{ test drive #04 - march 2022 }

[dreamposts]

✵ TEST DRIVE MEME: MARCH ✵
A reminder that our Test Drive Memes double as an Intro Log and threads can be carried over in-game, which means all content is forward dated to the first week of the app month. 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 March 1st. Our application cycles are bi-monthly so the next cycle won't be until May.

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 new groups are 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 has become more populated over time, but it's still relatively empty with many buildings still unoccupied and some still in disrepair and about to collapse in on itself. 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 having someone more experienced may be wise.

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:

Strawberries and Cream Tea. A sweet and flavorful tea that can provide soft, friendly feelings or have one acting especially sweet towards a friend. Or perhaps even towards a stranger who seems to need a little sweetness in their life.

Black Pomegranate Tea. A few sips of this will invoke melancholy over past loves. However, it doesn't need to be people—it could be anything at all: people, places, things, interests.

Coffee with White Chocolate Raspberry Cream. These bold and strong flavors will cause one to perform grand acts of affection (romantic or platonic) for anyone they see.

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

Although Valentine's may be over, there is still plenty of that "romance" in the air, especially with all the leftovers from the month. But it's not all hearts and rainbows.

A. Candy Roses. Candy roses are all the rage right now and once again confectioners are competing against each other in creating the best ones. This has led to many being handed out as samples. What makes them so special? The flavors will influence one's emotions on the positive, "loving" spectrum. However, some will have a softer, subtle effect while others may be more exaggerated.

• Red. Red candy roses will induce ardent love towards the person within their vicinity. It causes them to immediately grab their hand and declare their love for all to hear.
  
• Pink. Pink candy roses will cause the eater to be filled with so much joy they start frolicking with flowers everywhere around them, to the point that flowers will appear in their food, drink, whatever they touch.
  
• White. White candy roses will cause the eater to be very honest about their feelings…about anything that comes to mind or they see. Positive or negative, they can only tell the truth. Some may be able to control it, but the impulse will be very strong.
  
• Purple. Purple candy roses are a mystery flavor that will have a random emotional effect on the eater. They could be joyous, they could be so overwhelmed with passion they become depressed, they could become angry and possessive…it's a toss up wildcard.

All effects will last from ten minutes to half an hour.

B. Orc Chocolate Sculptor. As if not to be outdone by the candy roses, an area around the Central Plaza has been cleared away for a large orc who performs and creates magnificent sculptures made from pure chocolate. From buildings to animals to people, to making replicas of real food, to making large and miniature models of Reverein's streets, this orc can do it all. And he is inviting others to join in. All the tools and chocolate are provided, and should anyone be successful in their creation, it has the chance of becoming animated through dreamotion energy. It could behave as a result of the sculptor's emotions, or someone could try to channel dreamotion energy to make it move. Of course, things can get messy…watch out for chocolate being flung from some kids who snuck in!


C. Eris Arrows. No one knows where they came from, but winged, cherub-like creatures have appeared and are firing arrows at everyone. However, these have orange feathers and anyone struck by them will transform into a lindworm filled with anger and hate for the first thing they see. Clearly this isn't a good thing, and fortunately there are some love arrows still around that will help negate the effect. Otherwise, one will have to try and subdue them and push a lot of positive "love" dreamotion energy on them (can be platonic or romantic). It is also possible to take out the anti-cupids, but as they seem to be a form of noctaere, only dreamotion abilities will make significant damage to them. Similar to those turned into a lindworm, the love arows can also be used against them, as well as any other concentration of "love."

III. DREAMSCAPE TUTORIAL

To help everyone understand their dreamwalking abilities, the tapirs will ask anyone who is willing to gather around the Dream Swings in the Central Plaza. There anyone is invited to sit in the chairs or hammocks and focus on their dream crystal lanterns to enter a special dreamscape made just for them. Those watching might find the sight of everyone suddenly turning into a colorful ball of light and disappearing alarming, but that's just the normal process of entering a dream. When someone leaves the dream, they will briefly reappear as that light before returning to their original form. The theme for this dreamscape is Three Little Pigs in Candyland. For this dreamscape exercise, the tapirs have created a fascinating environment that is basically Candyland. It's a good thing this is all a dream so that anyone who has a sweet tooth can eat to their heart's content and not get a cavity. However, even if this is a dream made of candy, there are still some threats to the dreamwalkers…especially since they will be turned into either pigs or wolves. Free exploration is allowed, but there are a couple of "objectives" or "exercises" they should try to work on their dreamotion abilities.

A. Three Little Pigs. As a fun twist to the dreamscape, dreamwalkers may be turned into anthropomorphic pigs. They can walk on their hind legs, use their forelegs as arms, speak, wear clothes if they feel comfortable about…but they are otherwise very much a pig and will not be able to transform out. They can add to their appearance, such as adding wings, horns, hair—anything that might help bring back some of their individual characteristic. They don't have to work together, but the main "plotline" of this story is to build houses to withstand the big bad wolves.

B. Big Bad Wolves. The other option for dreamwalkers is they may be turned into anthropomorphic wolves. Like the pigs, they can walk on their hind legs, use their forelegs as arms, speak, wear clothes, etc, but they will look more wolf than "person." Their goal is to destroy the houses…by eating them, although they will find they have a powerful set of lungs that will allow them to try and blow them down. Of course, those who want to help the pigs instead are allowed. Might even be a good idea considering what else is out there.

C. Candy Houses. The pigs are to build the strongest house as possible, but they can only use one type of the following material: pixy stix (straw), licorice (sticks), and jolly ranchers (bricks). Other materials such as icing, gum, and other things can be used, and dreamotion energy will be key in helping to strengthen and decorate them, but it must be made with one type of building material. Or cheat, who is actually paying attention—

D. Evil Hansel and Gretel. Although the "Big Bad Wolves" are supposed to the main antagonists, noctaere in the form of Hansel and Gretel appear and try to not only eat the houses, but also will try to turn the dreamwalkers into candy…to later consume. That would be bad, so perhaps teamwork between the pigs and the wolves will be necessary to beat them back. Fortunately they aren't too difficult to eliminate, and upon defeat they will burst into sprinkles.

Comments

Yae Miko | Genshin Impact

[servantofeternity]

🌸 | Magic Journal

A magical journal? My. How Interesting.

I suppose it would not hurt to become acquainted with how those here communicate.

Allow me to start by noting that this is quite the intriguing dream. Can’t say I’ve really had the pleasure of experiencing something like this before.

If anyone can read this, do please let me know.

🌸 | Kitsune Tea Time

[ Waking up here in a foreign land amidst a dream with it’s own unique energy was something else all on it’s own but one couldn’t say she didn’t know how to adapt to situations. So that was exactly why it didn’t take long for her to be seen at Dreambucks and contentedly sipping a cup of Black Pomegranate Tea until she hesitated and exhaled a long sigh. ]

How peculiar. I haven’t even been here that long and yet I already find myself wishing to be back in Inazuma..

[ Oh she was no fool, so eventually she’ll put the pieces together to why she’s suddenly feeling so melancholy. ]

🌸 | Rose-filled Honesty

[ Walking around this quaint, mystical dreamland was certainly not dull by any means and as such? Yae had taken to wandering around with slow steps, only stopping once someone offered her what looked like a white rose made out of candy. She thanked him with a kind smile and went along her way, scrutinizing it before eating a little of it.

A short time later, when she was nearly done the item in question? Someone crossed her path and while intending to just give them a greeting, something else happened instead. ]

Really. You could have made more of an effort to put that outfit of yours together. It really is quite atrocious to look at.

[ Surprise flashed across her face at that. She’d been thinking that but never expected the words would actually leave her mouth, ears twitching a little as she tried to consider her next words carefully. ]

My… I certainly had not meant for you to hear that.

[ Though it doesn’t at all seem like she’s all that apologetic for essentially insulting someone’s clothes. Oops? ]

🌸 | Wildcard

[ Wanna try somethin’ else? Hit me up via PM or at indulgentsin if you’d like to plot something! ]

🌸 | Magic Journal

[earthenbloom]

[ How can she resist teasing? ]

Are you saying that the rest of us are nothing more than figments of your imagination? That this is just your dream?

[servantofeternity]

I would find it quite fascinating if it were simply my dream alone, but not even an imagination as creative as mine would be able to think up all of the different people who walk this dreamland with me.

[ Oh she already likes this one. ]

Especially seeing as not everyone comes from the same world. It should be obvious, don't you think?

[earthenbloom]

Wow, and here I was in the middle of an existential crisis. Thanks. You really saved me.

Is it obvious? What makes you think it's easy to tell something like that?

[recreator]

[Which part of it displeases you so, Yae? The copious use of fur trim? The golden epaulets (and yes, those would be quite real)? The overabundance of gathered and layered fabric which would be so perfectly suited to a much more frigid clime, but which, perhaps here, seems a bit too ostentatious?]

[Emet-Selch regards her, and then he smiles a smile that doesn't reach his eyes in the slightest, lifting one hand in what can only be a shrug.]

Well, well. It seems we have a fashionista in our midst. Perhaps you would care to offer a proper critique? After all, I would so hate to fall short of your expectations.

[And here he lets the smile fall as he crosses his arms in front of himself, expectant; waiting.]

[servantofeternity]

[ Even with his words and expectant attitude? She doesn't remotely even seem phased as her violet eyes fully took in more elements of this man's outfit, just before her arms crossed over her chest. ]

Goodness, where do I start?

[ There's a mischievousness in her gaze and the smile that soon falls across Yae's lips as she circled him briefly. Her steps entirely calm and almost thoughtful until she comes back around to stand before him. ]

The coat is entirely unflattering in both design and it's colors, and the use of so much gold would suggest you think yourself better than those around you. Then if one considers the climate here, then the layers themselves do seem a bit much and entirely unnecessary.

[ Usually she could temper her filter when it came to responding to people, but this forced honesty isn't bothering her much, either. Yae isn't afraid of what she's said regarding his outfit as it just seemed like a fact to her. ]

[recreator]

Oh, where indeed.

[Emet-Selch watches, his gaze taking in the ears. Were he still a denizen of those halcyon before-times, he might think her a familiar created by one his colleagues, but he's since witnessed any number of furred, tailed, and scaled humanoid creatures for her appearance to seem perfectly redundant to him. Her clothes, meanwhile, hearken to the aesthetics favored by the peoples of Kugane.]

[He feigns concern here, looking surprised and a little taken aback by her findings. It's certainly no skin off of his nose if his choice in clothes seem antiquated and unstylish, but in a place such as this, there's equally no harm in learning to blend in. (At least, in as much as such a thing is possible when there's little uniformity to be found.)]

The colors and the design, you say? My, what an unexpectedly scathing review. Mayhap, in your wisdom and humility, you would care to suggest a more optimal color palette?

[Though, she isn't entirely wrong on one count. Guilty as charged, he supposes. He never claimed to think himself less; far from it, in fact.]

tea time!

[burnbrighter]

[ Thoma swings back by Dreambucks every now and then for a treat, but he also stops by to see if there are any new faces around. When he first arrived, it was one of the few places that seemed to actively attract newcomers, and the timing seems about right for another batch.

Just when he’s wondering if he’ll catch sight of a familiar face, he does, and it’s not one he was hoping for. In fact, he’s so startled he nearly trips over his own feet, just missing running into her. ]

L-Lady Miko! What a… pleasant surprise!

[ Someone save him. ]

[servantofeternity]

[ Of those who she expected to see here? He wasn't one of them, but Yae could say she didn't mind a familiar face from her world. Even if it wasn't someone she had the pleasure of spending time with, it just seemed that now was a good a time as any to do that after she'd just started seeming to miss Inazuma.

There's a smile on her face in seconds, and the hand not holding her cup of tea gestured him to come closer. ]

I could say the same. I don't believe we've had a chance to have an actual conversation, have we?

[ Something about the look in her violet eyes is almost mischievous but still kind, yet almost daring him to say no to what she was about to suggest. ]

Why don't you sit down so we can talk and you can tell me about your time here?

[burnbrighter]

[ It’s not like he’s running an errand for the Commission and can just do whatever he was sent to do and beat a hasty retreat back to the Kamisato Estate. He’s pretty much stuck here, in her presence, and there’s nothing he can do about it. Besides, no matter how much she frightens— er, instills a healthy sense of respect in him, it would be cruel not to try and help her get her feet under her in this strange place.

He doesn’t move too close, but he still takes her up on her offer, taking a seat with no small amount of trepidation. ]

Soooo… um. Did you just arrive?

magic journal (sender: itto)

[itto]

[ sadly(?), he could have the most simple explanation and still not quite understand how these journals work. ]

EXCUSE ME
I CAN READ
WHAT THE HELL IS YOUR PROBLEM

WHY IS THIS BOOK MAKING FUN OF ME

[servantofeternity]

I believe I was just asking if anyone was able to see what I wrote, nothing more.

If I were making fun of you, don't you think I would be more direct about doing so?

[itto]

OH

well i don't know
are you the kind of person that would make fun of someone you don't even know

kitsune tea time...sort of

[sangopearls]

[ Dreambucks is Gorou's new home now, if only because it offers sweets that he can actually afford to chow down on. Inazuma sweets are such a luxury, but here? Here, they're good and way more accessible. It's why he's here for a second time with another cup of sweet tea in his hand, looking for a table to sit down at.

And then he sees her.

Gorou stops in his tracks and looks like a deer caught in headlights. He hadn't expected to see Yae Miko here, though he really should have seen it coming, in hindsight. Maybe she hasn't noticed him yet, maybe he's far away enough and he can sneak away...quietly...

That's exactly what he's trying to do, but given his big, fluffy tail, it's probably hard for him to stay incognito. ]

[servantofeternity]

[ The thing was... she'd seen him once he'd actually come in and gotten his cup of tea, waiting quite patiently for him to notice she was here. As he did, the reaction was instantaneous and her smile widened just a touch as she raised a hand to give a small wave. ]

Ah! General Gorou! What a pleasant surprise to see you here.

[ Guess he's busted. So much for trying to be sneaky. ]

Surely you aren't trying to leave without having come and said hello, are you?

[sangopearls]

[ Farewell, friends... She's spotted him. He wants to believe that she only just saw him, that there's no way she could've known he was around earlier. No, that'd make her seem even more intimidating, and he really can't afford to show weakness in front of her once more...!

He lets out an incredibly sheepish laugh. His tail is incredibly still and his ears are upright. Archons, help him. ]

N-no! No, not at all, I was just...surprised to see you here.

[ He clears his throat and straightens his back. ]

You seem to be...adjusting well.

Rose-filled Honestly

[pactmarshal]

[ The tree man is just passing by, minding his own business, when his appearance is suddenly insulted.

He looks up quizzically at Yae. His eyebrow would be raised if he had one. Though it isn't like he hasn't heard something similar before, years ago. ]

"Atrocious" is quite strong, isn't it? [ He looks down at the leaves and stems that serve as his "clothing". He grew them all himself. They couldn't be that bad??? ] I simply prefer homegrown to human garments.

[servantofeternity]

[ The worst of it was that usually she'd put more tact into her words, insulting or not so this was just something she had to work around. ]

Would that be in part to that being convenient or that they simply happen to be more comfortable in comparison?

[ That wasn't nearly as bad, despite still horribly truthful to some extent. ]

[pactmarshal]

More comfortable, by far. [ At least he's being honest, too. ] I admit changing clothes is quicker and convenient, but they don't feel right.

Rose-filled honesty

[malevolence]

[Something about this lady really bothers Velvet. Maybe it was the way she talked. Or MAYBE it was all the pink and purple. Both might be true to some extent. Though they both were tied to one specific witch.]

Didn't realize it was bothering you so much.

[Velvet shrugs, clearly not offended by Yae's opinions of her clothing. If anything she seems somewhat amused that she just came out and said it. It wasn't the first time she's heard it and it most certainly wouldn't be the last. Still-- somewhere along the line Velvet had grown somewhat fond of the outfit she'd thrown together in that dark prison.]

Believe it or not, this isn't the worst I could have done coming out of that place.

[servantofeternity]

[ When one considered that their outfit was essentially insulted, the other woman seemed to take it fairly well. It wasn't the amount of skin showing that was even the problem, but just the rather haphazard nature of it that seemed so jarring to her. ]

Oh? I'd really hate to see what could be worse than this.

[ She considered the last part of those words which in themselves were quite curious all on their own. ]

That place? Were you trying to leave somewhere in a hurry?

Rosy Honesty

[zomboii]

[ Well, if there's one person deserving of that remark...it's definitely him. The clothes he's wearing aren't in the best of shape; they're tattered, old-looking things with darker stains around the knees and cuffs. Several parts of his shirt are threadbare and in dire need of repair, and they certainly don't scream "clean." It kind of looks like his clothes haven't seen any TLC in years which is not far from the truth at all

That said, as accurate as her unintentional judgement of his attire is...her words ultimately fall on deaf ears--literally. He doesn't react to her comment so much as her movement, and then he he sees her, her appearance.

So much pink. And her clothes! They're unlike anything he's seen before. Better yet, she isn't running away from him. She'll probably be able to tell straightaway that he's undead if his pale skin and the purplish tinge to his lips doesn't give him away.

So yes. She insults his clothes, and he just looks excited; his entire attention is focused on her now, nostrils flaring to take in as much sensory information about her as he can. ]

Ooh...ah! Hh!

[servantofeternity]

[ Upon initially speaking those words, Yae hadn't yet had the chance to take everything in but was given one now. Those clothes were old, worn and tattered, his shirt could use a lot of repair and a cleaning but that's really the least of what she'd picked up on.

His skin was unearthly pale, too. She couldn't sense any life from him, but it wasn't like he was a spirit and rather a animated corpse of some kind.

Though not like anything Yae had ever seen before, there was no real disgust on her face as she realized that he didn't seem to have any ill intentions despite being a zombie of some kind. That look of excitement said maybe he hadn't - or couldn't - heard what she'd said to him, which begged the question about how to go about this unusual situation at hand. ]

Well. Hello to you, too.

[ She put on a smile and raised one hand to wave at him. Perhaps the gesture would be clear enough on it's own. Either way, she wasn't going anywhere. ]

Rose-filled Honesty

[perfectmask]

[This teenager (minus the scythe) is nearby, leaving a joyful trail of flowers from his footsteps, when he apparently got insulted. He stop moving and looks over at her with a blink.]

Ehhh? What's wrong with my clothes? I think they're pretty nice.

[He's not offended, anyway. Or maybe the joy he's feeling blocked the brunt of her comments from him?]

[servantofeternity]

[ That sure was one way to take it in stride, and it was enough to draw a soft chuckle from her as she extended one arm out to reach out and poke one of the little ears on his hat. ]

Well, style-wise they aren't bad... but the color? Goodness, what was it that made you stick so much with this one?

[ She'd heard of coordinating but this was just... a lot of brown and it lacked a lot of actual color asides from it, and that pattern on the hat really was something else entirely. ]