Test Flight Meme

[lucetimods]

the luceti test flight meme

Reserves are open and apps are right around the corner. But are you still on the fence about any of your would-be characters? Well -- here is your chance to take them out for a spin!

▣ TAG IN or reply to others with characters you would like to test flight for Luceti.
▣ ONLY add top-level comments for characters who are not yet in the game. You're free to reply to others with Luceti characters (because that's half the fun) but remember that the whole point of this meme is for potential characters.
▣ PLEASE do not post duplicates of characters already in Luceti.
▣ GO AHEAD and give us a brief description of your character in the top-level comment, along with one or two possible ways to run into your test-driven character around town.
▣ YOU MAY use these threads for your first person samples on your app -- just make sure that you link threads of a goodly length (i.e., threads with at least ten comments from your character).

Need a little help getting started? Remember, you needn't post here as though your character is still brand-spankin' new. It'll probably be more fun for all involved if this isn't a simple dress rehearsal for showing up. Here are a few scenario ideas:

o1. The grocery store is out of food. What do you do?
o2. Wing injury! Call for help or stagger your way to one of our fine clinics.
o3. It's a busy evening at Good Spirits, one of Luceti's local bars. Do you dare try the drink specials?
o4. Have a talent for playing music? Try Cloud Nine's open mic night!
o5. Beach party? Snow party? Leaf-raking party? Gardening party? YOU DECIDE.

Okay. So my examples are pretty non-exciting. But they're really just suggestions. I'm POSITIVE you kids can come up with more creative things.

Above all? HAVE FUN. Oh. And don't forget to RESERVE your characters.

Comments

Mike Zacharius | Attack on Titan

[olfaction]

01: forest
[The lack of food is a problem, and having identified it, Mike, ever-practical, sets out to deal with it. Things smell different in this place, but not everything. There are some basic scents that haven't changed, and so he figures using his nose to sniff out some edible plants is still a valid idea.

And that's exactly what he's doing, moving thoughtfully through the outskirts of the village, toward the forest, now and then lifting his head to scent at the air. If this seems a bit odd, he doesn't care. He stopped caring about looking weird many years ago.

You can catch him scenting the air, or bending to pick some plants, or even kneeling down to dig for what might be roots.]

02: around town
[Mike did damage one of his wings while training. He's not used to having them, so he didn't account for them, and now he's paying for it. But--it's not bad enough to go to a clinic or anything like that. It just hurts and is hanging a bit limp. He doesn't want to be a bother, especially as he doesn't particularly trust the clinic. He'll be fine. He's endured much worse. He's just moving carefully, gingerly, and dealing with the injury stoically. He's sure it'll get better on its own. It's not like he needs it for anything anyway.

He'll just go about his business as usual.]

03: the bar
[He wishes he could truly relax, but he's too on edge for that. He's never liked being trapped anywhere. Maybe he shouldn't drink, but he thinks he can risk it. After all, he could really use a drink. He avoids the drink specials as a matter of course. Only plain drinks for Mike. He doesn't need anything fancy.

He sits at the bar quietly, nursing his beer, watching his fellow patrons. He's not adverse to nodding a hello when he makes eye contact, but he's never been the most outgoing man.]

01

[corps]

[ From the very start, Erwin had suspected that this would happen eventually. An endless supply of food at no cost had been far too good to believe. It was good, then, that he and Levi had been overly cautious and begun stockpiling non-perishables fairly soon after arriving in Luceti.

But Levi still distrusts anything that comes from a can, and Erwin can't say that he disagrees. It's best to supplement what's in their stores with fresher fare, which means hunting and gathering for themselves.

Erwin isn't surprised in the least to find Mike already on the job, kneeling as he pulls plants from the ground. ]

Is there much to be found, Mike?

[ A hand on Mike's shoulder briefly as Erwin eases himself down as well, not hesitant in the least to dig his fingers into the dirt to pull out greenery that looks like what Mike has already collected. ]

[olfaction]

[He's aware of Erwin's approach, but he's also aware that Erwin's aware that he's aware--and so on. In light of this understanding, he doesn't see the need to pause in his work to acknowledge him until Erwin is kneeling beside him.

He shrugs in response to the question, to indicate that the answer is neither yes or no.]

Lots of things... not sure about all of it.

[He pulls up a handful of greenery, to sniff at it more carefully.]

Smells like home, but not. Should be okay.

[But then again, he doesn't want to inadvertently poison anyone, in case there is a difference he doesn't detect, owing to the fact that he's not yet well versed in the flora of this place. Hunting is a possibility, but he really doesn't want to eat anything that talks.]

[corps]

[ Yes, the talking can be a bit...disconcerting, at times, even when eating the creatures isn't part of the equation. Erwin nods, long ago having learned that trusting in Mike's nose (and in Mike himself) won't lead him astray. ]

Others have eaten plants from the forest before with no ill effects. Just as at home, we should be fine if we are careful.

[ Mike is still a recent arrival, but his presence has already lightened Erwin's disposition. He's no less serious, but slightly less burdened. It's good to know that he has Mike to depend upon, just as he always has. There are so few things that Erwin can count on in this place.

He collects more plants in silence for now, content to work wordlessly side-by-side with Mike for the time being. ]

[olfaction]

[It's going to be difficult to get used to talking animals, in any case.]

Good to know. I'll be careful.

[He'll test everything first if he has to, but his nose doesn't usually deceive him. His confidence has been shaken a bit, that's all.]

Right.

[Contrasting Erwin's greater ease in his presence, Erwin's mention of home and his proximity make Mike uncharacteristically uneasy. He's not used to keeping anything from Erwin, but Levi had been right, and their decision not to tell him was for the best. What good would it do? Mike tries to focus on the task at hand. He works diligently at filling the bag he brought along with the plants. The roots seem good too, so they're probably fairly nutritious. Although they don't smell like they taste good. Well, that's nothing new.]

Should make a list, so other people know what they can eat.

[With pictures, maybe, not that he's much good at drawing.]

[corps]

[ He and Levi have talked about keeping information from him, and Erwin is well aware that Levi had chosen to omit something from his report of current events. But Levi insists that he'd told him what was necessary, that nothing else is pressing enough to be important. Erwin has chosen to trust him. But what he isn't aware of yet is that Mike has omitted something as well. ]

A fine idea.

[ There's a slight upward quirk to Erwin's lips. ]

Using the journal to capture images of what we find seems the most efficient way.

[ The journal is an interesting tool, but carefully monitored by the Malnosso, which unfortunately makes it rather useless for more serious communication.

He across the small distance between them to to place what he's collected into the bag Mike had brought along. ]

What are your thoughts on Luceti so far, Mike?

[ Mike has had a few days to attempt to make some sense of his new surroundings, with Erwin and Levi's help. Erwin is interested to hear his take on it. ]

[olfaction]

[He knows his advantage lies in the fact that Erwin won't expect him to lie--even if it is a lie by omission. And he can probably explain away any odd behavior by using their current situation as an excuse. So, it's settled. It just doesn't exactly sit well with him, especially since it wasn't too long ago that he was criticizing Erwin for not being honest with him.

But he should enjoy getting to spend more time with Erwin. In that sense, this isn't so bad. They brought him back to life, for whatever reason. He likes being alive.]

Good thinking. I'm not used to that thing yet. And I don't want to poison anyone with my bad art.

[Drawing an inaccurate picture that leads to a poisoning is something he'd rather avoid. Mike smiles himself, briefly.]

It's hard to know what to think. There's a lot to take in. I probably haven't thought anything you haven't thought of already.

[He's quiet for a long moment. He wants to be here, regardless. He prefers it to the alternative. But who wouldn't?]

We're still not free. That's what's most important.

02

[whiskytraitorfirefight]

[While Mike is going about town, a dog pads over to sniff at him. Her tail wags calmly as she approaches, friendly and peaceful.

She sniffs the air, barks once, then sits down and offers a paw.]

[olfaction]

[Mike like dogs. A lot. So when he sees one, she instantly has all his attention. He sniffs right back, then bends down, reaching out to gently take and shake her paw. After this friendly greeting has been achieved, he pats her head.]

[whiskytraitorfirefight]

[Laika's a good, friendly dog, that loves attention. She'll give another happy woof as he pats her head, tail swishing back and forth along the ground.

Two sharp whistles pierce the air. Laika's ears perk up and she hops to her feet, barking a few times as a woman runs over from the weapon shop, a leash and collar in hand.

Ginia hurries over to Mike and her dog, instantly taking note of the uniform and the patches on the jacket. So the numbers of the Survey Corp grow in Luceti. She offers a quick bow of her head, kneels to clip Laika's collar back onto her neck, then stands and takes out her cellphone, quickly typing out a message and holding it at eye level for Mike to read.]

Sorry, I hope she wasn't giving you any trouble.

[olfaction]

[He's all too happy to oblige by offering the dog more attention, smiling and scratching her behind the ear, glad enough to forget about his injury for a little while.

When Ginia approaches him, he straightens, returning her bow with a nod and watching as she collars her dog. It's not hard to guess that she's the owner.

Mike stares at the offered screen for a few moments. He's still not used to technology like this, but he obligingly reads the words, assuming there's a reason she's speaking to him like this instead of verbally.]

She's all right. We were getting to know each other.

[whiskytraitorfirefight]

[Ginia knows Laika is a very friendly dog, and a smart dog considering how easily she slipped her collar, but not everyone is a dog lover. But at least he didn't mind, which is all the better.]

Her name is Laika. And I'm Ginia.

[Given her current alliance and training arrangement with Levi and Erwin, it was only a matter of time before they met. Might as well start introductions off earlier.]

[olfaction]

Hi, Ginia. Hi, Laika.

[He leans down to scratch the dog behind her ear again. Sometimes he feels like he understands dogs better than people. Although he likes people, too, so he's glad to meet Ginia as well. There's something almost comfortingly normal about just saying simple things to someone, having a relatively ordinary conversation.

He's just going to accept that she doesn't talk without remarking on it. Doesn't seem to be any point to mentioning it, as she understands him well enough, and they're communicating just fine.]

I'm Mike. Nice to meet you.

[whiskytraitorfirefight]

[Laika looks up at Ginia as Mike scratches her ears again. Ginia nods and gives another whistle, a long note dipping down. Laika immediately moves closer to Mike, relaxing and savoring the attention. Friendly dog, attention loving dog.

Mike, not one of the names Levi or Jean had given her to keep an eye out for, but at least he wasn't one of the names both had considered dangerous.]

Nice to meet you.

I presume Levi and Erwin know you're around?

[olfaction]

[He nods. It comes as no surprise to him that Erwin and Levi know people here, and his uniform is something of a giveaway, when it comes to his membership in the Corps.]

They do.

[Mike is all too happy to give Laika his attention, though he continues to look up and keep an eye on Ginia's phone messages, too.]

I reported in.

[Something he's very glad to be able to do.]

02

[reviling]

[Levi's back from meeting with one of his contacts when he spots Mike making his way across the village, one wing very obviously askew. It's only been a few days since Mike has arrived, and it definitely takes some getting used to the extra appendages.

It's been a relief having him here - Levi could sense the change in Erwin, having another person he trusts close by, someone he's known for a long time, has helped set him at ease a little more.

Levi hasn't told him that Mike is actually dead, though in their first conversation it'd become evident that Mike is aware that he is. They'd both agreed to not tell Erwin unless necessary.

He frowns at the state of Mike's wing, and makes his way over to him.]

Mike. What happened?

[olfaction]

[Mike doesn't intend to tell Erwin--he knows it would be a bad idea, but at the same time, he hates keeping things from Erwin. He's always disliked it when Erwin kept things from him. Well, it's for Erwin's own good, but he's still not entirely sure that Erwin won't see through him, since they know each other so well.

Mike's response to Levi's question is unsurprisingly succinct.]

Training injury.

[He says this calmly, but he usually doesn't have those. He knows it's not just the wings... he hates to admit it to himself, but his nerves have gotten bad. He's never had this problem before, but he's seen it happen to other people. It's not that uncommon in the Corps.

He'll have to deal with that, too.]

[reviling]

[His eyes narrow immediately at that response, because he doesn't know Mike as well as Erwin, but he knows what he's capable of. In short: better than this.

Wing injuries are supposed to be incredibly painful. This one doesn't look like anything terribly serious, but it's not exactly a light scratch, either.]

You should get that fixed. Wing injuries are supposed to be fucking annoying.

[olfaction]

[Mike purses his lips briefly. He'd expected to die. Everyone in the Corps expects that. What he hadn't expected was to lose his nerve, or start acting erratically. He's always been good--until Levi joined the Corps, he was widely thought of as the strongest soldier. He's not sure what to do about this. It's not good, especially if he's supposed to be keeping what happened a secret from Erwin.

The wing does hurt a lot, but like most people in the Corps, he can bear a lot of pain without complaint. And--he wouldn't feel anything if he wasn't alive.]

I'm fine. I don't know about these doctors...

[He doesn't know about most of the things here. Everything smells strange, and he's wary.]

[reviling]

[It'd been clear that Mike was uncomfortable keeping something from Erwin, but they both agreed that telling him would be unnecessary, possibly distracting. Erwin can't afford distractions, and besides which, there's nothing he could do about it. Knowing won't help, just like knowing that he loses his right arm won't make any difference about what he does here, so there's no reason for it to be said. If he asks, though, if he somehow guesses, they can't very well lie to him then.

But only until then will Levi say anything.

Still, he can sympathize with the suspicion. He'd been much the same way when he'd arrived. To circumvent that, though, he's tried to learn a little bit of the magic native to Luceti. Luckily, healing magic is the easiest to learn first.]

Sit down. I'll try to do something about it.

[olfaction]

[He won't tell Erwin, but he probably won't be able to lie to him directly. Not convincingly. Lies by omission are different, and that he can do.

Mike trusts Levi. You have to trust your comrades, and Levi in particular is reliable, competent. He's sure that whatever he has in mind will help. So he sits, obediently.

He'd rather accept help from someone he trusts than anyone else, no matter how competent they're supposed to be. It's hard for him to know where he stands here, where everything is different, off.]

Sure.

[reviling]

[Levi stands behind him, carefully smoothing down some of the twisted feathers and surveys the damage. He has experience with injuries, although the wings are a different element all together. Still, he's helped set enough bones in triage to figure out what's going on now.]

This will hurt.

[with that brief warning, he moves the bone back into place and holds it before covering the injury with one hand, and concentrates. This is the hardest part, calling up the magic and getting it to do what he wants. Levi forms a clear picture in his mind, and hopes that at the very least he'll just get the wing to set and hold, maybe take some edge off the pain. He knows he can't fully heal a break yet, but it'll help.]

How does that feel?

[olfaction]

[It hurts, but Mike sits through it without complaint. His jaw tenses and his eyes widen slightly, but that's it. It hurts, yes, but comparatively, it's not so bad.]

It's better.

[He doesn't try to move it, because he can tell it's not better, but the pain is less, and he's grateful for that. Maybe he should learn some of that magic.

He's silent, briefly. That's not odd; everyone expects him to be silent. But then he speaks again, his voice soft and nearly expressionless.]

It was my fault.

01

[thebetterhalf]

[When Marco left the apartment to take a walk, he wasn't expecting to come across another person wearing their military's uniform. Certainly not one who's sniffing the air like a dog. He heard from the others that another superior officer of the Survey Corps arrived in Luceti, so this must be him. Now more than anything does he wish he hadn't lost his voice. Having to write everything down makes introductions so much more troublesome than they should be.

He'll just stride toward Mike and start off with a salute. Hopefully, Erwin and the others will have already informed him about Marco's presence and, uhm, special circumstances. Marco's wearing his trainee uniform, so at least Mike will have some indication as to who he is.]

[olfaction]

[Mike catches a whiff of Marco and stops, turning toward him. It isn't a scent he's familiar with. This isn't someone he knows, but he recognizes the uniform at once. How could he fail to? He'd once been a trainee, himself.

He returns the salute promptly, in accordance with regulations. Based on what others have said, he has a suspicion about who this might be, but he doesn't make an assumption, especially considering how people are said to come and go here. Instead, he introduces himself.]

Mike Zacharius.