TEST DRIVE MEME 003

[larkers]

> TEST DRIVE MEME #003

Welcome to the Meadowlark test drive meme! After waking up in strange and rather worrisome conditions, characters will need to begin to live their lives in this new world. All TDM threads take place after the arrival process, so please assume that the initial adjustment period has passed. Now it's time to see the bright sights and sounds that New Amsterdam – and beyond – has to offer. All Meadowlark test drive memes will not be game canon. Please feel free to carry on relationships that make sense, but if your character is off on a colony researching terraforming or in jail because they vandalized corporation signage with Morningstar's emblem, that will be a little harder to transfer into game. All applicants can use threads from the TDM for their samples.

> SETTLING IN

There is very little that can smooth over the experience of your arrival in this world. Coming to in a van, drugged and restrained, only to be carefully helped out by the unknown guards and nurses and then abandoned in an alleyway. What comes after is relatively straightforward: you're found by others and taken back to a safehouse, hidden under an abandoned supermarket. This has happened before. There are others not from this world who have experienced the same, with no recollection of how they came here, bearing signs that they've lost months of their lives, but unfortunately, no more answers on how or why than you do. There are theories, crossed realities, a very real sense of immense violation to one's self. Maybe this knowledge brings you a growing sense of futility, or perhaps it inspires a deeper determination in you. But even as you begin to think on what next, life has to go on. All of the new arrivals will be given a fake ID and a background that will lend them access to entry-level jobs. It may be overwhelming, but Morningstar won't be asking anyone to get their lives together immediately. It would take at least a month's wages to put down a deposit on even the smallest apartment in the city, so everyone has a grace period before they set out. Morningstar will also make their purpose clear if asked: they are a group dedicated to fighting corruption and righting the wrongs of this world, though they won't go into detail to someone who isn't a member. It will be made expressly clear that anyone who's received assistance from Morningstar has to keep that a secret, as it could compromise their life and safety, as well as the lives of others. > 001: EXPLORE THE CHANGES You have been changed, and unfortunately Morningstar know very little about how or why. They won't be able to give a crash course to answer everything, and in fact, may seem just as surprised (or scared) as you over some of the strange abilities you now have. They know this has happened, but it's just as strange for them as it is for you. Most of the troubling changes will be what's happened to each person's physiology. Every aspect of this situation is already enough to make someone feel scared, stressed, confused, or even angry at what's happened to them - having to navigate a new, crowded and noisy world could easily provide enough stimulation to make it worse . Unfortunately, strong emotion could be just the key to triggering your new power. To get things under wraps, you'll want to duck away to somewhere more private or hidden. Thankfully, there are numerous underpasses, dark corners, and currently-empty shops, but you'll need to be quick to avoid raising any eyebrows – or avoid hurting anyone. Otherwise, you might prefer to play it safe and avoid striking out before you have more answers. As much as Morningstar has been helpful, you know that the others in your situation may have more information. But be careful that you don't end up sharing more than you intended. Every instance of skin-to-skin contact will trigger an immediate empathic bond, letting you feel the other person's emotions and vise versa. While there's nothing that can be done to completely prevent this, someone can either decide to hold on and continue sharing that level of emotional intimacy, or let go and end the shockingly vulnerable exchange. > 002: THE NETWORK One thing Morningstar do know about is the neural implant. This piece of tech is a basic necessity of life in this world, and you now have one in your head. Thankfully Morningstar are able to provide any necessary information to help you understand this new tool and its application to daily life. Early on, every newcomer receives access to an encrypted network, only available to you and the others like you, making contact between you easy and safe. Familiarize yourself with this network and dig in. Perhaps you're hoping to find some bigger answers, ask about the latest weather or nail polish trends in New Amsterdam, or want to discuss how much Morningstar suck in a venue where they'll absolutely see it. Don't worry, you won't be booted. They're used to it. There are private, one-on-one modes of communication available as well, though without the security of Morningstar's encryptions, they're much less safe. You can make calls, send texts, make videos, and even interact with others in a VR simulation – however, there it's made very clear that the government has a means of tracking these. This definitely isn't a place to be careless about your communication.

> RESOLUTION DAY FESTIVAL

One day a year, everyone the whole system over participates in the annual celebration of Resolution Day. It's not explicitly stated what Resolution Day actually is; there's no reason to declare what everyone already knows, and characters may find themselves experiencing some intense culture shock as they stumble into the festivities. The celebration starts early and finishes late – very late – so whether you choose to join in the fun, learn more about the history of the festival, or take advantage of the revelry for other, more nefarious goals, you'll have plenty of time. As the festival sprawls wildly throughout the streets of New Amsterdam, it gives even the most desolate parts of the city new life with bright lights, noise, and plenty of food. Recent circumstances have left New Amsterdam in a constant state of rebuilding, but the festival adds gloss to a lot of the damage – though most of the festival strays away from the most ruined architecture so that it doesn't serve as a constant reminder. Most businesses are shut for the day, giving their workers the time to enjoy the celebration, but some might consider this one of their most profitable days of the year – if you've gotten yourself a restaurant, rickshawing or corporate PR job, you might find yourself stuck on a double shift. Better snatch what small moments of enjoyment you can! > 003: ENJOY THE FESTIVITIES Anything you'd think it would be at a festival in the year 2511 is definitely at this festival. Care to play a game? All attendees can play for free. Some games – like the hoverblade racing, the augmented reality fightboxes and the street-wide bouts of laser tag – involve a partner or a competitor, so you better hope someone's willing to do you a solid or bring out your competitive side. If having fun involves less competition and more opportunities to feel emboldened, there are karaoke setups all over the city. Most of the songs will be unfamiliar to anyone who's new to this world, but like any music in any era, they're catchy enough. There are some jingles that have managed to survive several hundred years, and you might stumble across a gaggle of teenagers declaring that "All You Need is Love." To encourage letting loose, most of these karaoke booths have bartenders available to help someone find the courage they need to reach the stage. Or maybe it's time to try the delicacies of New Amsterdam. Hundreds of food trucks have turned out today in droves with high hopes that they'll come away turning a profit. Down for some Mexi-German fusion? Or perhaps you're hoping that pad Thai still tastes the same with grasshoppers? Share your food – or give away whatever you don't like. Food trucks are the hub of activity, and the busiest ones might be worth the time, but you'll be standing in line for a while. > 004: HISTORY LESSONS Aside from your typical booths of free samples, charitable causes, volunteer applications, and white chocolate-covered beetles, you'll find an opportunity to learn about Resolution Day’s history. There are various stands available where – thanks to the augmented reality application of your neural implant – you can view video about the origins of the festival and what, exactly, everyone's celebrating. These videos will play for you and you alone, and you'll soon learn that this is the day, 410 years ago, that humans successfully ended the AI war. If you'd like to feel like a hero, the UNA are running several virtual reality simulations where you can be taken to the battlefield to fight alongside fellow soldiers, working to bring the outwardly robotic AI to submission. The virtual reality simulation interacts with your neural implant to give you the most realistic experience possible. If you don't ground yourself enough, you'll be certain that the sights, sounds, and smells around you are real as you march in formation toward the brutality waiting up ahead. Feel free to team up with a partner on a side mission, or maybe try to keep someone from plugging in for what could be a traumatic experience. Eerie, heart-wrenching music plays when you die, but is promptly followed by the image of several corporate logos reminding you that they sponsored this day and this event. If you're uncomfortable with this information, no one will understand why. AI sympathizers are not present among the native population. Will you risk trying to change their minds? > 005: USING DISTRACTIONS There are other opportunities in the city being flooded with festival-goers. For Morningstar, this is a prime opportunity to test new recruits when it comes to charming corporate execs and getting in good with them. Whatever your cover story is, make it good. Whether you claim you're hoping to pitch an idea for some new tech or are more interested in seducing – or squeezing – some information out of them, following them into the next bar or karaoke booth may give you the perfect chance. But you might want a lookout to watch your back, a co-conspirator to keep them plied with drinks, or maybe you'll need a voice of reason to stop you from squeezing too hard. Morningstar values discretion – and so does everyone else, for that matter.

> CRIMINAL ACTIVITY

Traveling down from the hectic main city streets reveals a different side from the gloss and promise of New Amsterdam. Economic disparity runs rampant throughout the city, and many people are pushed to desperation, looking to find other ways to make ends meet. In the darker shadows, many illegal activities thrive, out of view of the authorities - or perhaps known and supported by corrupt individuals. Maybe you're here exploring, completing a task for Morningstar, or working a job in the place you excel. Whatever's brought you here, you may want to watch your step, or else find the city eating you as it has so many others. > 006: GETTING IN Organized crime still has a strong foothold in the world, with gangs and more established families working drugs, weapons, property and black market cybernetics, to name a few. These organizations are sprawling units that regularly recruit new members into their ranks, so long as they can prove themselves by passing the intensive hazing. Maybe you'd like to have a role in such a powerful organization. Or maybe you'd like to use your relative anonymity to burn it all down. One way to get an in is through their numerous clubs and illegal gambling dens, where to get past the door you have to know a guy who knows a guy who knows a guy. Don't know a guy? Feel free to try to use brute force or some chicanery to make them believe that you belong among their numbers. Just don't get caught doing anything they don't like – which could be breathing the wrong way, if you're unlucky enough. Best to have an escape plan in place, like perhaps stealing one of the many hovercars or hoverbikes parked outside the establishment. If you've got the skills, you'll be able to weave through the chaos of the city and make a clean getaway – just don't let the chase run for too long, or you'll have law enforcement on your ass as well. > 007: FIGHT CLUB No matter the occasion outside, New Amsterdam's fight club events are held every evening. The bouncers at the door don't have too many scruples on who they let inside. All they care about is whether someone has the money to pay the cover charge. The interior of the fight club reveals the sophistication of a business that's used to uprooting itself regularly. All the fights take place in a large cage in the center, and you remain on your feet while you enjoy the show. There is a special VIP section if you've been lucky enough to receive an invite or bribe your way in – just keep in mind that these invites are scarce, and you will have to have done something spectacular to earn the attention from someone high up the food chain. Regardless of where you end up, there is one rule: what happens in the fight club stays in the fight club. This tenant is law, and everyone's heard stories of the different (and sometimes extreme) lengths which have been taken to maintain it. Maybe you're here to sign up and test your chops against other fighters. Many of the fighters boast illegal cybernetic enhancements, so it would be a really good idea to have someone on hand who knows some first aid. Maybe you'd prefer to just enjoy the show, or take the opportunity to grill the bartenders for information. Just be careful not to make a fool of yourself. Asking too many questions might catch the wrong kind of attention – the kind that might find you being thrown into the ring, whether you wanted to be there or not. For all the blood spilled, these fight clubs thrive on discretion, so whatever you do, try to keep it quiet.

> THE STATUS QUO

By the next morning, the true shape of New Amsterdam will come to light for everyone who steps out and sees that it has been devastated recently. There are numerous construction sites throughout the city, with some being more expedient than others, all to try to rebuild a city that's been under duress. There are numerous mandates that filter through news feeds, telling citizens that they should turn in any monster carcasses from the June 27th attacks. With no further context, it might be up to you to look into what this even means: doing just that will lead to numerous articles about a mysterious creature attack that assaulted the city and led to countless people being made homeless. No one knows the cause for the attack, as investigations are ongoing. The effects of this attack are more apparent today than they were the day before. While the festivities demanded that the streets were bare, numerous tent cities have gone back up to take the place of the booths. The people living here look like they've been here for a while, and Resolution Day festivities mildly inconvenienced them. The supplies going to them are only just enough for them to be comfortable, with most of their facilities being maintained and highly restricted to keep up water rationing demands. Soon enough it will be apparent that this is what New Amsterdam is like, with the same amount of targeted advertisements built in to the city's foundation to show the influence of the local corporations. > 008: WHERE THERE'S SMOKE Around midday, vents open up throughout New Amsterdam to let smoke rapidly filter up into the foreground of the city. The reason why? A fire sparks in the underground portion of New Amsterdam, spreading quickly between two apartment buildings. The cause is unknown, and while firefighters are on the scene, they could use an extra hand. Numerous people suffer from the effects of smoke inhalation, and there are likely more inside the buildings themselves waiting for an assist. For anyone who's been here already, this may feel like a familiar sequence of events, but going into the fire puts anyone at risk for being infected by the smoke itself. The infection is far from contagious and doesn't spread from one person to another - but it's highly unpleasant, leaving someone feeling mild nausea and headaches, irritability, vertigo, feverish … and vengeful. As the sickness takes hold and worsens, anyone impacted by this infection will feel the need to take revenge on people around them. This retaliation can take any number of forms from violent to non-violent: pick countless fights, or manipulate your friends into fighting one another for your own satisfaction, just to prove that they will turn on one another. Thankfully, there is a cure for this righteous anger – unless you're inclined to feel this normally, of course. Any of the player characters who didn't stage a rescue in the burning building will be able to cure others by making skin-to-skin contact and holding on to it for a prolonged period of time. This contact will lead to their chest glowing blue for the entire duration, an increasingly burning sensation for both parties involved which eventually culminates in a sense of peace before giving way to a deep, pervading sense of sadness. Throughout New Amsterdam, there will be countless people impacted by this infection thanks to their close proximity to the fire itself. It's up to you to help them – or leave them hanging, if that's what you prefer. But the only existing cure appears to be anyone with the strange blue stuff in their chests. The news reports that follow reiterate that everyone in the city should turn in any remaining monster carcasses that they have because of the risks inherent in keeping them close. While they don't make a strict connection between the fire and the second string of chaotic attacks, Governor Gill-Jade appears on screen to implore everyone to be cautious and vigilant. There will also be increased fire inspections throughout the city to try to prevent more of these outbreaks, and she promises that all of her resources will be dedicated toward preventing further infection.

> THE WILDCARDS

> 009: SPACE Whether you're desperate for a reprieve from Earth after getting a taste of some unwanted righteous fury or curious about this century's space exploration, there are a number of opportunities available to let someone blast off. Most people will find that the process of getting into space is tedious, but also one that occurs regularly from day to day. The opportunities are there for anyone seeking a job out in the colonies, but first you'll have to get hired, or have approval for subsidy granted by the government. Journeys to the colonies are long and arduous, and what people find when they show up isn't any better. Most of the facilities are in poor condition, with food and water far more strictly rationed than back on Earth. If you'd rather just take a trip out to space without having to worry about a job, you have a number of options. Anyone can book a trip to go off planet, if they have the capital, or perhaps you'd prefer to work towards some proper credentials and join a crew. Of course, someone wishing to skip to the front of the line can always just stowaway on the back of a ship – or steal one for themselves. Just be wary of the fact that the hangars these ships are in come with increased security to match their price tags. They're hard to steal, but not impossible. As long as you know to skip the hacking and go with brute force, it should work out fine. > 010: GO NUTS This isn't all there is to explore, so feel free to branch out! Visit a doctor about some advanced cybernetics. Sneak through the city checkpoints and set out into the wilderness. Experiment with some insect based versions of your favorite recipes. Perhaps you'd prefer to engage in some illegal street racing, spend some time getting used to the technology, or make a bold declaration to become a llama farmer. Use the SETTING for inspiration and choose your own adventure.

> NAVIGATION

Comments

2/2

[gastaurknan]

[ --wait. ]

It has a map?

[memoriams]

[Fingers reach up to trace along where the scar would be at the back of his own skull, a paper-thin mode of mirrored empathy in the gesture. Shockingly pale blond hair has grown long enough to cover it, fingers carding through gold in order to feel the imperfection along his skin, but it still isn't at a preferable length. He's unused to it, and can only be restlessly patient while he waits for it to grow out once more.

A minor inconvenience, but more piled on top of each other, singeing his nerves if the thinks about it overlong.]

Yes.

[Yes, it does, but he can't judge her ignorance. How long did it take for him to get used to this level of technology, this utterly different world divided so far from his own by time and circumstance? By histories that rang familiar and alien all the same?

Settling in line, they have a while yet before they meet the food truck vendor, and so-]

Would you like for me to show you? It took a little experimentation on my part, as well, to figure out the subtleties behind using this implant.

[gastaurknan]

[ she doesn't know why, but the fact that Alucard hasn't teased her over her lack of knowledge about the supposed map in her implant causes relief to run through Arya. she resists the urge to sigh from that relief, dropping her hand from the back of her neck to clasp it before her, waiting patiently for the line to shrink. she takes a quick glance around at the people surrounding her. it seemed like they were all just minding their own business, but maybe actively talking about her ignorance to a device that's supposed to be a part of one's person as any other organ wasn't the best of ideas.

she's just going to shimmy a little closer to Alucard. at least so she could keep her voice at a volume where only he could make out what she was saying. ]

If it isn't much trouble, I'd very much appreciate it.

[ she keeps her eyes forward, hoping that, to the common observer, it doesn't seem as though she looks like a helpless idiot. ]

It's taken me ages to figure it out and I still don't think I know how to properly awaken it. [ yes, "awaken" it. ]

[memoriams]

[He’s still as she steps closer, but a low hum of amusement escapes from the back of his throat.]

'Awaken it'. [What’s that about not teasing her? At least it lacks any vitriol, considering it novel phrasing more than anything else.] Yes, let's see if you can, with a little help.

[And technically, if they’re to be figurative with the term, it isn’t wrong. The implant sleeps dormant unless called upon — and when called upon, how it awakens in a flurry of light and color and information that can be nigh overwhelming for the unprepared. And so, Alucard will try to start simple. Even if there’s only so much “simple” the entirety of New Amsterdam’s map can appear to the uninitiated.

First thing is first, though: a message crops up in her vision.

> @adrian.tepes wishes to share a location with you. Allow?

She may choose from the ‘yes’ or ‘no’ dialogue box that follows… by will of her mind alone, if she focuses enough on one over the other.]

[gastaurknan]

[ it isn't immediately caught on that the repetition was meant to be in a teasing manner — some folks are a lot more forward with their methods than others — so Arya simply offers a hum in response. thank goodness she didn't catch on, lest she would be fairly certain she'd die from embarrassment.

she does wonder about his offer for help, but opts to wait a little bit, instead. he'd probably offer some vocal instruction or somesuch, so Arya waits patiently, her ears remaining attentive and her eyes forward-- ]

--Oh!

[ the exclamation is a little loud, just enough for Arya to quickly slap her hands on her mouth. Twelve forfend, she'll never get used to the sight of those words dancing across her vision. there's a small cough and she rubs her eyes a little, focusing on the text along with the "Yes" option.

but wait… ]

"A"-Adrian Tepes… that'd be you, yes? [ didn't he say his name was "Alucard", though? ]

[memoriams]

[Ah. The mode of confusion that it might cause her — the difference between what he introduces himself as, and the name plastered across his ID — is something Alucard but belatedly realizes.

He crosses his arms in contrast to her surprised gesture, finger tapping once, twice, idly against a dark sleeve.]

Yes. The name that I use for my ID, but I prefer the use of ‘Alucard’ in conversation.

[Equal parts an explanation, just as much as it leaves questions dangling in the air. But Alucard is not inclined to answer them, to give them form via acknowledgment. Not today.

Instead, with her permission granted, he accesses the map, and New Amsterdam’s streets forming a bird’s eye view spiderwebs out in their vision — a great sprawling thing, complex and literally layered. So much detail to take in, but a marker drops brightly on a specific location on a specific street, and the map suddenly zooms in to focus on it.]

This is where we are. Indicated by this marker—

[He lifts a pale hand to indicate the invisible space between them, in which a map floats in their shared vision that only they can see.]

—here.

[gastaurknan]

[ ah, an alias then. Arya at least has the grace to respect a person's preferences in what they'd like to be addressed as. she nods in understanding. ]

"Alucard" it is, then.

[ with that out of the way, her attention is directed back to the map as it generates before her eyes, and goodness. Arya already had an idea of how large the city was, but seeing the whole thing in its splendor had her reeling. it took all she had to not let out another exclamation from the sheer awe she felt from the sight.

New Amsterdam was big. there was no denying it, but seeing this model had Arya tempted to stare at the tallest skyscraper just to get a good comparison between the model and the real thing. it especially caused her to double-take once she saw the map focus on a tiiiny little blip -- something Alucard confirmed was where they were currently.

suddenly Arya felt much, much smaller. ]

Incredible… I knew the city was enormous, but I never imagined anything like this!

[ she chews on her lip as she looks over the map some more, lifting a finger to better pinpoint locations. where was that abandoned market, again? there was so much, she can already feel her head spinning. ]

And if I wished to return to the safehouse?

[memoriams]

Yes, it is quite a massive city. Planning for it must’ve been a very large headache, to say the least.

[Alucard cannot even fathom it. Cannot begin to imagine the delicacy behind planning a city drawn up in literal layers, not even taking into account the winding streets that circuit through the blocks which form various districts. It’s all chaotic, like a living organism that keeps building on itself, and he briefly equates it to something of a glorified anthill — technology glittering among lit buildings, gone neon at night, but nothing more than people making room for expansion over the foundations of what already exists.

Regardless, he nearly shrugs a shoulder. The acknowledgment of his alias, as it were, is not remarked upon but appreciated all the same.]

Let me show you — pay attention.

[It isn’t a location that should be shared in public, but between themselves there’s a map only they can both see, so the dhampir allows a small amount of leniency. He traces a finger along a path, slowly, starting from where they currently stand, winding through streets and cutting through alleys, leading to the safehouse.]

This would be the fastest route, assuming you go on foot.

[gastaurknan]

[ there's no vocal confirmation of her intent to pay attention, but she does offer a small nod as she focused… a little too hard on the map. Arya deserves points for doing her damnedest to try to read the very confusing image, but try any further and she might end up squinting. her eyes followed Alucard's finger diligently, doing her best to take note of any landmarks that could be made out from the simulation. she can only hope that she can match them to the real world. how could anyone even manage to travel like this?

she traces the path with her eyes over and over, moving to and fro between the starting point and the abandoned market until the path itself was burned into her eyes. she straightens. ]

Alright… I think I've got it.

[ in truth: she really doesn't. but at least she can pull up the map from the man's message, and she can at least reach the inbox. there's nothing stopping her from referring to the map once more should she end up accidentally going the completely opposite direction.

which, really, is bound to happen with this girl. can she really be blamed, though? ]

I've seen one other city built much like this, back home. [ it felt strange to call Hydaelyn her 'home', but considering this was a completely different star, no other descriptor could fit it. ] Even then it was still a marvel to me, and always left me at a loss to how anyone could even navigate it! The view from the higher levels was breathtaking, though… I can only imagine what it would be like here, with all the lights.