but who can breathe fire or are really smart..

[And hey, now he doesn't have to explain i, because Gilles just brightened up a lot. This subject takes less explaining!]

Maybe! Is he a rather enthusiastic young man, about this tall- [There's a gesture; a bit taller than Lorelei himself, who is not that tall] -with reddish blond hair? If this sounds similar it might be him!

[How many people could have the name Ryuunosuke? Maybe it was the Tim of Earth, he doesn't know. He shakes his head at the question of dying, however.]

No. Some are, so it's not uncommon, but a lot were alive. I didn't even have a physical form to get killed before being brought here.

So many, then. I will have to look and see. I am interested in the limitless forms monstrosity takes.

Yes, yes, he is very much like that, a most enthusiastic and perceptive young man! He has a great love for life, a passion few can match! If it is truly him, then that is good news! Ah, to be reunited with him again... [He certainly seems happy about it.]

You did not? [This new fact catches Gilles attention.] Then what might you be?

[[ooc: I'm really enjoying our thread! If I'm accepted, would you like to make it game canon/continue it?]]

[Lorelei considers this answer, and then decides it's probably for Science. A lot of humans did weird things like study dangerous things for Science, surely Gilles is no different.

Such self-delusions allow him to continue without so much as a blink, cheerful.]

I'm certain he'll be thrilled to see you as well! It seemed when we last spoke that he might like the company, at the very least. It's hard to really be enthusiastic about life and adventure when there's no-one to share it with.

[Poor Ryuunosuke had nobody but Lorelei to explore hazardous floors with, and Ryuunosuke still doesn't know that tiny little cheagle can sometimes be a person.]

If you head for the cafeteria you might be able to spot him at mealtimes, that's when everyone goes there.

[The Aggregate pauses, when asked what he is. How to explain it to people who don't know what fonons are?]

I ... am what happens, on my world, when so much elemental energy of one type collects in one spot, it becomes self-aware. My element is 'sound'; in my world I am sound. ..I hope that makes sense, I can try again if not.

[Which might be why he was rather fond of Gilles' abuse of that organ there. All sounds is good sounds.]

[[OOC bit: Sure! 8D It's a lot of fun and how can things POSSIBLY go wrong?? I do hope you get accepted!]]

[That's right, it's for science! Not because he likes to see things get ripped apart.]

There is almost no one dearer to me than Ryuunosuke! He should not be alone. I will see that his every need is met. Ah, for his enthusiasm to flag, there could be few greater tragedies... A great artist should know only the joy of creation!

[It's only the existence of Jeanne that adds the "almost" to "no one dearer" and prevents Gilles from calling this the greatest tragedy.

At Lorelei's answer, Gilles stares. That sounds--incredible.]

A--sound? You are noise? A being of pure loudness!

[It might not have made sense to an ordinary person, but Gilles, delighted by the strange news, seems to catch on at once and, remembering Lorelei's fondness for his playing, suddenly starts to scream at the top of his lungs.]

[[ooc: Excellent! Of course, nothing ever goes wrong when Gilles is around!]]

[Of course! Science is far less alarming to consider. Lorelei also believes Ryuunosuke to be a rather nice if somewhat peculiar boy, so it's possible he's deliberately not noticing oddities.]

It sounds like we should make sure you two cross paths as soon as possible then! I'll help as I can but it's best that such reunions remain private between friends, isn't it?

[Then they can hug and cry or whatever, without having to worry about being ashamed because strangers are watching!]

All sounds! Loud sounds, soft sounds. Babies crying, thunderstorms, crickets, avalanches..

[Lorelei has yet to encounter a sound he didn't like. It was silence that put him on edge. So when Gilles begins screaming as if he's the newest murder victim of the Tower, Lorelei isn't even remotely phased! Sound is a good thing! It's nice to see someone else appreciate it too!]

How I long to put my arms around him once again and embrace him... I do not mind if another is present. Why should that matter? When my master and I are together, it is as if no others exist.

[Gilles has no shame.]

How marvelous! That a person can be sound. I enjoy music. And the human voice...

[Gilles enjoys making noise, so he screams some more, then returns to the organ, to accompany his screams with his playing. The end result is a truly hideous concert, but fortunately Lorelei won't mind!

He wonders if a person who is sound is the same on the inside as a normal human... If you cut sound open, does it make a sound?]

[Friendship is amazing! That perhaps it's actually a little different and really horrible just never occurs to him.]

I was sound. Now I think I'm just meat with some sound related skills.

[Lorelei pokes at his own leg a little, frowning. It did seem awfully meatlike to him, and not at all a proper fonon cloud.

That this is a bad idea and might well be enhancing Gilles' desire to see what the inside of him looks like. Lorelei himself was curious but he also wasn't terribly fond of pain. Pain hurt.

For now there is the distraction of pure unadulterated noise. Noise that for anyone else might be ear-bleedingly bad, but by the way the redheaded man laughs in obvious delight and applauds, yeah his idea of good noise vs bad noise is terribly skewed.]

It's so wonderful to meet a human that actually likes sound in all its forms! I like you. Let's be friends.

[Sometimes his methods of operation are a little.. simple. Still, his words don't quite interrupt the screaming and mashing of the organ, audible over it without disturbing it. Controlling sound has its perks.]

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