TEST DRIVE ∞ May 2025

[thediadem]

Test Drive ∞ May 2025

The First Collision

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Jump ⇅ :: Arrival — Panorama — Fringes — Invite Request

The Diadem is an invite-only panfandom game set in a retro-futuristic world where uprooted souls find themselves deep within an eerie wasteland of roads and highways frequently assailed by cosmic storms. Three united strongholds keep the population. Its capital is Panorama, a large metropolis at the planet's center.

Soon, you realize you aren't alone. Calling themselves fluxdrifts, the "locals" have similar stories to you, either for themselves or their ancestry. You speak to an old woman who claims she hailed from another star. You meet a young man who says his great-great-grandfather knew a strange language everybody spoke "back home." As you explore, you stumble across a coin you recognize or your sister's locket. How did it get here? What does this mean? That's for you to discover.

But first, you need to find a ride.

No invites needed to play on the TDM. Everyone's welcome! Use the Invite Request thread below to request an invite from another player.

∞ Summary ∞

IC-wise, arrivals are scattered throughout the month. Events described on the TDM are also ongoing throughout the month. If you'd rather jump right into the action, you're free to begin in media res with your character having already been on the planet for several days.

Post-impact, characters will wake up in a med tent by the Scrapyard. From there, they must accept a vehicle on loan and make the 2-hour drive to the nearest city, Panorama. If they refuse the car because they don't want the loan, they'll be in debt for medical bills instead...so just take the car. It'll come in handy.

Some things to keep in mind when bringing in your character:

• Pick an injury. At minimum, they got knocked out; at most, whatever they can recover from. Medicine is decently advanced so they'll heal faster if not painlessly.
• Decide items kept. Reasonable items on their person only: photos, keys, clothes, costumes. No pets or animal companions. Wildly out-of-place tech and personal cell phones will be damaged beyond repair.
• Select a weapon. Do this only if eligible. Guidelines about weapons and powers are on the FAQ.
• Choose a vehicle. Decide whether your character gets 2-3 options or if they're stuck with something they hate. Players can pick directly from our collection or source their own images. Anything under a similar aesthetic will work. If your character needs accommodations for driving, they can have them. Ask us for details.
• Get a phone. Characters have to obtain a phone (and a SIM card) themselves. If they've got one from home, it's damaged beyond repair. Phones are cheap. It'll only take a couple of weeks to afford one. You need to know the number before you text or call anyone. Read about phones and the Forum before you hop on it.

TDM threads can be canon if characters are accepted. Top-levels made to the TDM should be open to all.

TDM Questions? Here — Game Questions? FAQ

Setting — Taken — Reserves — Applications ::: ⇅ Top

Fluxdrift

Arrival & Introduction

Date: Throughout May

You've tumbled over a cliff. You were fighting for your life. You're on the cusp of death. You slipped in the shower. Whatever the catalyst, you struggle to cling to consciousness. As darkness overtakes you, a swirling vortex warps light and shadow in a way that defies all physics. A dark wail etches into your very bones. You couldn't describe it if you tried. You can barely comprehend what it is.

Then you open your eyes.

Through the figure's mask ©, you swear the face is grinning down at you. The tent you're in smells of antiseptic, and scratchy blankets line your cot. Injuries you've sustained have been bandaged. In the corner, you spot a MedBot that's fixed you up. Depending on the extent of your injuries, the doctor on duty might give you some painkillers before you go. Thankfully, your belongings are by the exit. Sorry if anything's damaged. Your landing was pretty rough.

You follow the figure outside. They are Yom Crook, here to lend a hand to fellow fluxdrifts like yourself. Their car's parked beside them. Actually, there are lots of cars around, but Yom Crook's stands out with its painted shark mouth. They explain they found you, unconscious, in a diffusion zone and brought you here. The nearest city is a 2-hour drive northeast. Forget about walking. You'll never make it. Also, you owe the doctor a lot of money for patching you up. But you're in luck: they've got some wheels for you and if you accept the vehicle on loan, Yom Crook will cover your medical bills. That's a good deal, right? It's not the shiniest car or motorcycle, but it'll do. If fortune favors, you'll get to choose between two or three options. Plus, if you need accommodations to drive—like adjustments to your seat height or modified controls—you'll receive all that for free.

Take the vehicle. (And the loan.) Yom Crook assures you that you'll have six months before collectors come around. Any time you're ready to pay a part of it down, return here to the Scrapyard. You'll get a receipt and everything. Paying off the loan in six months isn't impossible, but it will take a lot of work. Just don't get too lax. There's a good chance you'll be juggling multiple loans as you try to get by.

You either know how to drive, or you'll have a bare-bones manual to get you started. Road rules are more a suggestion than enforced, so just hit the pedal and go. The car has some basic features. The built-in compass will help you navigate.

OPTIONAL PROMPTS: a flat tire; a body on the road (is it a trap?); a fender bender

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Panorama

Explore & Settle In

Conditions: Warm spring temperatures, light showers

After 2 hours on the road, you find civilization. The largest of the strongholds, Panorama is where the economy thrives. Massive power plants glowing red make it visible from a distance. The city is divided into three districts. For now, you can access the Pavilion and the Blocks. Don't worry about the Sanctum; they're not letting you in.

You only need to know two things about Panorama: 1) it's big, the size of a modern metropolis, and you'll need your car to get around; 2) anything goes as long as you don't pick a fight with the wrong person. Street smarts will get you far. Despite its geographical size, the population isn't huge. With roughly a million people in a city designed for over twice that number, Panorama is far from deserted, but nor is it overcrowded. It's a good thing. Resources are limited as it is.

The Pavilion: Free Samples

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Like any large city, Panorama features a couple of supermarkets. The stock's not as consistent as a proper supermarket. On occasion, shelves can remain cleaned out for a week or two. Regardless, the long tradition of free samples remains. If you're not already shopping, you'll notice the crowded parking lot and clusters of lines inside.

Try samples, push through the crowds as you shop, or give yourself a five-finger discount. If you're cautious, you can pocket a few small items without consequences. The Pavillion doesn't have the infrastructure for surveillance; unless someone sees you, you won't be caught. Steal from the store or pilfer someone's wallet. Maybe you even make a new friend if you bump into another fluxdrift. Or, start a fight with somebody who cut you off in the cheese line. Don't make too much of a ruckus, or you'll be thrown out.

As you look around, you'll see posters advertising temporary positions for the cash register or graveyard shifts in the warehouse. Seems they might've lost several employees recently (how'd that happen?), which is good for you! It's just a 6-week position, but it'll get you on your feet. The city has temporary positions like this all over. Permanent ones are harder to come by when you're new.

Samples include: steamed cabbage dumplings, synthetic cherry juice, cheddar cheese, and chocolate-covered alien eggs (it's crunchy and weirdly tasty). They're served in the usual throwaway paper cups with little toothpicks.

The Blocks: Power Outage

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Power's finicky in Panorama, especially in the Blocks. Saint Margery's Hospital, located in the same area, has priority for power so the first to go are the motels. Maybe you've been in your room for a couple of weeks, maybe you just got here—and by the way, every motel desk is happy to put the fee on your tab if you don't have the money upfront—but all the motels on the east side are in a blackout, leaving only the west side motels up and running.

What do you do? You have three choices:

• Risk leaving your room and head to the other side where there's power. Knock on some doors and negotiate with another to share the room. They might shut the door in your face, ask for a favor in return, or be nice enough to help you with no strings attached. There's no guarantee your unattended room will be untouched, though, and you'll be on the hook for any damages an intruder causes.
• Sit in the dark and deal. It's not the worst idea, but the TV's down, the vending machines are powered down, and with the entire place plunged into darkness, you risk getting robbed. If you struggle with defending yourself, you might want to find some trustworthy company. You can also sneak out of there and let them take your leftover pizza. It's not like you've got a ton of valuables, right? Plus, clobbering someone in the face with a frying pan sounds great until you realize you've gotta do something with the body. And what if this person's got a friend waiting?
• Get in your car and drive (or grab a friend for a road trip). If you scroll the Forum, you might notice reports on diffusion zones southward. Besides, these motels are hardly your forever home. The city can only provide so much. Why not go for a ride and see what you can find out there?

OPTIONAL PROMPTS: clean up on aisle 3 (what is that goo?); a knock at your door but no one's there; you hear screaming or a commotion down the hall

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The Fringes

Quad 3: Lockdown

Conditions: Stormy, with flooding roads

Felix Bjurstrom
> Date: 125-05-17
> Time: 02:15:57

> Emergency road lights have been reported in Quadrant 3! Please, can someone go see what's there? When last we chasers investigated emergency lights, a whole truck filled with sour candy had tipped over. Our stores were stocked for weeks! Oh, be careful - reception looks bad in that zone.

Whether you end up here on your own or you were following a tip on the Forum, the outcome is the same: you come to a stop in front of a 2-story office building that's flooded several inches deep. Emergency lights from a roadblock flicker through the stormy night. Stepping out of your car, you're soaked within seconds. When you check your phone, you don't have any bars. No calls in or out.

Through the open windows, a computer awakens and displays a cheerful smile. The lights inside switch on.

Pick your scenario role below. Your thread partner doesn't need to take the opposite role! They can join you in the same scenario (i.e. trapped together). Players are also free to create a generic NPC for the other side to facilitate the thread.

After characters escape, they'll find one bottle of antibiotics in their pocket or car, whether they remember taking it or not.

A: Sealed In
As you peer through the windows, you see crates of medicine floating around. Antibiotics in the diadem are valuable. Hospitals and doctors are always buying. You can keep it for yourself or make a quick buck. Or maybe you're compelled to help somebody back in the city who's in need. Whatever the reason, you decide to take the risk and step inside.

Water splashes around your ankles. The lock buzzes behind you. If you try to break the windows, you discover they're unnaturally resistant to shattering. With the whole place locked tight, the water begins to churn. Then the computer lights up again.

Warning, it flashes in large, bold text. Quarantine in progress. Release code required for exit.

• To find the code, you'll have to search. Duck under the water, go through sopping envelopes and sticky notes or pick the locks on the filing cabinets and desk drawers. You can also try hacking the computers. Use your computer knowledge or fall back on the age-old trick of seeing who wrote down their password.
• The files, notepads, and emails start innocuous, but as you look through them, disturbing phrases jump out at you—a dark thought you've had or a cruel taunt from someone in your past. The longer you're fixed on the terrible words, the higher the water begins to rise. Only another can break you out of your trance.
• With the rising water comes fear. And the more you're afraid, the more the water also rises. You begin to see faces in the water, bobbing like balloon heads. Do you recognize them? If you move to take a closer look, they will sink back beneath the surface as if never there.
• If you manage to swallow your panic, you can eventually find a triple-laminated binder with the release code and instructions. Bad news: you need someone on the outside to punch in the 6 strange symbols in order. The instructions explain that the code panel is located at the back of the building.

Let's hope a friendly face comes along.

B: Set Free
As you peer through the windows, you see not just the crates of medicine but someone trapped inside. They look like they might be in trouble, and from your vantage point, you notice that the water is bubbling strangely. It's definitely not normal rainwater. As you watch, the water rises unnaturally, stopping and starting. It's as if the water level is responding to an external stimulus.

• The glass is soundproof. You can't hear what the person inside is saying, so you'll have to communicate with each other another way. Try charades, typing on your phone, or whatever you think of. Eventually, you determine that they're stuck and that you need to enter some sort of code onto a pad located—according to your trapped partner—at the back of the building.
• Around the back, shadows swallow your surroundings. The panel must be pried open, but a slippery substance makes it hard to get a good grip. Each time the substance touches you, you grow uneasy. You swear you see eyes watching you, though when you turn around, nothing's there.
• You can't seem to keep the instructions in your mind. And those symbols...they burn into your retinas. Through them, you glimpse an incomprehensibly massive figure unfurling in the darkness, pulsing as if in a deep sleep. When you snap back to reality, you realize you've injured yourself, slicing your hand on a sharp edge or a bruise you can't remember getting.
• Once you manage to release the doors, the water inside the office drains upward into the sky as though sucked out by a giant hose. The darkness spreads. Get out of there fast before the shadows drag you or your partner into the void.

Of course, you don't have to help anyone. You can leave the individual there, make a deal, or outright extort them. But remember, you're not the only person on these roads. You might want to play your cards carefully, even if altruism isn't your first instinct.

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Comments

arrival!

[faithfall]

I'm sorry Mr. Yom Crook I'm still uncertain of what to... oh, hello.

[ Adrian glances behind Yom Crook at the man who's just emerged from one of the tents. His gaze catches on the wings behind his ears, the halo — hopeful uncertainty stirs in him. Before Barovia, seeing one of Raphael's brothers, or perhaps a fellow aasimar, would have given him some measure of solace. Now, he knows better than to assume the intentions of another creature before he knows them well. Still, some kind of familiarity is better than none, even if the only thing they truly have in common is that they're both quite lost.

Yom Crook looks between them. Before anyone can say another word, he cheerfully informs them that they look as if they may be gentlemen of similar tastes and, if that's the case, he'd be glad to give them an even more special deal, should they wish to make their purchases together. The debt would be separate, of course. He just wants to see that they have some companionship in this trying time, and get the best of the best from Yom Crook's lot.

Adrian meets the other man's gaze, brows drawn together, his smile rueful. He shrugs, ignoring the faint spark of pain from his wrist. (Yom Crook has been kind enough to provide him with a sling to prevent it from moving too much.) ]

I apologize — this is all very overwhelming already but, if you would be amenable, perhaps we can appraise the selection together..? In our current position, it seems prudent to take the best deal we can get from Mr. Yom Crook.

[ That's what Fern would do, isn't it? Surely a good deal is better than no deal. ]

[catharses]

[ The instant he walks out of the tent is somehow even more confusing than being inside. If Sunday had been hoping for a moment to process being here, his surroundings, anything else - he doesn't get it when one man greets him and there's barely enough time to bow his head slightly in greeting before the other immediate goes into a sales spiel. The sort of which Sunday recognizes from having sat through many over the years aimed at getting his attention... right down to the flattery which it begins with as a tactic.

He keeps his face set to a carefully neutral level of interest and clasps his hands behind his back as he listens while a much larger part of his mind is figuring out how to get out of this. Unfortunately, between what's said and a quick glance at their surroundings he comes to the conclusion there is no avoiding this. And even more unfortunately than that (though that will be a discovery for sometime much later): what's being said makes a rather large amount of sense to the point where Sunday can feel it swaying him.

Just as that thought crosses his mind Sunday glances to the new companion in question he's been grouped with to find they've had the same idea of seeing what each other is thinking. A quick appraisal is in order beginning with visually and then to reach further with the Harmony's powers he's glad to find have not deserted him for what he can sense. Everything points to sincerity and which causes him to relax just a fraction. Not that it's detectable. ]

I have no objections to such a thing if you don't, Mr. - [ a beat - ] Yom Crook.

[ Yom Crook, of course, has none as he says he'd be very amenable to anything which might help them. That's his only goal, after all! And if Sunday had not looked back to who proposed accepting this partnership, perhaps he would've noticed Yom Crook immediately turning to the selection of higher priced vehicles. Instead Sunday's offering a polite smile to make up for the lack of proper greeting before. ]

How fortunate for us, then. What sort of vehicle were you considering?

[ That cursory look around suggested there's nothing quite like he's used to seeing around Penacony, so this question might be to aid himself just as much. ]

[faithfall]

I'll admit, I'm a bit out of my depth... [ An understatement. Adrian grimaces. ] I've only just arrived myself, and things like this... don't exist in Faerûn. Mr. Yom Crook has explained that these are carriages of a sort, but the horses are... mechanical?

[ He's sort of grasped that part, though he hasn't a clue how it all works, he did see someone ride one of these things out of the lot several minutes earlier. They seem to be operational. Yom Crook injects himself into the conversation to assure them that he's taken their 'unique needs' into account, and is presenting them with models that will allow them to have a 'positive experience.' It's all very considerate.

There was a time when Adrian might not have thought twice of it, but Barovia has gotten under his skin and he knows better. The problem is, he's ill-equipped to determine where the trap might be, if there is one. What's are paper joolies worth compared to a gold piece? What would something like this be worth in Faerûn, if it could be priced at all?

He looks to the other man, who at least seems to be familiar with the general idea. ]

Ah, I've not introduced myself. Adrian Silverleaf, of Waterdeep. [ He presses his hand to his chest and offers a short bow in lieu of offering a hand. ] Mr. Yom Crook has advised me that those of us who have become stranded here might resort to sleeping in our vehicles at times. If that's the case, perhaps larger is better?

[catharses]

[ A fellow arrival. If there is something to be thankful for in being cast into a life of one unknown after another and the fear of such he intended to do his best to embrace in the shadow of those who Trailblaze, only to find those plans seemingly interrupted by this separation from them, if they're here elsewhere - it is, Sunday thinks, a benefit to not have to figure out this part of it alone.

Yom Crook either starts talking again or continues on after it's clear one of them (soon to be two of them, as it turns out) is unclear on how cars work, but he's only vaguely listening with the majority of his attention turned to his new companion. Formality is a comfort in an unknown situation and a delight. Something Sunday prefers to turn to when at a loss to uphold decorum, and he instantly mirrors that bow in the same one he's done hundreds if not what feels like thousands of times before. ]

It is a pleasure to meet you, Mr. Adrian. My name is Sunday. I would be happy to assist you with what I know, though we may need to rely on our guide here for how to best choose.

[ It has not stopped feeling strange, that very short introduction compared to what he might have once said. It's pointless to mention Penacony, the Oak Family, or even The Family itself when it holds no bearing any longer after he'd stepped onto the Astral Express. Parts of that past he'd bid farewell and left on the theatre's stage, and ones he should not dwell on with an important decision before them.

Yom Crook seems to sense his curious gaze now as Sunday looks back at the vehicle they're nearest: some sort of van, upon which Yom Crook immediately offers praises for that very thing. They may not know when or where they'll need to stop on a trip; isn't it better to be prepared? ]

Both of you do make a valid point. It would be unfortunate to have a lack of space when it is most needed. [ Does this appeal to his need to have a plan? Absolutely. One more point in Yom Crook's favor as Sunday now looks to him. ] What would you recommend of what you've chosen for us to view?

[faithfall]

[ Adrian listens diligently to the explanation, interjecting only with questions to better understand why Yom Crook has chosen these particular vehicles for them and how they function. He has no real frame of reference to compare, so he's grateful to have Sunday to point out any inaccuracies. ]

Much obliged, Mr. Sunday. The pleasure is mine. [ After weeks in Barovia, and these past few years of wandering the world, it's a great comfort to be able to fall back on the sort of mannerly conduct he was raised with. He knows he ought not to trust so easily, but there is a part of him that yearns to do so. They've only just met, both in seemingly the same position. Surely, if there's some advantage to be taken, it isn't between the two of them?

He isn't bothered to correct the address to Lord Silverleaf — after all, he's lord of nothing, here.

Adrian nods in agreement with Sunday's assessment of the "van", thinking much the same. Yom Crook eagerly shows his selections to each of them, the vehicles conveniently parked side by side. He goes on to warn that the road can be dangerous, and that something large will protect not just their belongings, but the passengers themselves, if they have the need to rest on longer journeys. While the price might seem higher than some others, it will save them a fortune in lodgings when they have so little to their names, and allow them to ferry their companions, saving them gas money as well. Others can be more short-sighted, Yom Crook assures them, but he sees that the two of them make decisions with the future in mind.

It all makes sense to Adrian. He rubs at his chin, nodding again. ] I've some experience sleeping out under the stars, and I must agree with Mr. Yom Crook — it can be quite dangerous, especially when one is lacking travel companions.

With the state of some of the vehicles here, I'm inclined to trust him on this matter. [ Some of them are simply worn, but many bear the marks of crashes, scrapes, or even scars through the paint that can be nothing but claw marks. There is danger here, as there is everywhere. That much has remained a constant. ] Mr. Sunday?

[catharses]

[ Much as he would have liked to continue speaking with Adrian, curious already when he couldn't say it was often he found himself met with the same formality and one which felt more genuine than The Family's often supercilious manners, there's a more pressing matter at hand. Yom Crook is intent on a sale - if it can really be called that from what Sunday understands the deal being proposed to be, what with it being a swap for the medical expenses provided to them. Rather generously as it's been pointed out a couple of times already and without further context, it's difficult to disagree when everything seems reasonable so far.

Sunday's also looking at the condition of the... rather yellow vehicle, the shape of which reminds him just a little of cars he's ridden in around Penacony and would even more so if this one happened to be a convertible. This car being self-driving seems unlikely as he steps forward to peer at it closer with hands clasped behind his back and notes the wear of the interior. The exterior, too, as the paint's seen better days but once again it all sounds logical with Yom Crook's detailed explanations.

When prompted, Sunday straightens back up with a hum of acknowledgement with his gaze still on both vehicles while he gives all what's said, what's before them, and their immediate surroundings his consideration. ]

I cannot say that I have much experience with traveling by vehicle or what said traveling might entail when not staying in lodgings in a city, so I'll defer to your - [ with a graceful gesture of one hand to Adrian - ] experiences from such, Mr. Adrian. Shelter is an important need from either the elements or whatever else may arise in said travels by any avenue. It seems best to anticipate those needs ahead of time as has been done here.

[ The latter words are intended as a mild compliment for Yom Crook; such meetings like business matters might be a thing of the past for Sunday, but he's learned time and time again that flattery rarely fails in these situations. That much can be said for it working both ways when Yom Crook readily agrees by pointing out again he knew the two of them would see the reason in all of this. It's best to be prepared for a place they've never been, after all, and what better way than to make sure that happens from their very arrival? ]

I'm inclined to agree yet again which seems rather fortunate for all of us. I trust that since you'd like to see to us being well prepared that there may be other things offered if there's any distance to travel to the nearest city.

[ It would be best to see what might else might be obtained in case it's not available somewhere else. Theoretically. ]

[faithfall]

[ Sunday seems to navigate the business side of things so gracefully, as if he's done it hundreds or thousands of times before. Perhaps he's like Alden; a noble of some sort who must also manage his family's business expenditures. Adrian is grateful for his assistance, regardless of where he's learned the skill. Left to his own devices, he'd simply take Yom Crook at their word with whatever they might offer.

Yom Crook assures them both that enough fuel will be provided, and since they are so charming, there will be a few discount cards for necessities once they arrive in the city. The cards might guide them as well, helping them find comfortable places to stay and fresh clothing... And they should ignore the expiry dates, as they're only a formality for people who aren't special friends of Yom Crook. ]

That's... very generous of you. I think it will be enough to get us on our feet.

[ The formalities are handled, papers signed and keys turned over. Yom Crook provides them with guides to read, and advises that they're welcome to do so here if they wish, but they ought to get moving soon if they want to make it to the city before nightfall. They don't want to be caught on the road in the dark.

Once it's all handled, Adrian leans back against the side of his new vehicle and gives a slow exhale. He looks over at Sunday, offering a wry smile. ] You're very good at all of this. Where did you learn to bargain like that?