TDM: Winter

Entry tags:

test drive

TDM: Winter

Test Drive Meme: Winter。

WELCOME TO ATERAT

All prompts are optional but can also be used as game canon if you and the other agrees. In addition, current players are welcome to use any of the prompts provided here for interactions within the game setting. The prompts below act as little mini events for current or new players to interact with for the duration of the Test Drive (a new Test Drive will go up in March).

You’re not required to use any of the prompts provided here, of course, and are more than welcome to go your own way (we even encourage it)! The setting itself centers around character exploration and is designed to allow you to do whatever you’d like with it. As such, you can refer to the links below for more ideas!

Arrival & General Information | Setting | Locations & Employment | Residences & Housing Info | Rules & FAQ

I. A Cup of Warm and Cozy。

The world certainly is a snowy, slushy mess for most of the Winter. Snow doesn't accumulate in any sort of devastating way, but it does leave walkways, streets, and sidewalks in need of regular clearing and what's left behind has a habit of freezing in places, making walking treacherous for people and mounts alike. The weather is bitter and wet with overcast days and leaving everyone in a generally meh mood.

As a means of lightening the mood, the Market District Tavern has begun serving steaming cups of warm apple cider, adult and child-friendly alike, via a partnership with Fanci over at Grave Concoctions. The staff assure you there's nothing harmful in the drinks, just a means of lifting your spirit on these dreary days and nights, and that is exactly what the cider does.

Anyone who helps themselves to a cup, whether it's alcoholic or not, will feel just a little more optimistic about, well, just about everything! They'll find themselves feeling as though whatever problem they might have been facing, either at home or in the city, really isn't that big a deal and hopeful that, no matter what, things are going to turn out alright.

What's more, they'll find themselves a lot more sociable than they already are. Do they tend toward solitude or at least tend to keep their feelings close to the chest, only letting a select few, or none at all, in? Well, they'll feel a lot more open about whatever they tend to keep to themselves and inclined to share with whoever may be around. Not the person the feelings are directed toward or about a situation in which they're involved? That really doesn't seem to factor into the equation. Hopefully things won't get too awkward before the cider runs its course.

Fanci never said there couldn't be side effects, after all.

II. Give a Little Bit。

The spirit of Yule inspires the natives of Aterat to kindness and many charities crop up that last throughout the winter months. Soup kitchens seem to be the most common, with fare available for any who find themselves less fortunate through the winter, offering a hot meal and a warm place to eat it in the form of reinforced tents that have sprung up in various places throughout the Market district, and the natives welcome to lend a hand (or take advantage, whatever suits them, though that may be more frowned upon if they aren't wanting).

There are also various bake sales, rummage sales, and other fundraisers to build funds in order to support the Orphanage for the coming year, as well as food drives to refill the orphanage's larders to support the children who've come to call the place home.

Residents and newcomers to Aterat are welcome to donate their time or money to the cause in whatever way they may want, and those who do so may find themselves rewarded with a charming keepsake to remind them of the world's they've left behind. Namely, those who help in whatever way they'd prefer will receive an anonymous delivery of a charming little snowglobe containing a miniature depiction of a place in their own world that brings them peace.

III. The Dead of Winter。

While the City of Aterat spends the winter months coming together and supporting their community, the farther outskirts become a cold, uninviting place. Strange, then, when the terrain is so dark and chilled, that one may find themselves overcome with the urge to wander. It may be through the southern plains or the outskirts of the forest. It could even be through the foothills surrounding the Academy to the north or the hills beyond the chocobo ranches to the west, but you won't come to yourself until you realize how truly lost you are. Direction means nothing to you in the overcast sky and your only hope is finding another wandering soul to orient yourself, root you in the here and now.

Neither of you planned to be out in this weather, so warmth could be an issue, and it's possible the journey back to the safety of the city will be a long one indeed, depending on how far you've wandered. Strangely, the more you talk, sharing whatever experiences come to mind or just discussing the strange situation you've found yourselves in, the less the biting cold seems to bother you, and the less lost you feel.

In fact, the conversation seems to help you understand, getting back to civilization is as simple as putting one foot in front of the other.

IV. Tell Phone or Wildcard。

You were given a fancy Tell Phone upon arrival, and a solid option is always reaching out to anyone else who might also call this place a home away from home over the network. Alternately, you're welcome to play with any bit of the setting in whatever way you'd like! Feel free to use the Questions thread below if you have any before you get rolling, and remember, we're all here to have fun and be weird!

(Being weird is optional, but really, live a little!)

navigation。

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

A cup of warm and cozy

There were a great many things that Joshua still didn't understand about this place. Yes he'd spent ample time in the Wizard's Tower and the Historium. He'd been a good scholar and did more research than that even. But the people here sometimes still threw him as they did now.

What was this Winter thing that they were doing and why? Those were questions he couldn't quite seem to get answers to and he followed these brightly coloured lights to the Market District. He was still getting used to this thing he had to carry called a Tell-phone and he still couldn't quite grasp the electricity thing.

He'd gotten a coat from someone who just handed it to him as they'd said he 'looked cold'. The long red coat had helped stave off the cold a little better and was given a red scarf as well. But once he arrived, a cup of hot cider was pushed into his hand telling him to 'warm up'.

Taking a sip, Joshua sat down and watched as the people went on with their lives. Some went shopping and some sat not too far from him, talking and drinking and laughing. The cider was definitely good he decided and kept drinking it, feeling the warmth of it seeping into his bones.

As the sipping went on, Joshua found himself more relaxed and nodded. "Yes and in that case, then I shall tell you a tale about my heroic brother."

Give a Little Bit

Joshua understood helping others. So when he'd come across an older woman who unbidden told him what she was doing, Joshua offered to take the burden from her shoulders and carry it for her to her destination. Setting down the bag of food the lady had been carrying before his offer of assistance, Joshua nodded to the lady and made sure she was all set before going over to the others.

He thought of his father Elwin who had wanted to emancipate bearers and have them treated as equals. There were also other ambitious plans to build them a hospice to be cared for along with many other things that the Archduke had never lived to see come to fruition. But it gave Joshua the fuel that he needed to speak up. And hopefully even here, Elwin might see him and be proud of him. So he walked up to the nearest person, knowing that they desperately needed help to get all of this food organized and distributed.

"Please pardon my interruption. But my family has a tradition for helping others, so where might I best serve that purpose here?"

Edited 2023-12-13 08:01 (UTC)

Maleficent had, for the first time since her rather unwelcomed arrival here, settled down to watch as people roamed about. The long black cloak lined with fur that she had on was keeping her sufficiently warm, warm enough that she hadn't actually ventured into the Tavern to get any of the Cider. Which meant she was slightly lacking in the social department. Then again, when wasn't she? After all, she was known as the Mistress of Evil, one couldn't expect someone with that kind of title to be overly social, could they?

Still, at least she managed to glare when Joshua sat down. In fact, she actually managed to give the newcomer something of a smile. Granted, it was an extremely overly animated and foreign looking smile, one that made it clear she was not used to grinning (and one that showed her fangs as well). "Ah, tales of heroics. I do so love being regaled by them," there was a hint of icy sarcasm reflected in her tone. "What sort of heroics was he known for? Saving babes from evil witches? Conquering kingdoms to expand his breadth of power?" Typical horrid things that humans, which she assumed they were, happened to be known for?

Joshua took another sip of the cider that kept his bones warm. He hadn't thought to sit a bit closer to the kitchens at first, but that was an error that he may or may not correct at a future point. He'd noticed the lady in black smiling at him, and thought he saw a fang, but wasn't completely sure. And he wasn't going to inquire about it either.

But at her question, he shook his head although it felt fuzzy and spoke with pride in his tone. "No my lady. My brother wanted to save our world, and not for his own power. He wanted the people to have their own power no matter what nation they lived in. So he fought to protect them and give them the ability to live life on their own terms."

Edited 2023-12-14 08:56 (UTC)

"Not for his own power?" She arched an eyebrow as though she truly didn't believe that could possibly be the case. The further explanation he gave only added to her disbelief, which was made somewhat evident by her sardonic sounding chuckle. "He sounds so very noble. Such a rarity to meet someone that would want all to be equal."

She tilts her head. "What of you? Do you hold these same beliefs?"

Joshua shook his head. "No, not for his own." He noticed the arched brow although it appeared a tad fuzzy to him. But then he smiled and took another sip of his cider. "He is quite a noble man."

According to Joshua and Clive, they both strove to be more like their father Elwin, the man who started it all with them really. But then again it might depend on who you asked. Tearing down mother crystals and destroying magic might not be a very noble act to some.

Hearing her question, he nodded. "I was fortunate enough to be by his side during some of it." Joshua then looked at his companion. "Are there not people who believe such a thing in your world?"

The idea of noble men was a concept long lost on Maleficent. Once upon a dream she might have seen it as a possibility, but she had been burned a few too many times by them to count on them. "I suppose, given he's not here, I'll have to take your word for it." Not that it really entirely mattered either way considering where they were.

"How exciting for you." She waved a hand somewhat dismissively. "That all should be equal? Certainly not."

Joshua was pleased that this woman would take his word for something. Of course he was aware that she might not believe him at all and all she had was his word. It wasn't like she knew that he wouldn't lie or make up stuff like this, she had no reason to trust him at all and he knew that.

But her last words had him confused. "So you don't believe in all men being equal?" He wasn't offended or anything, because there were far more people who didn't than did back in Valisthea.

Maybe it was Goemon’s influence, but the cold didn’t seem to bother Yusuke quite as much as one might think, wearing a dark teal peacoat as he looked about, trying to best decide how to place and sort the food for easier access and dividing for people.

There was a practical, logical way to do this, of course, but it was also slightly at war with his natural inclination to make things look nice. Aesthetically some things probably looked better together, right…? But sorting it practically would be a better plan, right? Oh, dear… Hm… He moved one package back to where it was before, then a frown crossed his face, maybe it would be better if… And then there was a polite voice interrupting his already conflicted train of thought, and he looked up with a curious hum. “Nonsense, there is no interruption beyond my own uncertainty in organization, my good sir.” He offered with a smile and a flourish at the table in front of him. “Why, I dare say that your assistance would be quite welcome here and now. I seem to find myself rather uncertain how to make everything fit on this table, both neatly and practically, for access and ease of handing out.”

Someone else working in their own space would be very grateful if Yusuke did get some help. The teen meant well and often helped around the city in different ways, mostly with the other phantoms around the harbor district.

But this wasn’t an elegant battle against shadows or monsters, an exciting attempt at phantom thievery, or a work of his own art. This was just sorting food that needed to be handed out to those who needed it. He wanted to do a good job! But someone to keep him on track might not be amiss, now.

The other's ease of manner had Joshua smile for the first time since he arrived. Before then he'd tried chasing that gnome once he got a key and a number in a sack. But as far as the tell-phone went, he had no idea what to make of it, although the scholar in him had been rather curious. Not knowing anything about it he pushed the buttons, but nothing happened, so he thought to investigate the curious device later and had come upon the people working.

This he could do, so he'd set about it.

"I thank you for allowing me to assist in what seems to be a very important operation." True, he and Clive had helped many out with their quests back home, but this was different. The flourish at the table had him smile as well and Joshua's blue eyes surveyed the task ahead of them.

"We can set it up and then have one of us go through as if we're on the receiving end of it. That would help us to figure out where there could be issues in distribution." He smiled again and looked at Yusuke. "And of course we'll make sure it's nice and neat so people will want to come over."

“It is wonderful to have the company and the assistance in the first place, I assure you.” He responded lightly with a small gesture and a polite smile. It was true, honestly, that he was glad for the help when this was a little outside his usual methods of helping out around the city.

It was also nice to see someone provide him with thoughtful advice and a logical course of action while also suggesting it look nice to ensure people stopped at the table to get what they needed. What he had not considered was including a ‘test run’ with someone playing the part of a person stopping at the table to pick up what they needed. “A wonderful idea. That would be quite helpful to ensure that it’s pleasing to the eye of those approaching and easy to navigate.” He agreed with a smile, before offering a hand properly in greeting. “I’m Yusuke Kitagawa. Who might I have the pleasure of working with today?”

Joshua smiled with a nod. It was nice to be doing this work instead of what he would've been doing back home should the world be saved and everyone make it. He would be asked to take up the throne of Rosaria. That in itself would be no simple task even though the survivors in the secret order would ensure the continuity of the line.

He smiled at Yusuke and was delighted to hear that his idea would be put to use. "It hopefully will help everything be more efficient so they can get on with their day." It hurt him to think that something like this would be so sorely needed back home, and had been needed so many times over in the other lands. The best thing he could do here was to do what he couldn't do there right now.

At hearing the other man give their name, Joshua lifted his gloved hand and lightly touched Yusuke's hand with a slight lowering of his head. "I'm Joshua Rosfield, and it's an honour to meet you Yusuke Kitagawa."

“Agreed. We must do what we can to assist the people who need it while it is in our power to do so. This place seems to be chaotic, often enough, but values community and was welcoming enough to those of us not of this world.” So it seemed right to show support and provide help in return, and Yusuke found it rather heartening to see people working together to ensure that everyone did not go without that which was needed. He had seen far too often the way a city could let people fall through the cracks or prioritize those considered ‘the right people’ over others. To be honest, he would probably count as one such person who needed aid, given his personal and financial situation back in his world. Without the other phantoms looking out for him, he would go without meals himself more often than not, and not just because he forgot sometimes.

“Lovely to make your acquaintance, then!” He responded with a polite bow of his own head. Introductions out of the way, the teen smiled lightly as he turned back to the table to begin tackling their task with energy and a renewed sense of eagerness. “Now, perhaps you can tell me what you think of this current arrangement. I cannot decide if it is easy to interact with or if it simply looks nice aesthetically.” He gestured lightly, placing some bread carefully in place and framing the table lightly with his fingers.

Yusuke's words had him wondering. After all back home, magic..well the dominants were basically chess pieces and used as forces of power and kept as a power play. The bearers..they were treated poorly and the thought of how bad off they were even here turned his stomach even if his father Elwin had tried his best.

Pushing those thoughts aside, Joshua nodded. "A little kindness amidst chaos can do a lot of good." Or so he'd personally found back home. Hopefully this place as was described to him would turn out to be the same way. And he knew that sometimes that kindness had to be extended often to help people get on with their lives.

Smiling at the other's enthusiasm, their hands then unclasped and he turned to look at what Yusuke was referring to. "It could probably use some more food on it, but other than that it looks serviceable. We can still do a mock run through to see how it all comes together."

“Quite!” Yusuke agreed with another smile, tone pleased to hear it. It rather seemed like, odd as it was to think about, that most people brought here were rather inclined towards wanting to help in their own ways. “It’s good to have met such a like-minded individual.” He hoped to learn more about his new colleague as they worked, but there was the task at hand to consider.

But the task at hand was still, of course, at hand. And Jacob offered his opinions and gave Yusuke something to consider and improve upon, as well as keeping him as focused on that as he was on his curiosity. “I had rather wondered that myself, to be honest. I was afraid of crowding it too much and making it look cluttered. So I had considered adding more as it empties, but perhaps we could add a little more like this and it would still look pleasing, while also easier to maintain…?” He asked, nudging a few rows closer together and adding another on the end of each item.

The teen supposed that might be more practical as well, and save them from keeping up if there was a rush in the end.

Joshua smiled, thinking once again of his father and the plans he'd had to help out the people of Rosaria at Yusuke's. "Food and shelter have always seemed to be the building blocks to help others get back on their feet."

They might not be working on shelter at the moment, but food was important and so they were working on it together. He listened carefully to his companion and nodded. "Yes, we will need to keep an eye on it as I've no doubt that others will be emptying it faster than we realize. But a little more should be fine." He smiled at the other's aesthetic sense and helped out to make it a little fuller. After that was done, he went on the other side to check for inventory.

"Let me know when you're ready to do the test or if we need to take more time while I check out our supplies for refilling." Here he was trying to give the other time to get things set right.

Yusuke was careful as he set things out, but tried to not get too sidetracked along the way now that he had someone to keep an eye on how it looked as he went. “That does seem most likely. Perhaps next we could make sure that the stock meant to refill the table as it empties is organized and easy to reach as well as you check it, without being a potential hazard for tripping on.” He mused thoughtfully, tilting his head one way and then another as he set down a final loaf of bread that made the table look just a touch fuller without crowding it too much.

The question gets a small hum, and a final check before the teen nodded. “Once you’ve checked the supplies for refilling, I believe we should be ready for our ‘test run,’ as you put it!” He agreed, lowering his arms and turning his attention to Joshua to help look over the refill supplies.

There was a small laugh. "Right, we don't need to have supplies running out while we're trying our best to assist people." He then looked and saw a few children playing, so he stopped to watch them for just a moment before getting the check on for the stocks in question.

Those children he saw playing a moment ago might be well amongst the number that were needing help, so Joshua doubled down on his efforts. He wished one of his abilities could be to create food, but he could only do fire as that was his Eikon's domain.

As he worked, Yusuke came over and Joshua smiled. "Almost done here."

Yusuke could relate to the desire, but creation was only something he as skilled at when it came to art. And unfortunately, in his experience, his art had also not served to feed him well at times. Though it had certainly lined someone else’s pockets on more than one occasion back in his world… So he understood well the need for a little kindness and consideration of those in need, keeping an eye on those going about their day around them. He did not doubt that there would be people stopping by the table to pick up necessities soon.

“Wonderful!” He responded with a lighter tone as Joshua confirmed he was nearly finished with his current task. Standing by and fussing a bit with a few items on the table to adjust how they were lined up while he waited to do a test run.

Joshua had no real world experience at this, but he had watched the people here long enough to be able to get the gist of what they were doing, how this was getting set up and how it was all going to go.

He felt so lost without Clive even though they'd been torn apart by Ultima's designs on his older brother. But if he could push that pain out of his heart and work and focus on what he could do, that helped.

Hearing Yusuke now, he finished up the last few bits. He stood up and stood back to survey everything, which seemed ready. With the other fussing a bit he patiently waited.

Noticing that Joshua was ready, Yusuke offered a smile and finally stopped fussing with the items on display. “Alright, let us commence with testing the table’s convenience! Would you like to be the person browsing to pick things out, or shall I?” he asked, not having a preference and happy to take on either roll as they tried to decide if the table was sorted well enough.

"You can be the one picking things out, if that will work for you." Joshua replied. He figured he was already back there, so he would have things nearby for the test run so to speak.

This was going to help them help others and Joshua wanted to make sure the people and especially the children were helped out as much as possible.

Joshua’s suggestion gets a small nod and a bright smile in agreement. “I suppose that sounds quite sensible to me, given I’m already standing on this side. Alright, let us begin!” He started, moving to look over the table and considering the staples that he would probably look towards first if he were browsing the table for real.

It seemed to work well enough, but he hummed lightly. “Perhaps we should move the bread somewhat further this way. It seems like it may be easier to pick up without having to worry about bumping other items on the way.”

Joshua smiled and nodded, moving to get to the food. Everything seemed to be prepared, but then the other pointed out the bread. This had him stepping back and taking a look. It was easy to concede to that point.

"Right, I'll get this adjusted. It's a simple minor fix."

“Indeed, it should not be difficult to move them again.” He responded, moving forward to assist in the slight adjustment of the bread’s position. Humming lightly as they completed the task and tilting his head one way and then another as he judged whether it worked better or not. It was a quiet moment before he nods with a pleased smile. “Yes, I believe that the table seems to be well in order and the small adjustment was all it needed!”

I. A Cup of Warm and Cozy。

Despite the fact that Haru was wearing a sweater (a large oversized pink knitted one with a yellow star off to the side that looked as though it might have been handmade) she was still rather cold. Of course, being Haru she was doing her utmost best to hide it! Which, really, just consisted of her tucking her hands under her arms and lamenting the fact that she hadn't put gloves too. Luckily for her she discovered the wonders of the cider that was being offered up. Her eyes practically lit up as she was handed a cup.

"Thank you so much! You know, it's quite the coincidence but I was just hoping to fin something warm to drink!" She squeezed her hands around the little mug and grinned brightly as she took a sip. "Oh! It's absolutely wonderful, you should really try some!" She says a bit...aggressively to whomever happens to be passing by. Sorry to whomever that is, you now get to deal with an even more optimistic and cheery Haru. Who knew that was possible?

II. The Dead of Winter。

Haru wasn't quite certain why she felt the sudden urge to wander, but it was quite strong and she was quite enthusiastic about it. It seemed as though her head was fully in the overcast skies as she wandered past the chocobo ranches and then just kept going. At no point did she actually realize where she was going or why she was going there. It seemed as though she was almost entranced by something, something that only she was aware of. She kept going and going without any concern for...well, anything.

At some point though she realized she wasn't alone in her wandering, she had some company and that seemed to snap her out of it. As she came out of the odd urge to wander she found that the cold was rather bitter, her knitted pink sweater not being quite good enough for this, and that she really had no idea where she was. She looked around, blinked, and then looked over at the person with her.

"I...oh my, do you recall coming out here because I definitely don't!" Which was quite weird. Even just a tiny bit creepy when she really thought about how odd it was. "Where do you think we are?"

Terra had just finished work and was looking to relax a little before he headed home. It was still new to him so there were days that he found his boots heading towards his old apartment before he'd turn and realize that he was heading the wrong way.

Today he decided to stop by the market and heard some noise coming from there. Walking over, Terra poked his head in and looked around. Getting a cup of the cider handed to him was a great idea and as he sat down he heard someone speaking to him.

A smile appeared and he nodded at Haru. "So you like this stuff then?"

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

TDM: Winter

Joshua Rosfield || Final Fantasy XVI

A cup of warm and cozy

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

Give a Little Bit

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

Should we wrap this one?

Haru | Persona 5 | OTA

warm and cozy