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songerein2021-12-25 01:58 am
dreamposts) wrote in songerein2021-12-25 01:58 am
{ test drive #03 - january 2021 }
✵ TEST DRIVE MEME: JANUARY ✵
IMPORTANT! While anyone is welcome to participate in the TDM, our applications are closed to current players only. Our next public cycle won't be until March. Thus this TDM is an abbreviated version compared to our usual ones.
A reminder that our Test Drive Memes double as an Intro Log and threads can be carried over in-game. They are also required for samples. Refer to the Game Info for general information and feel free to toss any TDM related questions here. Reserves are open and Applications open on January 1st for current players only. Our application cycles are bi-monthly so the next cycle won't be until March.
I. WELCOME TO SONGEREIN
Upon "arriving" into Songerein, everyone is understandably confused. The first thought would be they must be in a dream, which makes sense since the last thing they might remember doing is falling asleep or losing some form of consciousness or awareness before opening their eyes and finding themselves in the Plaza of some strange town they've never seen before. But there are a lot of other people around, some that may look familiar but others so strange that it would be impossible for their own imagination to dream up. And they're all just as confused. Fortunately, a red tapir-like creature appears and introduces itself as Solei, one of the "keepers" of this place. It offers some explanation before letting everyone explore their new "home." [Reminder: Other people aside from the characters will also appear to act as filler NPCs so keep in mind that the initial group is at least double the size. Players are also free to be creative and come up with any kind of creature or animal their characters might encounter. The only limitations are they must be small to medium in size and not be overly aggressive as the creatures within the town are mostly passive, just wary of the new arrivals.]A. Magic Journals. Everyone will find a journal stylized just for them on their person somewhere and it's the primary means of communication with everyone. The only limitation is that it's text only, but images can be magically imprinted on the page from the writer's mind. Might as well give it a whirl and see who all is out there.
B. Dreamotion Abilities. Although everyone maintains most of their original abilities while in Songerein, they are also capable of using special abilities based on dreamotion energy. From having their emotions affecting the environment to utilizing new abilities entirely, it's probably something that they should start familiarizing fairly quickly. Especially since all the emotional surprise and confusion may already be affecting things, such as random glass shattering or cracks forming at one's feet.
C. Exploring Town. The town of Reverein is small but still sizable, so walking around and to see what all there is might be a good idea. The town is empty of any other people and it's relatively safe aside from most of the buildings looking like they're about to collapse in on itself, but there are a few small fae and small wild critters who have made a few nests so just watch your step—or head. Some could venture out to the farmlands and beyond...but anyone who gets too close to the Wildlands will encounter a tapir who will tell them to go back for now. Be warned if anyone tries to ignore and push past them.
D. Dreambucks Cafe. As a way to welcome their new inhabitants as well as give them a nice, cool refreshment after all the work they will be doing, the tapirs will call everyone's attention to a certain cafe back at the Plaza. Called Dreambucks, it's a quaint little cafe staffed by friendly tea fairies and primarily serves tea and small cakes. Their teas and foods are quite special as the flavor will influence one's emotions and dreams—but in a good way! There are no harmful side effects and they are usually positive. Bolstering one's spirit; calming or relaxing nerves. The tea fairies want everyone to enjoy their time. Anyone can pick whichever table they want to take a break and meet some people. Or take a peek at what someone might be dreaming thanks to the teas.
There are three different types of teas available:
Raspberry Sparkler Tea. A sip of this will immediately make anyone feel lighter and more hopeful, with an additional effect of causing the drinker to sparkle as a result from those happier feelings.
Apple Cider. A drink filled with energetic cheer that will encourage drinkers to get out there and celebrate whatever is on their mind. There are milder versions available, so the range of celebratory cheer can vary.
Overcast Earl Grey. A more contemplative flavor, this tea is recommended for those who may have troubles or past mistakes weighing them down. A cup of this tea will help clear the mind to allow them to come to terms and begin to accept things, allowing them to take that needed step forward.
Apple Cider. A drink filled with energetic cheer that will encourage drinkers to get out there and celebrate whatever is on their mind. There are milder versions available, so the range of celebratory cheer can vary.
Overcast Earl Grey. A more contemplative flavor, this tea is recommended for those who may have troubles or past mistakes weighing them down. A cup of this tea will help clear the mind to allow them to come to terms and begin to accept things, allowing them to take that needed step forward.
Although it doesn't always happen, sometimes the tea will be a strong enough influence that it will make the drinker daydream for a bit. Anyone nearby may notice their dream crystal lantern flicker and catch a brief glimpse of the daydream on it. Or perhaps those who want to try out their dream crystal lanterns are deliberately trying to see if their dreams are captured. Only daydreams influenced by the tea can be caught and even then it's just a brief glimpse, but it's still an interesting way to see how the dream crystal lanterns work.
Note: There is no currency in the world and everything served is free at this time. However it might not be immediately obvious and the fairies won't mind if customers repay in some way, be it helping out via cleaning and serving, giving gifts such as flowers or fruits, or something else.
II. LOCAL PROMPTS
Ugly sweaters are still being distributed and forced upon everyone during this time, though at a less frequent rate.
A. Chestnuts Exploding on an Open Fire. With Christmas festivities winding down and the New Year coming up, residents are out taking on a more relaxed form of festive cheer. Small bonfires are constructed around town, with easy to roast snacks distributed to everyone. Marshmallows, s'mores, fish, meat, and whatever else can be used or brought. One particular treat that everyone is looking forward to are special chestnuts left by the Christmas Ents who passed through earlier in the month. There is more than enough to go around and when roasted they bring a warm, nostalgic taste that is sure to bring a smile to even the grumpiest scrooge. However, there are a few reddish brown colored chestnuts that were accidentally added into the many baskets. At first glance they don't seem that strange, just a slightly different color. But once they hit the open fire and in range of any level of excited cheer, the chestnuts start to crackle and explode like fireworks! And when one sets off, others follow. Chaos is quick to grow, which will only exacerbate the situation, so the 1) chestnuts need to be removed and resorted; 2) affected bonfires doused and rebuilt; 3) calm must be spread to help rebuild the festive cheer. Perhaps cooking the chestnuts in a calmer environment will be better.
B. Ugly Sweaters' Revenge. It's almost the end of December but ugly sweaters are still "in style," with everyone receiving new ones at least once a week if not more. But those who try to destroy them with malicious intent or throw them away will find retribution coming early. In the dead of night, all the discarded sweaters start to unravel and link together, winding and spinning until a giant, ten foot ball of yarn is rolling through the streets of Songerein. It seems to move with its own will and deliberately goes after those who scorned them to roll over and ensnare them into the ball to grow larger. However, although the ball has clear targets, it's a ball of yarn. Unintended casualties get caught up into the vengeful ball. So it's either help rescue or be rescued in this bizarre morning!
C. Gumdrops. The gumdrops are still roaming around, trying to take every last bit of fluff, love, and fight they can get. They are ready to snare any two people they think will fit their needs and will make sure the pair sticks together until the gumdrop is satisfied. White gumdrops seek fluffy emotions, pinkish reds prefer love and kisses, and bright red ones seek fighting spirit instead. For more information refer to the notes.
yarnball
Hey! This way! [ He gestures with his arm for the boy to follow him as he runs towards a narrow alley between two of the shops. It's easily wide enough for pedestrians, but shouldn't be wide enough for a ten-foot ball to follow. ]
1/2
AAAAH!
[ Hunter scurries behind the other boy just as the ball... ]
2/2
Hunter's still clearly shaken, but hey. It's not chasing him. It's just... Blocking that exit now. Great. Now he can catch his breath, at least... ]
no subject
Threat neutralized, he turns with a kind smile to the boy. ]
That was close, huh? Are you okay?
no subject
[ He's not totally fine emotionally, he's pretty sure. But at least he won't get crushed anytime soon. He can make some attempt to play cool... Ish. ]
Where did that thing even come from? [ He's jabbing a finger at the ball here. ]
no subject
Mmh... I'm not sure. I haven't been here very long. I'm still getting my bearings. This place is strange.
[ He looks back at Hunter. ]
Did you just find yourself here, too?
no subject
[ He gets up and brushes himself off as best he can. ] This isn't even the craziest thing that's happened to me today.
[ Not counting the near disaster that was literally right before he fell asleep and woke up here. Who knew an entire day with your great aunt would be so...
... Ya know what, he won't talk about that. There's enough weird in this place he doesn't have to go into detail about that. ]
no subject
[ It gets crazier here than being chased by a giant, sentient yarn ball? That's not reassuring! ]
no subject
Like, this flying white slug thing stuck me with some rando earlier and wouldn't leave us alone until we cuddled each other.
no subject
[ That sounds as incredibly uncomfortable as it does incredibly farfetched, that's what. Not that Omi doubts him. A 10-foot-tall angry ball of yarn sounds pretty farfetched, too, and there it is, still blocking their way out.
Omi deflates a little. ]
I see... It sounds like it's been quite a day for you.
no subject
[ Hunter himself sounds a bit tired of nonsense already. But he's stuck here anyway. ]
no subject
That's true...
[ This is kind of depressing. He should try to fix that. He offers a smile. ]
I know it's hard, but there have to be good things about this place, too. If it's a world of dreams, maybe you can make them come true here.
no subject
[ Hunter does consider that. A world of dreams is gonna be weird regardless, but maybe it's not so bad? ]
That sounds pretty cool. I did hear something about gaining superpowers or something with enough practice, after all.
[ He already wound up getting a power he didn't expect... ]
no subject
Eheh, it does sound like everyone has the ability to develop special uses for dreamotion energy. Is that what you most want? Superpowers?
no subject
[ Are we going into personal philosophical stuff? Because Hunter just met this guy and... ]
no subject
[ He looks down the alley, then at the giant yarn ball, then back to Hunter, and lowers his voice, as though concerned the yarn ball might be able to hear and understand them. ]
Let's try going this way. We can escape out the other side.