songerein | { test drive #04

✵ 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.

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

(And Tsurumaru is just a gremlin that happily helps himself when people offer him things. Hm.

Tsurumaru smiles!! And pats Tanjiro on the head with his free hand,)

Ah, I was just thinking! You remind me of something precious.

(This is a normal way to go about a conversation. Completely normal.)

[ oh. a head pat... ]

Something precious?

[ well. that's a lovely compliment he's just been given. what a strange man! but he doesn't really get the sense that tsurumaru is deceiving him, and honestly? if tanjiro is dreaming, there are certainly worse ones he could be having right now. ]

Such as what?

(He hums a bit to himself! Those cherry blossoms are still falling.)

Mmm~ A time from long ago.

(Of families coming to the shrine, bringing their children and praying for their future. Of the young boys who would come and pray to become strong men. Honestly, he's just easily endeared by people who aren't adults ok.)

Ah, in fact, I wouldn't mind being by your side. (#SwordConfessions.) I like you!

(Did he have to say that last part so loud.)

Well... I like you too!

[ because how could he not like tsurumaru? someone who is so forthcoming with his feelings, even if they're sort of aided by the candy roses, deserves to be liked back. ]

By my side? [ this does give tanjiro pause. the earnest smile on his face doesn't budge. ] I wouldn't want to put you in danger, though.

[ even in his dreams, his hand are calloused. the scar on his forehead still exists. he can still feel the dull pain in his jaw and every breath he takes is more than just full and relaxed inhales and exhales. ]

(Oh, no, this is going so well. The cherry blossoms begin to fall even harder now. It's gently storming cherry blossoms.)

I'm not afraid of danger. (He replies easily because it's true! He has absolutely no fear.) I'm quite strong. If anyone tried to harm you, I would gladly cut them down~

(This is a completely ordinary offer. But it probably seems a little strange considering Tsurumaru doesn't exactly have the feel of an ordinary warrior? There are no scars, his hands are fine, his white clothes are perfectly clean, and even the sword at his side seems like it would be more like a treasure than a weapon.)

I've loaned my strength to many generals and you can have it too. Like the loyal crane, I'll follow you into any battle. Because I love you, I'll even--

I'll even follow you...

Because I...

(Wait, what did he say? What did he say WHAT DID HE SAY WHAT DID HE SAY WHATDIDHESAYWHATDIDHE--

If there's one thing about Tsurumaru that stands out, its that he's completely white from head to toe. His hair, his clothes, the sword at his side; everything about him is white sans pieces of dark armor and some gold. So it's incredibly obvious when his face begins to turn a bright shade of pink. Pale gold eyes go wide with surprise and while he's still holding Tanjiro's hand, he gives it an anxious squeeze and

Screams.

Ignore the fact that these cherry blossoms are now practically swirling around them like a full on storm now.)

[ it's like a jolt to the system, hearing what tsurumaru's been saying. strong and being able to cut someone down in combination with his garb--- is he also some kind of swordsman? obviously the weapon at his side would indicate that to an extent but also: that kind of pristine look that he has... it's very different than what he has known and experienced.

though it seems that one of them can handle the concept of love a little better, huh?

the scream is what finally snaps tanjiro out of his though-based stupor. he immediately leaps into action!

by... grabbing onto tsuru's hand with his other one and holding it firmly in both. ]

Hey.

[ deep breath in, deep breath out. even when the petals are moving so fast, they're threatening. the scent of them is strong, but not quite right--- an unmistakable sweetness that is numbing. ]

It's okay. You're not quite yourself. But I believe you when you say you're strong. Will you tell me your name, stranger?

(No, he will not calm down? He has an image! An aesthetic! And hes' gone and ruined it with some weirdo love confession. Everyone's going to think he's a weirdo!!

(Spoilers: He is a weirdo but he doesn't want to be that kind of weirdo).

Tanjiro is holding his hands firmly and Tsurumaru just grips his hand tightly in return. There's something kind of desperate about it? And he whispers,)

You didn't hear anything.

(The cherry blossoms are swirling! They're hitting him in his fac and he sputters. Don't mind him pulling his hands back quickly to swat at the blossoms.)

Oi! Knock that off! Stop it! (And... the cherry blossoms seem to die down a bit?) Nothing happened!

How embarrassing. I could die...!

(INHALES AND YELLS,)

I'm Tsurumaru Kuninga and I am cool.

[ hm? hear what? tanjiro smiles and shrugs, looking away for a moment. he can pretend that he never heard what tsurumaru coolinaga said. especially when it's whispered with such severity; it must be some kind of secret? this wouldn't be the first person he's met that had a colorful outward and inward personality (despite the fact that tsurumaru is mostly covered in white)... ]

Tsurumaru-san. [ ah, what an interesting name. ] It's nice to meet you! My name is Tanjiro Kamado. I'm a Demon Slayer.

[ as if he might know what one is? but by all appearances, tsuru might actually recognize his colors or the pattern of his haori? hard to say. either way, he does feel like he's in good hands. ]

And you don't have to worry. I won't say anything about what... might've happened here. After all, it's a dream. Right?

[ so cool, tsurumaru. ]

"And I'm cool?" Who am I? Mitsu-bou...? Gah...

(Did he really say that? How embarrassing. How definitely not cool. But yeah... yeah! That's what he thought!!! It looks like Tanjiro is going to be a good, sweet boy who will let Tsurumaru keep his pride.

It's enough to get him to relax and regain some of his original composure. Tanjiro Kamado and a demon slayer? With one hand on his hip, he looks Tanjiro up and down. He doesn't look particularly impressive (if he's being honest) but he recalls how his hands felt and then there's that scar on his face.

... Maybe there's something to it.)

What a surprise. A demon slayer in my dreams? I wonder what sort of dream I might be having...

(Like, is there danger here? Wouldn't that be exciting?)

[ it's okay. no one will be cooler than tsuru-san... not even mitsu-wanwan.

he rather live in a time where they're unnecessary... maybe that'll happen sooner than he thinks? for now, he assumes he's still resting peacefully after their time in yoshiwara... dreaming of what seems to be a man who is a swordsman who thinks of himself as a crane. ]

A peaceful one, as long as I'm here.

[ but without the scent of demons in their vicinity, tanjiro's throat suddenly goes dry. ]

Excuse me, but have you seen a box around? Long and with straps that allows it to be carried on one's back?

(Kara, Mitsu, and Sada are the only ones who are allowed to compare on the cool scale with Tsuru.

He doesn't just think he's a crane. He! is! a! crane! Maybe it would be easier to believe him if he had a splash of red on him? Don't tempt him.)

Hm?

(He tilts his head curiously to one side which should be Tanjiro's first clue to Tsurumaru's answer,)

I haven't. Have you lost something?

{ test drive #04 - march 2022 }

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