TDM The First

[lethevale_mods]

You probably know how this works, but just in case, here's the idea:

1. You put the name of the character you're testing out in the subject line
2. You write a starter (or several!) in the comment, with the Lethevale AU of your character.
3. People respond with their characters. Threads occur. Friendships are made. The world is put to rights.
4. None of the threads in the Test Drive are game-canon.

Here are some prompts to start you off!

1. Seeking Shelter

You were riding along the mountain road when your horse, terrified by some dark shadow you couldn't see clearly, screamed and bolted, throwing you. Now you're caught in the middle of nowhere, in Lethe Wood, and the rain is getting heavier by the minute.

But what's that? A light? A house? Perhaps if you knock, they'll give you a bed for the night. It'll all look better in the morning...

 

 

2. The Beast! The Terrible Beast!

You took all the precautions. You carried a lantern, kept to the safer streets. Or maybe you didn't. Either way, you were attacked by something as big as a horse, with gleaming white teeth and a hideous howl.

When you run into another person, will you warn them? Will you ask them for a hiding place, or stand and fight? If all else fails, maybe you can use them as live bait...

 

3. Eat, Drink, and Be Merry

Lethevale isn't all monsters and storms. Mostly, but not all. Tonight, there's a party in the Black Swan - dancing, music, and of course, an open bar. Take the chance to get to know your neighbours, why don't you?

4. Pay No Attention To The Passage Behind The Curtain

The two of you were just wandering around Lethe Hall, when you leant on a candlestick, and... what's this? The bookshelf's opened? There's a hole in the wall now, and a spiral staircase leading down into the dark. You know, it's probably best to just leave well enough alone - but you have to admit, it's curious...

COMMS	GENERAL INFO	NEW PLAYERS	CURRENT PLAYERS
main writings ooc mods mod npcs	rules setting premise faq/mod contact gameplay	reserves taken latest tdm application au workshop	contact (locked) hiatus/drop calendar latest hmd lethevale

Comments

Sort of wildcard 1?

[her_rose_is_red]

"Uncle Jack!"

Ib waves cheerfully as she walks over, clearly pleased about something.

"I met some local boys near the schoolhouse. I told them all about the circus."

She's gotten pretty good at selling the show to other children, knowing exactly the kinds of things that get them interested.

"They don't think I'm brave enough to be in the ring with a real lion so I told them to come see for themselves."

This in particular is a tactic that's worked for her before. Boys always scoff at the thought that such a small girl could be that brave. Never mind that Hubert isn't really all that scary. They don't need to know that.

[criminallysane]

Taking full-time responsibility for a goddaughter was the last thing Jack had initially thought he wanted. His heart belonged to the show, or so he'd thought; he didn't have time to be running around chasing after some brat. He'd liked Ib, of course. Who wouldn't? But taking her in and effectively agreeing to raise her? That was something else altogether.

But after two years of having the child with him, Jack can't imagine how he ever got along without her. He loves her spirit, he loves her courage, and he loves what an adorable little hustler she's already shaping up to be. Everyone said he was crazy to stick a child in a ring with a lion, but Ib's a natural, clearly born for this life. Hardly a day goes by that Jack doesn't find himself delighted by something new that she's done, and she brings more joy to his world than he would have ever thought possible.

He turns to her now with a bright smile, pleased at the unexpected interruption and company. "Well, hello, Buttercup." He sets the paste pot and brush down, and shifts the posters under his arm so that he can fish about in his jacket pocket, searching for something. He finds what he's looking for, a small paper bag with a stick of rock candy inside, and tosses it to her with a wink. The general store had had such a colorful display of them when he'd stopped by there earlier, and, well, what sort of uncle would he be if he hadn't picked one up for her?

"What do you want to bet at least one of those boys pisses himself when he sees your act?"

[her_rose_is_red]

She has been adapting well to circus life, and she's certainly got the potential to be the cutest con artist ever. Of course, whether that's a good thing is probably debatable. She catches the bag deftly and her smile brightens in delight when she sees what's inside. She loves hard candy, and while lemon is her favorite, any is good.

"Thanks!"

Ib giggles as she unwraps her treat.

"They just might. I can't wait to see their faces."

She takes a moment to taste the candy and then gestures with it as an idea occurs to her.

"Oh! Maybe we can do the trick where I put my hand in Hubert's mouth! Everyone always gasps when I do that one. Or the one where he jumps over me."

She's already planning the show in her head, never mind that she's more of an assistant hasn't even asked the actual trainer about any of this yet. And he really isn't fond of her doing the more dangerous tricks.

[criminallysane]

Jack notes her skillful catch and grins his approval. Dexterity and physical awareness--these are essential for showmanship. His girl's progressing wonderfully with both, at least in his own (admittedly biased) opinion, and each display of her talents only serves to puff him up with more pride over her.

How could he have ever thought he didn't need this child in his life?

He doesn't balk at the idea of her putting her paw into Hubert's maw; the old boy's not going to bite her, and if he did, it wouldn't be over something like that. If anything, the hand-in-the-mouth trick is starting to strike Jack as overly tame.

Perhaps what the show needs is something more daring. Something that'll really make the rubes sit up and take notice.

He nods thoughtfully. "You do know how to play that one up like a pro... And you've gotten so good with Hubert, too. Why, I think he'd even let you brush his teeth if you really felt like it."

Not that that would be entertaining to watch.

Jack gives his goddaughter a canny look. She's plenty creative, and she has a much better sense than he does of what kids these days enjoy. Why not see what other ideas she can cook up?

"Tell me something. If you were going to see a lion show, at somebody else's circus, what would you want them to do?" He's smiling at her, but his eyes are sharp. "What would be the most thrilling, most exciting thing you can imagine happening?" And then, dryly: "Short of someone getting eaten, I mean."