Test Drive Meme: February/March 2017

[undergroundmods]

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Welcome to the Underground test drive meme! This is where you can try out the AU version of your character, start some potential CR and get a feel for the world of the game. Choose your character's species, read up on the available factions and you're ready to go. Put your character's name in your subject line when you post, tag out, and have fun!

Note to current players: Activity in this meme counts as game canon! So you can use it for activity check. If you end up playing anything that you can't or don't want to use as game canon, it's fine to ignore it. (In that case you shouldn't submit it for activity check.)

Here are some prompts to inspire you:

1) SOMETHING NEW. Welcome to London! Spring is approaching but it's still bloody freezing, the wind is howling (are you sure it's the wind?) and your umbrella isn't much use when the rain is driving into you from the side. Maybe the appeal of a new experience is what brought you here. Does the reality match your expectations?

2) RUN THIS SHOW. You are the host of an event designed to showcase the particular skills and power of your people or faction. It can be small scale or ridiculously lavish, but this is your chance to enter the spotlight and show the supernatural community what you're made of.

3) CATCH ME IF YOU CAN. The police are after you. Maybe you did it, maybe you didn't, but they're on to you and now it's your job to make sure the case goes cold. Don't want to leave a supernatural paper trail.

4) WALK ON THE WILD SIDE. London's many parks are a haven for those who like some greenery in their concrete jungles. Popular and peaceful during the day, at night things are different. When the moon is full or the wind blows from a certain direction, the balance of magic can shift and open up ways into the far wilder woods of the Other Realm. Alternatively... you got really really drunk and passed out in a field.

5) BETTER WATCH YOUR BACK. Let's face it: you have a thousand reasons to be paranoid. Maybe the powers that be have it out for you. A werewolf or vampire wants to eat you. You pissed off a shapeshifter just last week. There's a hunter trying to kill you, a witch trying to control you, a fae that wants to kidnap you, a ghost haunting you. Hell, maybe they really are all out to get you. Are you in real trouble this time... or are you scared of your own shadow?

6) FOLLOW THE LEADER. Take your pick: your boss has ordered you to a) threaten an enemy; b) approach a potential ally who might side with you against a common foe; c) dispose of a dead body; d) deal with a spillage at table four. Good luck.

7) GO GO GO. There's nothing like a morning run. Maybe you're training for the London Marathon in April, maybe it's a good way of working out your hunting instincts, maybe you just like to keep in shape. Wait, did that guy deliberately overtake you? Don't get competitive now.

8) CHOOSE YOUR OWN ADVENTURE. Anything goes.

Comments

Mrs. Lillian Lotus | Original Character | Seelie Court

[threadspun]

[ ooc note: let's say this is all happening before her disappearance. ]

RUN THIS SHOW
[ if there was one thing lillian loved, it was trying to strike a deal with humans. deals that involved money and haggling, not the usual ones she was so used to. there was just something amusing in the way she and the person haggled and negotiated and debated about the quality of the work and what it should amount to.

so she opened her shop with a surprise sale one morning, when the air was tad warmer and the skies were slightly brighter.

her latest batch of creations were placed up, the latest trends and the best materials for everyone to see.

the price tags merely listed as 'ask mrs. lotus' and nothing more. when called, she'll head over to the person with a sweet smile on her face and an inquisitive tilt to her head as she speaks in perfect, soft english- ]

Is there something I can help you with?

BETTER WATCH YOUR BACK
[ she hadn't felt this unsettled since the 40s.

the recent light of some events had left her on edge, keeping a sharper eye and ear out for certain faces and certain names. once upon a time, she remembered coming to london because she thought it would be peaceful here compared to the bustle of beijing, the eeriness of paris.

oh how a few years can change that.

that day she wanted some time to herself. the idea of hosting gatherins for her fellows usually excited her but not that day. she turned off the lights and closed the curtains and changed out to something more comfortable-

-forgetting to flip the sign to 'closed' in her rush for some personal time.

lillian only realised her mistake when checking her inventory and logs and she heard the familiar jingle of the door's bells.

she looked up and frowned, barely holding back a sigh as she placed a polite smile on her face and tried, as usual, to be a cordial host. ]

-I'm sorry but we're closed for today. Even for friends of the store. [ her code for 'seelies' in case humans and others wandered in the shop to gawk at the items, the clothes she had displayed. ] May whatever you need wait until tomorrow?

CHOOSE YOUR OWN ADVENTURE
[ feel free to hit her up with a different scenario/setting/anything! ]

run this show

[cabins]

Yes, please, if you don't mind- [Laura gestures at a long burgundy dress.

Her nose tells her this woman is fae. Fine by her, the only person she'd really give a pause to was a vampire. Gingerly, she runs her fingers over the fabric.] I was wondering what you could tell me about this garment? It's stunning.

[threadspun]

[ she was never shy about letting her fae status being known. in the territory of harrow, she felt it was safe to not worry about those type of things. at least during work hours. ]

You have excellent taste, ma'am. [ she smiles, pleased to see someone pay notice to one of her favourite works. ]

I used only the finest of chiffon, this coming from the batch that had just arrived form Paris. It was the fabric I had to use, for it would guarantee the elegant look that you see now.

[cabins]

[Laura waves the complements away.] Thank you- this is absolutely beautiful. Your work is astonishing. A friend of mine told me about your shop, and I had to come in and see.

[she lets her fingers trail along the hemlines.] Do you offer tailoring, as well?

[threadspun]

It's always flattering to know people learn about my humble business.

[ at the question, she pauses. how to word this? ] While I do offer tailoring, ma'am, that happens to be exclusive for… friends of the store.

[cabins]

...Friends of the store, [Laura repeats, looking at the proprietor over the rim of her glasses.]

I'd like to consider myself one of those. [She gives her a smile, hoping she's picking up exactly what the fae is putting down.] If the offer extends to the fuzzy sort.

[threadspun]

[ she's about to say 'no' when she stops herself.

what was the whole point of the sale she's having, the dresses and outfits she's displaying? to make deals, bargains. nothing too serious but arrangements all the same and this was an intriguing concept to explore. if the lady would be willing to go along. ]

Perhaps it would be wise to explain what that entails? So you have an idea what you'll find yourself getting into if the offer is made?

[cabins]

Offer? [Laura blinks for a moment.] Oh- yes. Well, I was simply trying to say that... How should I put this? I'm known to become a bit snarly once a month.

If that makes me a friend of the shop.

[threadspun]

I'll be willing to think so. Usually my circle of friends are those like me but, lately, I've been doing my best to be inclusive, invite others in.

After all- Are we all not friends or friendly acquaintances here in London? [ the rising tensions and bitter battles for territory and power aside. ]

[cabins]

[She knows about Katherine's alliance with Samantha. And it pains her, it really does. There's nothing acceptable about slavery. Ever.]

I see no reason to be anything other than inclusive, myself.

[Other than vampires. No, seriously, fuck vampires.]

My name is Laura Roslin. [She extends her hand. Now they can be friends?]

[threadspun]

[ they can certainly be friendly acquaintances, judging by the smile that now blossoms on lillian's face as she takes the offered hand with her own gloved one. ]

I go by as Lillian Lotus. Most call me Mrs. Lotus so feel free to do the same. [ it's what she's become comfortable with after decades have passed. ] It's an honour to meet you.

So- Tailoring. What do you have in mind?

[cabins]

Lovely to meet you as well, Mrs. Lotus.

[Laura takes another glance at the dress.]

Hemming, mostly- I'm wondering if you may need to take it out at the bust...? [she glances down at her chest for a moment.]

And what would this all run me, before we really get down to brass tacks?

watch your back

[bellebete]

[Oh, what a delightful store. The clothes on display are so beautiful, made with such care and an expert hand. Imagine having someone make this art for you-- it would be a delight.]

[Her face falls a little at the voice from the back, not unexpected but still a shame.]

I'm sorry-- I have a dinner to go to tonight and the dry cleaner ruined my dress.

[She does her best to look a little pitiful and forlorn, panic etched in her features as she glances around the shop.]

If I could trouble you for some of your time, I can reimburse you.

[threadspun]

[ ah. when put that way- ]

I would hate to turn down a lady in her hour of need. [ she steps out from the back, doing her best to look respectable and dignified despite wearing only a sweater and a pair of slacks. a classic combo but hardly befitting the proprietor of a store like this.

for now, it'll have to make do. ] What is the occasion? I'll do my best to make sure it is suitable for your appointment, ma'am.

watch your back gurl

[ghoulaid]

( If she's been extra observant lately, she may have noticed an increase in the number of wolves lurking around the area... and look, here's one now. He's alone, thankfully, and he remains near the door after slipping inside. The oh he responds with sounds genuinely surprised- like he honestly hadn't known the building was supposed to be closed, so maybe he means no harm after all.

Or maybe he's very good at faking. Who knows, right? )

Umm. ( He bites at his lower lip, glancing down at his hands. One is twisted up in the bottom hem of his shirt, the other tightly clasped around it. ) I dunno, I think it might fall off before tomorrow? ( He laughs nervously at his own attempt at a joke. What he means is obvious enough upon inspection- he may be wearing dark colors, but there are a few small, wet patches on his shirt. Fresh blood. Puppy needs a bandaid. )

[threadspun]

[ sigh. a werewolf. she had notice the increase of activity for a while but tried to ignore it, telling herself that harrow was a safe place due to being under redbright institute's jurisdiction. but- here they are.

stepping out from the back, she stays behind the counter as she turns on the lights to get a better look of the fellow in her shop and goodness. what a sight to see. ]

What on earth happened to you? [ she folds her arms over her chest, firm but she isn't shooing him away from here yet. that's perhaps a good sign. ] I would like to know before I attempt to do anything.

[ it's always safe to be informed. especially these days. ]

[ghoulaid]

Nothin'? ( That's hardly convincing. And neither is the sheepish half-smile he throws her after a quick shrug. ) Saved a baby from a razor factory. Real noble of me and shit, right? ( What a lying liar. It's a good thing he's not a fae. He would literally die if he couldn't lie anymore. )

[threadspun]

Such a virtuous character you possess. [ the unamused huff gives away her real and obvious thoughts on this. honestly. she seems more annoyed by the fact he really isn't trying to hide or deceive her but she's patient.

now she drums her fingers on her arms, head tilted as a sign that she was still paying attention to him. ] Will the razor factory attempt to track you down? I would hate for it to shred my clothes the way it did yours. I'm quite proud of my creations here. To lose them would be most… disappointing.

[ghoulaid]

( He just laughs. Yeaahhh, virtuous... totally...

And then he's shaking his head. ) Nah, the razor factory doesn't even know I was there. ( Now there's a bit of truth. Maybe another party had been involved in his stupid accident, but it's legit; they had no idea he was there, so there's no reason for anyone to track him down or raid her store. Her nice store that he is trying very, very hard not to bleed on in any way. Not moving and not touching anything was definitely the right decision. )

So, uh, your clothes are safe... Did you make all this stuff? ( He's looking around and sounding a little unsure all of a sudden. This is a dress shop. Dress shops mean sewing. What if she tries to sew him up or something? That's fucking gross. )

[threadspun]

How fortunate for you.

[ at the question, lillian takes a moment to compose herself. there'll always be that impulse to be honest right off the bat, say the first thing that comes to her tongue.

she bites down on said tongue to give herself a few seconds to think, always careful with her words. it's how she's survived and managed trouble for so long. she won't let a moment's weakness, a sudden surprise get the better of her now. ] The clothes that you see here are indeed creations of mine. I'm proud of the work that I've done here and will continue to do, if allowed, thanks to my expertise and knowledge.

Is that not why you're here? For help in a pinch? [ she's not the best at material that isn't thin and… malleable in her hands but she has a steady hand, a good eye. isn't that what he wants? ]

[ghoulaid]

If allowed? ( Ghoul glances back over at her, the confusion obvious on his face before he realizes oh. Right. That mess. That mess he absolutely doesn't need to talk about, because he may say something he regrets.

A compliment is a good cover, right? ) Well, they're nice. I think. I mean, I ain't a professional... ( Obviously, if his kind of grubby fashion sense is anything to go by. ) But, uh, yeah.

And, yeah? Kind of? I was hopin' you'd have, like... I dunno, a bandage or an old rag or somethin'. Nothin' fancy. ( A bandage won't do shit, but it's okay. He's got that supernatural wolf-healing deal. It'll be fine. Probably. )

[threadspun]

I would be a poor proprietor if I didn't have supplies for emergencies like these.

[ sigh. looks like she will help after all as she moves around her counter and pulls out a stool from somewhere. the compliment did help but the idea of turning someone away in need is enough to tip the scales in his favour. the idea of not being honourable to someone's time of need would bug her too much.

so here they are, with her gesturing for him to sit down as she moved to another part of her shop. ] I doubt that a mere bandage or strip of cloth would solve the solution. Otherwise- You would have done that for yourself long before coming here, surely.

So sit. I'll see to the wounds the best I can. Just do me favour and please don't bleed too much. It's a pain to wash out from my experience.

[ghoulaid]

Well... ( Ghoul slowly makes his way over to the offered seat, looking at it like it might jump up and bite him at any moment. What he does once he reaches it is almost comical- a short guy trying to wiggle on to a stool without using his hands is a hell of a sight. Takes him a little bit, but he eventually gets settled and he manages not to get bloody hand prints on anything! Impressive, right?

He clears his throat and picks back up where he left off. ) I kinda tried wrappin' it up myself, but I ain't really got anything to do it with. Shirt, I guess, but I ain't takin' that off and walkin' around, y'know? ( He glances down to his lap, where his hand remains wrapped up in the bottom portion of his shirt that he is still definitely wearing, and frowns thoughtfully. There's a decent amount of blood. Not enough to be life threatening, but it's enough to look pretty gruesome up close and more is seeping out steadily enough to make him wonder how in the hell he's supposed to not bleed too much.

Is he supposed to just, like, suck it back in? Is that some werewolfy thing he can do? He's never tried anything like that before... So he holds his breath, pressing down on his wounds with his uninjured hand as he tries to will his body in to keeping the blood inside of it.

He definitely does not have any anti-bleeding superpowers, but damnit it, he's really putting in an effort here. )

[threadspun]

Goodness. That's quite a cut.

[ the mistress of the understatements.

she clucks her tongue in concern, assessing the wounds the best of her abilities as begins to charm the gauze with her magic. bouvardia double will be useless in this case, it was only ever meant to heal cuts and scrapes, but maybe a boost of energy from delphinium will be useful.

after imbuing the wrap her magic, she sets it aside to begin dab a sterile cloth with disinfectant. ]

You should be able to recover from this but it won't be easy. This will hurt. [ she moves forward to be right in front of him and gestures for him to move his hand away. it'll be easier for the both of them if they got over this part quickly as possible. ]

[ghoulaid]

Do stuff like you mean it or don't do it at all, right? ( Hah. Haha. Yeah, no, that should never apply to injuries. Bless his sense of humor, though.

He watches her do... something to the wraps, his head canting to the side. Looks like some witchy nonsense to him, but before he can ask, she's preparing a different cloth and warning him that it'll hurt. He shrugs. ) Already hurts. It can't be too much worse. ( That being said, he pulls his good hand away, peeling his shirt completely away from his skin. He's all fine and dandy until about three seconds after the disinfectant soaks in to his wounds, and then holy shit his hand is on fire. Serious fire. Hellfire.

Ghoul nearly leaps right off the stool, yanking his arm back with a yelp.

Nope. NOPE. ) Oh my fuckin' god! ( Will blowing on it help? Maybe blowing on it will help. He's going to try it out of pure desperation. )