Summer Test Drive Meme

[thespaceopera]

THE SUMMER TEST DRIVE MEME
(Or Winter Test Drive for you Southern Hemisphere folks!)

Got someone you want to try out before you app? Well this is the post for it! Feel free to use anything that fits in the setting of Drift Fleet! Want to play bumper shuttles? Want to go wild in a med bay? Play around with the current plot? Have at it!

Threads from the Test-Drive may be made game "canon" but DO NOT count toward AC!

FOR NEW PLAYERS: You DO NOT NEED an invite to participate in the TEST DRIVE! If you decide to APP into the game, ONLY THEN will you need an invite from a current player!

Helpful Info for Ideas!:

June/July's Star System

May's Star System

Game Details

Test drives are posted SEASONALLY, so the next one will be in September!

Comments

Taako | The Adventure Zone

[abracafcku]

★ Shipside
[So this is a ship that he doesn't have to worry about crashing into some swamp or desert or Pan/Oghma/Whoever Knows What because someone was a little late in pulling the lever. That's nice. Sort of. The whole kidnapped and being stuck on a spaceship waaaaay far from the Bureau and any of his friends was, well, shitty, but he could deal.

Especially since he had an audience. Who cares if he can't see them? If he knows they're there, that's good enough, and since he's been blessed to have been put in the one place he knows he can be useful, he's living it up.]

This kitchen is toootally below standards, but that doesn't mean you can't still spice it up, dear viewers.

[There's a dark-skinned wizard in the kitchen of the ship. Whose ship? Who knows. But he's here and he's talking to the air, it seems.]

All you need is a little Prestidigitation and voila!

[Sparks explode out of the mixing bowl he has in his hands and he holds it to some imaginary camera to show a beautifully rainbow-colored batter.]

Some absolutey bitchin' rainbow cookies are coming out of this and you're going to hate yourself for not being here to try them.

[Is he talking to you now? Maybe? Try to interrupt him and see what happens.]

★ Marsiva
[The novelty of being constantly on watch is starting to wear off, so Taako is going to blow off some steam in the only way he knows how - fabulously.

He doesn't have to worry about conserving his spell slots here because he can nap any time he wants, so observe: a flip wizard doing some absolutely exquisite and completely unnecessary magic in a relatively open part of the Marsiva. He's shooting sparks in the air, he's throwing fireballs around, he's releasing Evard's Black Tentacles and making a general nuisance of the area.

And when he's done, he busts out a spectral rainbow binicorn and just lounges on top of it, staring up at the ceiling. He should be thankful for this downtime, but UGH is he bored.]

You know, Garyl...I almost miss the times when I had someone to kill and something to do.

[The binicorn shrugs in a way only spectral horses can and says: You do you, buddy. ]

[therealrawkvn]

Oh yes! Having something to do is a lot more interesting then doing nothing. [Says the hovering white and yellow floating circular robot.] But, my name is KVN. Keeeevvvveeeeen.

[abracafcku]

[Taako opens one eye from where he's lounging on top of Garyl and eyes the floating robot. It hasn't attacked and seems to be talking, so he shrugs and closes his eyes again.]

I know someone who would absolutely love to shake your hand, Keeeeveeeen.

[Although KVN might not be so enthused to meet Magnus.]

You a part of this operation?

[therealrawkvn]

Oh? [KVN's pincer like hands clack in excitement.] You do? Are they here? KVN is always happy to meet a fan!

[No one should be excited to see KVN. His purpose being to annoy cause pain bother-- you know, never mind his purpose.]

This operation? [The robot pauses as if considering this question.] Oh, yes! I am the captain of this ship! And as captain I order you to go find me a cookie!

[abracafcku]

[Taako chuckles at KVN's enthusiasm because he can just imagine Magnus ripping this guy's arms straight off and then shoving them into his backpack.]

Sorry, my man, he's off doing the main quest somewhere.

[And hopefully okay. Of all of the people he'd met - besides Angus - Magnus was the one who he honestly didn't want any harm to come to. Merle....Well, him too; but in the ranking of "It Would Suck If You Died," he wasn't quite as high. Still up there, but not as high.

He yawns and covers his mouth with one hand.]

And that's a no-can-do. I'm new here, you see, don't exactly know where the cookies are. And I don't know you, so unless you have a really compelling reason for me to move right now? I'm gonna keep chillaxing it with Garyl.

[The rainbow binicorn huffs and tosses its majestic rainbow mane.]

[therealrawkvn]

[KVN's one eye swivels around and considers the binicorn.] Alright, Garyl. It is up to you. [Yes he's going to casually talk to the animal and assume it can understand him.] You need to go find us where the cookies are. I need at least six cookies. And if you bring back eight of them I'll let you have one.

[abracafcku]

[Garyl blinks and does a horsely shrug and speaks in a voice like smooth jazz:]

Yeah, I'm just a spectral horse? You're expecting me to understand what food is and actually care.

Also, Taako's the one who summoned me so I have to obey him.

[From the back of the binicorn, Taako snickers again and stretches.]

There you have it, my dude. Unless you got a really good bribe, I'm not moving.

[therealrawkvn]

Alright. You drive a really hard bargain. I'll increase your reward. If you bring me twelve cookies then I will let you have two of them. [Master briber here. It should also be noted that this robot doesn't have a mouth. What he will do with those cookies is anyone's guess.]

[abracafcku]

[He used to help a dude feed knowledge to a magical floating space jellyfish, so honestly? He doesn't care what or how a robot eats as long as it isn't him.

Also, this is a terrible bribe and he hates it.]

You really don't get the meaning behind the word "bribe," do you? If I find cookies - and if they're up to my standards - I'm just going to eat them. Screw giving them to some floating future arm-donation.

Do you have any money?

ship

[necromanswers]

[As soon as she hears his voice down the hall she's hurrying towards it, mindless of any thought except it's him it's him it's Taako. It's only when she's almost at the kitchen entrance does the thought occur to her- that he might have no idea who she is. That she, in her IPRE red robe as she'd worn in the moment of her death (or at the moment of her physical demise at least) would just be the shape of his enemy. Like poor Barry- unrecognized and untrusted. She knows better than to go all spectral and cryptic and spooky with it, but all he knows about them is that they're opposed to the bureau. Plus she has a physical form here, inexplicably, which will only make things more confusing. A stranger in a red robe with his face, albeit more feminine? Yeah, definitely a what the fuck moment.

But- but it's Taako. She can't not see Taako. She's waited twelve fucking years to find him, to talk to him, to pick up where they left off when she vanished to find her gauntlet and never returned. She doesn't know how long it was after that when Lucretia fed their past to the voidfish, but she knows it's why they stopped looking for her. She knows why, but that separation had stung more than being trapped in her own umbrella.

The indecision doesn't last long. Lup isn't the sort to hide like a coward, to back down from a problem, whatever it may be. He's here, and so is she, and the Umbra staff has let her free at last. She'll deal with this, whatever happens.

She does pull her hood up over her head, though, to hide her hair and shadow her face just a little. It might not be so jarring if her features aren't instantly familiar. And then she gestures from the doorway when Taako's back is turned, magic sparking between her fingers, and suddenly there's a Mage Hand carrying one of the freshly baked cookies over to her so she can take a big bite.

…..Gods, but she has missed his cooking. She's missed food in general, of course, hasn't eaten a thing since the umbrella ate her, but there's nothing like Taako in the kitchen. It's an explosion of delish in her face right now.]

That is a fuckin' good cookie. Shit, I can't even sass ya.

[abracafcku]

[The voice behind him isn't exactly startling because he assumed someone on this tin can would be listening. He also knew it was a damn good cookie because he's Taako and everything Taako touches basically turns to gourmet gold. It's the tone and lilt of that voice, the sound of it that is surprising. It's weirdly familiar and yet he can't put a finger on it. It's like static in his head whenever the threads try to connect. He uses a quick cantrip to keep the spoon mixing a second batch and he turns, spinning on his heel.

And stops dead.

A red robe? Here?]

Hey thanks, homie. Didn't know you guys could taste, but I'm glad to hear you at least recognize a good one when you eat it.

[He's always surprised when one of these guys shows up. The Director hadn't wanted them talking to each other, but the last time he saw one, well...it had kiiiiinda helped him? So while he's eyeing the little egg timer he's been using as a spell focus sitting on the counter between them, he's not exactly in any rush to grab it.]

So....when'd you come on board?

[necromanswers]

[There's something painful and aching about being stared down like a stranger by her own damn twin, no sign of the usual familiarity or affection that is so often limited to only her and those closest to him, no acknowledgement that they'd been inseparable for two hundred years. It takes most of Lup's self control to keep the upset from showing in her face, her lips frozen into a smile beneath the shadow of her hood. It's fine. She can endure this until they find a way to get past the voidfish's block. It's just one more fucking challenge that lies between them, one more barrier to overcome. At least now she can actually talk to him, instead of just yelling into the dark or burning spells in the wall.

She takes another bite from the cookie and chews thoughtfully, to buy herself a few extra seconds. Eventually she'll have to start choosing her words wisely, to avoid arousing suspicion unnecessarily, but otherwise there's no reason to lie to him.]

Just got here. Pretty wild, isn't it? Living on a spaceship.

[Ha. Try it for a hundred years.]</small

[abracafcku]

[Well, if the Red Robe was going to be nice about his cooking, he might as well as be nice and not try to blast them into the next century. Taako shrugged a little because being on a spaceship was not he wildest thing he'd done in awhile. Maybe they didn't talk to each other? This one definitely wasn't the one who'd been with them at Refuge or at Goldcliff - the voice wasn't right, the posture was too....something? Taako couldn't put his finger on it.]

Eh.

Try riding an underground railcart in a race to the death with a gigantic purple worm - now that's wild.

[And forgetting to use any of his good items. But whatever, they survived after multiple hiccups that either did or didn't count - he still wasn't sure. Everyone remembered, his death count definitely went up, but in the end things had turned out alright.

Something was still nagging him about this robe though... She was corporeal which was new.]

[necromanswers]

[She did try that, actually, or rather had been dragged along for that literal ride. She's about to snark about it when she catches herself, mouth open- then closed- and then-]

Yeah, you guys live a pretty crazy life, don't you? Jumping from thrill to thrill all the time. It's part of what we like about you.

[She's not sure if the angle of working in tandem with Barry is in any way a wise choice, but he's already seen her in the red robe. Can't do much about that now- she should have used Disguise Self before she'd tried for a cookie.

She just… has to remember not to do anything that he'd normally be fine with but now might consider a threat. It's going to be a hell of a fine line to walk until she finds some equilibrium.

She can't give up, though. Not on him, no matter what happens. She'll keep trying.]

[abracafcku]

[So disembodied weirdos or no, the Red Robes did seem to communicate with each other. He really couldn't keep track of how many of them he'd met - one? Two? Honestly, until they showed up again, he didn't devote a lot of thinking time to them. They hadn't tried to kill him yet so until they did, they weren't really worth worrying about aside from Lucretia being mad as hell that they kept talking to them.

Taako shrugs and uses Mage Hand to set the spoon down and pick up his egg timer. Dropped into his palm, he casually sets it next to him on the counter - just setting up the next step of baking, right? Nothing suspicious here, nope, none at all.]

I know, right? I keep asking for a beach trip or a spin around a shopping mall, but nooo, they'd much rather run head first into the jaws of death all the time. I haven't had a good nap in ages.

[Not that he'd let them go by themselves. The idiots would probably be immediately eaten by a dragon. Or worse - get good loot and not share it.]

[necromanswers]

[Yeah, not at all suspicious. Not like he hasn't eyed that thing multiple times already. Is that his focus? He would pick a cooking utensil. Hell, she would.

Well, if he's going to roll guarded casual, two can play that game. She's more comfortable with it that way, anyways. She moves further into the kitchen, careful to keep as much distance between them as the small space allows, for his own comfort. She pokes at the cupboards, pulls out a couple of drawers, examines the equipment he has to work with. Not the fanciest stuff, but functional enough. Obviously he's managed.

She lifts a clean wooden mixing spoon, twirling it between her fingers to give them something to do. Not threatening, not pointed at him, just- casual, casual. She seriously needs to find herself a focus, too.]

Same here, actually. I was thinking I'd have myself a big ol' snoozer as soon as I get settled.

[Assuming she can sleep like this. She hasn't tried to meditate since waking up here, and a part of her is afraid to try, like this is all some wonderful dream and she'll wake up back in the Umbra staff, silenced and helpless...]

[abracafcku]

Well, just so you know, the beds here are totally shit on your back.

[If formerly disembodied whatever-they-weres had backs. She was casually spinning a spoon in her hand now and Taako kept his back to the counter, arms folded in front of him as he commanded his Mage Hand to start setting the cookies on the waiting baking tray. They wouldn't be the exact precise sizes he wanted, but it was either that or turn his back on someone who he's seen straight up McStab someone before.]

In fact, everything here is pretty shit if you're used to anything even remotely nice.

[He gestures with one hand at the kitchen with a loud, exasperated sigh.]

They don't even have cumin on this ship. Can you believe that? How can you not have cumin?

marsiva!

[deathcouture]

[ Well, so far, Kravitz isn't a fan of this place. For starters, he was right in the middle of a particularly challenging bounty - and he was just getting the hang of not working solo, for once. On top of that, space is cold! And he's already always cold. So, that's not great. Third, have you seen those atrocious clothes they provide? Unacceptable. Good thing they let him keep the suit he had on when they so rudely interrupted his life for... whatever this foolishness is.

Speaking of foolishness, he's wandering the hallways of the Marsiva when he hears various blasts and sparks in the distance - the very sounds of wizard spells if he's ever heard them, and as if to drive the point home, he can practically feel how strong it all is. Curious, and with nothing better to do, he goes to check it out. And when the hallway ends at the wide open area...

He'd recognize that reckless spell-slinging anywhere, honestly. ]

Taako?

[ And suddenly, he's smiling. ]

[abracafcku]

[He's just about out of the big shocking spells and about to start lounging when he heas a super familiar voice call his name. In fact, it wasn't that long ago that his umbrella had straight up tried to magically shank the owner of said handsome af voice, so Taako stops midcast and turns to look over his shoulder.

Sure enough, the Grim Handsome in the house is right behind him, looking fine as always.]

Hold that thought.

[He shoots off a bevy of useless sparkle fireworks, and then turns around got, dusting his hands off.]

Hey there, sexy. When'd you get in?

[deathcouture]

[ Oh my God, fireworks, yep, that is unmistakably Taako. He steps closer, still wearing the kind of smile that only comes from seeing the person you love just completely being himself. ]

This morning? I think? I'm not sure I understand how relative time works when the sun isn't... the same. But-- how long have you even been here? I had no idea!

[abracafcku]

[Wow, he can't recall ever seeing Kravitz that happy to see him, but he won't discourage it. They're both nabbed from home and he bets it's both nice to see a familiar face and doubly nice that it's a face as beautiful as his.

Taako saunters closer, shrugging as he goes.]

Just a little while ago. Thought I'd blow off some steam by having some fun. Nothing here had tried to eat, burn, freeze me in time, or crystalize me yet, so it's been pretty boring.

[deathcouture]

Yes of course - not having something actively trying to kill you is boring. I see.

[ A little exasperating, but mostly amusing, if his tone is any indication~ ... But then, he's serious. ]

Not that it makes this situation any less dangerous. The silence out here is rather... unnerving. I don't like it.

[ The Astral Plane can be its own particular kind of quiet. This place? Feels like a sterile kind of quiet. ]

[abracafcku]

I mean, that's how we met, isn't it?

[Could anything be more exciting than that? Almost dying is one hell of an adrenaline rush, even if Taako really fucking hates it when he's close to actually almost dying.

Taako glances around the empty ship, clicking his tongue against his teeth as the quiet settles back in. When he was burning through spells it was loud and busy, but now? Yeah, it's eerie.]

Probably 'cause there's hardly anyone here. No crew, nothing. I'd say it's like a tomb, but I've looted those, so it seems inappropriate.

[deathcouture]

Oh trust me, I'll never forget it.

[ He chuckles. Taako's, ah, habits and his particularly dangerous line of work might have worried him a little at first, but he very quickly realized that either through his incredible skills or just pure fucking luck -- or both, most likely -- Taako would always be just fine.

But this place is one big question mark, and so much unknown puts him on edge, admittely. ]

I'd almost rather be in tomb than here. I don't suppose you have any crazy ideas on how to get out of here? You've been on something like this before, right?

[ Says the man apparently from just a little bit into the future, after some key voidfish craziness happens. Whoops? ]

[abracafcku]

[Taako chuckles at that. Of course the Grim Reaper would prefer a tomb. He probably doesn't think anything of it, even if they generally give most people the heebies.

But as for getting out of here?]

Living on a moon base isn't quite the same thing as being on a space ship, y'know. This is all crazy new to me, too.

But I tried blasting the doors to the cockpit open and nothing. Magic doesn't seem to be doing anything to this place, weirdly enough.