Test Drive Meme #1

[bocadelmods]

A Choice to Make
 

In the midst of your mundane existence, amidst a meal's consumption or perhaps amidst a desperate struggle for survival, you find yourself teetering on the precipice between consciousness and oblivion. Whether it's the mundanity of everyday life or the shock of an unforeseen revelation, the next chapter in your tale is etched in the unfathomable tapestry of destiny. Abruptly, a shimmering azure tear in reality wrenches you from your reality, hurling you into the depths of a foreboding cavern. Within its shadows, two sinister whispers assail your senses, each vying for control over the path you must tread. One beckons from the left, promising dominion and power under the aegis of an enigmatic ruler, while the other lures from the right, pledging a noble crusade for justice and salvation. With each step, the choice you make echoes with the weight of eternity, determining the very fabric of your existence

As you stand at the crossroads of fate, the air thickens with anticipation, suffused with a palpable sense of ominous uncertainty. The leftward passage glimmers with an otherworldly allure, hinting at the seductive allure of authority and supremacy. Yet, the rightward path beckons with an ethereal glow, resonating with the righteous fervor of a hero's quest to vanquish darkness. Each voice, a siren's call to divergent destinies, casts its spell upon your soul, weaving a labyrinth of moral ambiguity. For in this twilight realm where the veil between worlds grows thin, your decision is not merely a choice but a covenant with forces beyond mortal comprehension. Whichever path you elect to traverse, know that the consequences shall echo through eternity, shaping the very essence of your being in ways unfathomable to mortal minds.
 

1. Evil

 

Emerging from the left tunnel, you step into a labyrinthine city carved from the very bones of the earth, illuminated by flickering torchlight that casts eerie shadows upon the twisted visages of its denizens. Monsters, grotesque and malformed, roam the streets with a purpose that sends shivers down your spine. It becomes chillingly apparent that within this infernal metropolis, your destiny lies entwined with a bid for power at the side of a shadowy sovereign. Amidst the clamor of preparation, the temple to the enigmatic entity known as the First Evil looms ominously, its dark allure drawing in supplicants like moths to a flame. Should your throat grow parched from the fervent chants of devotion, the Cantina offers solace in its crude embrace, a sanctuary that exudes an aura of ancient malevolence amidst its clay and stone walls.

 

Yet, amidst the sinister ambiance, whispers of knowledge beckon, promising insight into the machinations of this unholy realm. Seekers of truth may find guidance from well-intentioned demons or delve into the esoteric depths of the Stacks, where secrets lie entombed within dusty tomes of forgotten lore. As curiosity compels you to explore further, the Bringers, sinister heralds of the impending darkness, stand ready to lead you to your abode, a cold stone sanctuary where dreams are haunted by the specter of impending conflict. And for those who prefer the solace of steel and the embrace of weaponry, the armory awaits, a chamber resonant with the echoes of impending strife, offering a grim reminder that in this realm, even sleep is fraught with the specter of violence.

          2. Good

Venturing through the right-hand tunnel was a pact, a commitment to a harrowing struggle that now unfolds before you. Emerging into the realm beyond, you are met by a spectral figure, a girl whose countenance shifts with each passing moment, a testament to the legion of vampire slayers that populate this accursed domain. She, like her brethren, is both warrior and guide, leading you through the labyrinthine streets with a cryptic explanation that betrays the gravity of the task ahead. Together, you traverse the shadowed avenues, passing landmarks cloaked in enigma, such as The Odeon, a den of debauchery where the echoes of revelry mingle with the cries of the damned. With a sardonic grin, she points towards the gym, a crucible where the art of combat is honed amidst the backdrop of impending doom.

 

As you journey further into the heart of darkness, the Resurrection Cemetery looms ominously, a sepulchral sentinel guarding the threshold of a towering edifice—the colossal teaching hospital that casts a pall of dread over the surrounding streets. Amidst a labyrinth of silence and apprehension, you arrive at your destination, standing before the facade of the Doubletree Hotel, its ostentatious glamour a stark juxtaposition against the encroaching shadows of desolation. Yet, even as the hotel's opulence beckons, a lingering sense of foreboding whispers tales of recent upheaval, hinting at secrets buried beneath layers of opulent facade.


A Grave to Dig – Resurrection Cemetery

Patrol, it's the nightly routine for slayers, a dance with darkness amidst the tombstones, where the soulless minions of evil lurk in the shadows, ever loyal to the malevolent machinations of The First Evil. A cemetery of this magnitude, its layout intricate and labyrinthine, serves as the perfect battleground for the eternal struggle against the forces of darkness. But it is patrol, right? Surely you're not taking a detour to The Odeon without your trusty stake and crossbow. Strange choices in these perilous times, indeed.
 

This graveyard pulses with the heartbeat of vampiric activity tonight, more undead rising from their graves than ever before. Will you recruit them into the fold of darkness, their loyalty pledged to The First? Or will you stand as their nemesis, driving a stake through their unbeating hearts? The choice looms before you, a decision that could tip the scales of this eternal conflict, determining whether you become their savior or their midnight snack.


A Party to Crash – The Odeon

Amidst the haunting melodies of an otherworldly band, The Odeon pulsates with the feverish energy of revelers seeking solace in food, drink, and a hell of a time. At the jumpstart of the bash, there’s no doubt you'll get to soak up some of that vibe. But lurking amidst the revelry, there's more than just party plans brewing.

If you've been getting those Slayer senses tinglin' 'bout the graveyard gig, hold onto your stakes 'cause The Odeon's gonna be jumpin' too. Within the shadowed halls of The Odeon, a palpable tension lingers, as The First Evil's malevolent design looms ominously over the unsuspecting patrons. In this twilight realm where the line between good and evil blurs, the clash between opposing forces is inevitable, and it's here, amidst the haunting melodies and whispered secrets, that the true test of one's training and arcane talents shall unfold.

 

Comments

Ashley | Werewolf the Apocalypse TTRPG (OC) | OTA

[ironrider]

Hotel

Memories of where he had been before reaching the crossroads were fuzzy at best. Feelings more then actual memories. Thoughts that weren't anchored to people or places. He kept thinking about how glad he was to be back on solid ground, but didn't really know why he felt that way. Or why the heavy feeling of loss pressed firmly down on his chest.

"This must be hell." He mumbled as he stretched out on the couch in the lobby. A Doubletree in No-Where, Midwest USA. Even as he drew breath and could feel his pulse, he was still debating if he was dead or not. The girl he had followed to the hotel hadn't told him anything that made him feel certainty one way or the other. Was this a bad dream? This place kind of had that ominous energy he always felt before diving headlong into a nightmare. Like something was waiting in the shadows.

The only certainty he has is that sitting alone in an empty hotel room is a bad idea. He can have his existential crisis and people watch in the lobby. There were other people. That's a good sign right?


The Odeon

He convinced himself that going to the club was a good way to learn about where he was and the people who lived here. Get a better feel for this place. It was also just the kind of thing he has always done to push back feeling lonely. He often frequents bars and clubs to get lost in the crowd of strangers. To drink his thoughts away. Dance and sweat to the pulse of a good song and forget.

Perched at the bar he leans back to support his upper body against the counter.

"Who is this band?" He asks. His foot jiggles along to the beat where it is resting on the barstool.

Wildcard

[PM to discuss if you have a really wild idea, otherwise I'm game for just about anything.]

have another werewolf, friend

[wereperrito]

"Absolutely no idea," Jack answers, looking a little bit like all the noise and crowding in the nightclub is giving him a headache, but he's sticking it out gamely for the moment, perched on a nearby barstool. "Someone local I think? Definitely a cover band, though. I recognized two songs earlier."

i will collect all of the puppies

[ironrider]

"They don't suck." Ash says with a smirk. His eyes drift from the band to the stranger at his side. Shifting on the stool he turns so he can better see who spoke to him. If he doesn't know who the band is maybe he is also new here, he thinks. Or this just isn't his scene. "Come here often?"

[wereperrito]

Bit of both, frankly, but Jack is giving it his best shot. Finding out what this little city is about seems important for potentially protecting it. "This is my first time here," he admits. "I am, er, new in town. Just moved, still exploring. This seemed like a very popular place."

[ironrider]

Ashley can't help but to snort out a laugh. "Popular or just not as creepy as some of the other places?" Walking around he couldn't quite shake off the feeling that something was very strange about this place. "I'm Ash. Also new to town. Staying at the hotel."

[wereperrito]

"I'm not sure if this qualifies as not as creepy as the hotel," Jack admits with a sheepish sort of grin. "Which is where I'm at, too." He look around, then adds, "Not as creepy as the graveyard, though, I will give it that."

[ironrider]

"That cemetery has bad vibes, man." He shakes his head with a laugh. "But, I was waiting for those twins from the Shining to pop up behind the front desk of the hotel. I'm still a little worried that I died."

[wereperrito]

"No, I do not think we died," Jack says, shaking his head a little. "Ghosts do not interact with the world the same way. I did meet a ghost at the hotel, though."

He pauses. "What is the Shining?" Look, he knows some pop culture references from some cultures, but he missed that particular one.

[ironrider]

"How do ghosts interact with the world?" The way he said that gave him the impression that ghosts weren't new or shocking. That he had experience. "No shit? At the hotel?"

Ash smirks. "Stephen King book turned movie. There is a creepy pair of twins."

so sorry for the delay!!

[wereperrito]

"Oh, I do know Steven King. Horror writer mostly, no?" He doesn't really enjoy horror. He has enough of that in his real life. "Anyway, ghosts mostly cannot be seen by people, only sometimes, if the person is supernatural somehow or the ghost is really upset or really close to them? And they cannot touch things most of the time. Again, unless it's important to them or they're upset. That is how you get-- you get-- poltrygeists, yes?" That's the word in English, he's pretty sure.

He is not quite right, sadly.

Hotel

[ineverygeneration]

Buffy was flipping her world upside down, quite literally, when Ashley's gaze caught hers. With effortless grace, she rolled up onto her feet, adjusting her ponytail with a casual flick.

"Well, aren't you just the epitome of boredom?" She smirked at him. "I'm Buffy. Are you another interdimensional traveler, or are you here to enlighten me on the wonders of Cleveland?" Buffy nodded towards a poster pinned behind the concierge desk proclaiming 'Cleveland Rocks!' in bold letters above The Rock n' Roll Hall of Fame.

"Personally," she added with a melodramatic sigh, "I'm a skeptic, but I'm all ears for a good pitch."

Re: Hotel

[ironrider]

"Bored?" He shifts his head to watch her. Hard not to watch the way she moves. "I'm just people watching. Perfect spot for it." Ash stretches his long body out on the couch. Arms over his head as he pops a few joints before sitting up.

Swinging his legs down to the floor he sits up. Eyes follow her direction to the poster and he smirks. "Hate to disappoint, Buffy, but this is my first time in Cleveland. I'm Ashley." A tattooed hand rakes through his mess of hair. "Do you know if Cleveland does in fact rock or is that their only claim to fame?"

[ineverygeneration]

Buffy's expression shifted into one of contemplation, her eyebrows arching in a moment of deep thought, while her lips formed a subtle pout. "I've heard tales," she began, her voice tinged with a hint of skepticism, "that it shakes every now and then, and if you're lucky, you might catch it rolling. But personally, I've never had the pleasure of witnessing any rocking action." A smirk danced across her features, that trademark Buffy brand of mischief that could easily be mistaken for either playful teasing or something altogether more flirtatious. "Maybe we should put that theory to the test sometime."

With a casual grace, Buffy eased herself backward into the embrace of the comfiest chair within reach, her movements fluid and relaxed. "Anyway..." she continued, her tone light and conversational, "how's the people-watching going? Spot anyone intriguing yet?" Her gaze swept across the room, taking in the eclectic mix of faces and characters that populated the space around them. In a town like this, where the supernatural lurked just beneath the surface, you never knew when an ordinary face might conceal an extraordinary secret.

[ironrider]

Trouble. She is trouble. The kind of trouble he likes to get himself into. "As a man of science," What he says is true. It's also a line. If ever a day comes where he doesn't flirt back with a gorgeous woman? Check his pulse, he's probably dead. His smirk is flirtatious in subtle, almost boyish way. A dimple forms on the right side of his lips and his lashes dip lower over his eyes as he looks at her. "I'm morally obligated to test that theory as many times as you need." He clears his throat and his smile only grows. "You know, make sure you get some action."

The way she moves catches his attention again. She gives off that kind of energy that draws people in. He would be a liar if he said he wasn't intrigued already. Her movements speak of confidence that is earned over time. Fought for. Her gaze sweeps over the room, over the other people, his bright eyes stay on her. "Yes, very intriguing. But, I'm a sucker for a gorgeous, funny woman who can likely kick my ass."

[ineverygeneration]

"Action?" Buffy blinked, a flicker of uncertainty crossing her features. The dating scene wasn't exactly her comfort zone; after all, she'd had more than her fair share of romantic disasters, including sending a boyfriend straight to the fiery depths of Hell. Who knew that smooching and hand-holding would be overshadowed by battling bloodthirsty vampires?

But amidst the chaos of her Slayer duties, a mischievous grin spread across Buffy's lips at the mention of combat. "I'll only unleash the can of whoop-ass if you decide to flip sides and cozy up to the baddies," she declared with a playful glint in her eyes. "But if that day comes..." Her hands gestured dramatically, trailing off as she cast a sideways glance. "Well, let's just say your chiseled jawline might not emerge unscathed." With a teasing smile, she met his gaze once more, ready for whatever the night might bring.

[ironrider]

"Maybe. But I don't kiss on the first date, Buffy." He doesn't laugh but he looks very amused. Absolutely teasing. Ash is more talk then action. His own personal life has been nothing but a series of disasters. He's not quick to add another.

"What if the baddies have cookies? I can't be blamed for wanting cookies." He grins and snorts out a laugh. "I've been told my head is as thick as a rock. Pretty sure it wasn't a compliment. I'll try to stay on your good side. So...what do I need to know about this place? Or is it better to get the show and tell version of the story?"

Hotel

[freddikins]

Fred Burkle stood in the midst of the bustling Doubletree Lobby, her gaze darting around as if trying to make sense of a world that felt as alien to her as Pylea once had. There was a palpable sense of unease etched into her features, a remnant of the traumas she had endured in another realm.

Her mind involuntarily flickered back to her time in Pylea, where she had been thrust into the role of a fugitive slave, her very existence dictated by the whims of cruel overlords. Yet, despite the horrors she had faced, Fred had proven herself to be resourceful, managing to deactivate the shock collar that had once enslaved her. That Texan spirit had carried her through the darkest of times, leaving her with scars but also with a steely resolve.

As she ventured into this new dimension, Fred clung to the hope that her skills as a physicist would prove invaluable in the fight against the impending apocalypse. Though fear gnawed at the edges of her consciousness, she refused to let it consume her entirely.

"Oh, hi!" she exclaimed, her voice laced with a forced cheerfulness that barely concealed the turmoil within. Her Texan drawl lingered in her words, a reminder of the world she had left behind. "It’s very nice to meet you. I’m Fred. Winifred, but please call me Fred. My friends call me Fred."

Her hands fidgeted nervously, a silent testament to the chaos reigning within her. In this strange midwestern city, surrounded by unfamiliar faces, Fred found solace in the hope that perhaps here, she could carve out a new path, free from the shackles of her past.

fred is my fave. this makes me so excited.

[ironrider]

That is a voice that can only do one thing, immediately bring a smile to his face. He swings his legs around to plant his feet on the floor and sit up. His eyes roam over her from toes to her eyes in an assessing way. The smile reaches his eyes. "Hi."

Adorable. Is Cleveland the hub of adorable women? Why hasn't he come here before? He doesn't miss the way she fidgets and nods towards the seat next to him. "Fred, I'm Ashley. My friends call me Ash."

He continues to watch her picking up on the nerves. "You seem a little nervous, Fred. Wanna take a seat?"

fred is the closest to my personality, so naturally I love her

[freddikins]

With an exuberant burst of enthusiasm, Fred's bright grin illuminated the room as she declared, "Do I!" The once formidable presence of Ash now seemed less imposing, allowing Fred to effortlessly settle into the seat beside him. Despite having been officially resurrected for a mere couple of hours, the lingering strangeness of inhabiting the clothes in which she met her demise remained palpable. She couldn't help but fidget with the hem of her shirt, emitting a small sigh as she wrestled with the peculiarity of her situation. Amidst the whirlwind of her ruminations, navigating the intricacies of budgeting occupied the forefront of her mind, leaving little room for considerations of wardrobe upgrades.

Shifting slightly to address Ash, Fred offered a warm smile before engaging in conversation, "Have you had the chance to do any exploring yet? I mean, I know we're supposed to be laser-focused on averting the apocalypse and all, but let me tell you... the moment a sliver of free time presents itself, I'm making a beeline for the Great Lakes Science Center."

[ironrider]

It is impossible not to smile. Even if she seems a little nervous her enthusiasm and smile are like a lightbulb being turned on in dark room. Physically he can take up a lot of space and he likes to lounge and spread out. He shifts just enough to make sure she has space when she sits beside him.

He shakes his head. "I have explored the inside of The Odeon. That's about it." Ash glances at the doors of the hotel. "How far is this science center?"

[freddikins]

"The term 'Odeon' actually has its roots in Ancient Greece, and it's... well, it's quite fitting, really," Fred bubbled with enthusiasm, her eyes sparkling with scholarly delight. "It means 'singing place'," she explained, her voice carrying a hint of laughter as she savored the linguistic tidbit. "Funny, isn't it? Though, I can't say there was much singing going on when I was there," she admitted with a happy sigh, her grin widening. "Just some warm-up DJ action. But I reckon bands from all over must've flocked there to perform," she mused, reminiscing about similar joints back in her Texas hometown, where the nights were filled with a different kind of rhythm—more boots scootin' than ballad croonin'.

"The science center? Oh, it's a bit of a trek, but worth it," Fred chimed in, her tone brightening as she recalled the location. "It's by the lake, you know, where the portal is!" she added, her smile warm and inviting as she glanced at her companion. It was a rare treat to encounter someone genuinely interested in her scientific musings, someone who didn't see her solely as a puzzle to solve or a means to an otherworldly end.

In Fred's world, where dimensions collided and the line between reality and the unknown blurred, finding someone who shared her passion for knowledge without ulterior motives was akin to stumbling upon a rare gem in the desert.

[ironrider]

"Speaking of roots," Ash starts with a half cocked smile. "Got that country girl thing going on. Never spent much time in the South myself but listening to you talk makes me wish I had." He flirts as easy as breathing. Half the time he doesn't even mean to. Right now it is very intentional.

"First thing you would show me at the science center?" A portal. Is that how they got here? "A portal? Like a worm hole?"

[freddikins]

"Well, shoot, Texas sure does pack a whole heap of goodness into its borders," Fred mused, her attention drifting past Ashley's flirtatious overtures, which sailed right over her head. She might have been sharp as a tack when it came to books, but navigating the subtleties of romantic interaction wasn't exactly her forte. "Sometimes I find myself hankerin' for home, you know? Missin' the little things like a proper chicken-fried steak or them county fairs, or just the wide-open spaces." A wistful sigh escaped her lips, accompanied by a broad smile that spoke volumes.

"But I ain't gonna lie, I took a real shine to Los Angeles too," she continued, her eyes alight with reminiscence. "Somethin' 'bout bein' by the ocean, all sparkly and pretty when the night sets in... reckon every place's got its own kind of magic if you look for it. Even here. Never seen snow 'til now, though it ain't been stickin' to the ground none."

Her enthusiasm bubbled up anew at the mention of the science center. "Oh, they switch up them exhibits so often, who knows what wonders they got in store for us in 2024! But that wind turbine, now that's a keeper. Powers the whole dang computer system, can you believe it?"

Portals. That word hung heavy in the air, impossible for him to just brush aside. Fred's smile faltered just a tad, a shadow crossing her features. "Y-yeah, portals..." she murmured, her hands twisting uncomfortably as memories of past encounters flooded back, chilling her like a sudden plunge into icy waters. "Can't say it's my first rodeo with 'em, truth be told. Seems like I always end up somewhere I ain't supposed to be. Ain't that somethin'? Don't get me wrong, bein' with you is... well, it's nice, but..." Her voice trailed off, uncertainty tainting her words as the specter of Pylea loomed large in her mind once more.

[ironrider]

He holds his hands up in mock surrender. "Don't get upset but I have never had chicken fried steak in my life. Never been to a county fair either." There is an easy, lopsided smile that makes a dimple in his right cheek appear when she sighs.

"My family home is in LA. Grew up on the beach. Favorite place to be. Hear the closest we're going to get around here is a lake maybe?" Ash is a city boy but he still feels the call to nature. His kind need it because it is magic. Recharges them. "Bonfire on any beach, even the shore of a lake, is a thousand percent magic."

He grins when she gets excited about the wind turbines. One day maybe he would get to the point where he could tell her who his grandfather was. Right now, he couldn't just drop bombs about how old he really is or what he is. Not just yet, but he has a feeling she could be someone he could trust with it. "Wait until you lay your eyes on a solar farm. They power cities."

Ash's eyes drop to where her hands are. The uncertainty, the discomfort, rolls off of her in waves. "You've gone through a portal before?"

[freddikins]

A dimple in his cheek, too? Well, isn't that just the cherry on top? He sure is cute, and Fred isn’t one to tumble head over heels all that swiftly. Of course, that isn't precisely what's unfolding at the moment. Fred reckons she's nursing a little crush, and she's willing to own up to that much.

"Well, I reckon it might be a tad challenging to stumble upon a county fair smack dab in the city proper, and as for the steak, well, who knows? Maybe we'll uncover what makes the Midwest so darn special," Fred chirps, her face lighting up with enthusiasm. She's certain Cleveland must boast its own set of charms.

"Oh, goodness gracious!" Fred claps her hands together eagerly. "That's a marvelous notion! Picture this: a Springtime bonfire right there on the coast of Lake Erie. We'll just have to scout out a public beach."

Her eyes widen ever so slightly, mirroring the spread of her smile. "I've never laid eyes on a solar farm. They must be positively breathtaking," she muses aloud, her mind painting vivid images of those neat rows of panels angling toward the heavens. It must truly be a sight to behold.

Yet, her shoulders sag just a fraction when he brings up the portal. "Ah, yes, the old portal," she murmurs, a tinge of melancholy creeping into her voice. "My professor, well, let's just say he had his own reasons for shoving me through one. Seemed he wanted to eliminate the competition." She leaves out the part about her own hand in orchestrating her professor's downfall; some stories are best left buried in the past.