songerein | { test drive #04

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{ test drive #04 - march 2022 }

✵ 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

[Even if it weren't for the series of familiar words, her name would have been more than enough to catch his attention. Dohalim's use of the journals is frequent, given his fascination with their inner workings and their general usefulness, and to see such familiar names and places being written, erased and re-written gives him hope that their group's number here has, at last, increased— they've been missing two key members of their team, thus far.]

Kisara? Is that you?

[It almost certainly is— but better, perhaps, to be cautious, rather than to let himself be too deeply disappointed should he be wrong.]

[Hard to ignore that familiar leap in her chest at seeing his name in her responses.]

Dohalim. I'm glad to find you here. I hope you're doing well?

[The group can be a little helpless in certain categories without her... but in truth, she'd be just as lost without them, so their presence - and his - is a comfort.]

[That's more than the necessary confirmation, and he feels himself let out a breath he hadn't yet realized he'd been holding.]

Well enough— far better, now. We've been at something of a loss without you.

[Mealtime has been... lacking, in some ways, though they each have their specialties.]

It would be easier to discuss the situation in person. Where are you?

[After the very blunt run-down on how meal times have been going thanks to Law, she's prepared for what lays ahead. Mostly.]

The plaza cafe, if you're familiar. I thought I'd sit and rest my feet a while after exploring. This place is a lot to take in.

[Hard to convey over text, but she'd very much welcome his company.]

Indeed it is. As for the cafe, I know it well. You chose an excellent spot to relax. I'll be along shortly.

[He'll close his journal and tuck it away without further ado, and good to his word, he doesn't keep her waiting long— it's less than ten minutes later that he walks through the front door, looking much the same as the last time she saw him. For better or for worse, his months in this place have done little to change him, and he greets her with that patient smile of his, offering a bow as he approaches her table.]

You look well, Kisara.

[Circumstances strange as they are, he believes she is certainly resilient enough to weather them.]

[Even after this long, there's still some part of her instinct that tells her to stand and salute at his approach. She settles for standing to greet him, gesturing for him to straighten up; bows and salutes are no longer necessary for them.]

You too, Dohalim. I'm happy to see it.

[Law's digestive complaints and Alphen's fussing over Shionne is one thing, but it's difficult for her not to worry most about Dohalim. Force of habit, and an understanding that he's kind of the worst at taking care of himself when it comes to the mundane. Really, she just thrives on being useful, and she feels useful around him.]

[She's absolutely right to worry. While he has done reasonably well for himself in this place, the fact remains that many basic concepts still elude him— he has benefitted greatly from his time spent traveling with her and the others, from the lessons they have offered in regards to basic self-care, but in some ways, Dohalim will always be Dohalim, which is to say just a little bit hapless.

His smile warms as she stands, and he shakes his head as he gestures to her seat, indicating she should take it once more before he puts his hand atop the rung of the chair opposite so that he can pull it out for himself.]

Please, you needn't stand on my account. You know that.

[Though he also knows he needn't bow— old habits do die hard, and he has not given up certain courtly manners. Still, they should sit and chat as friends. It's been too long since they've had the opportunity.]

I would like to hear how you find this place, so far. I found myself at quite a loss upon my own arrival.

[She smiles and sits down again, retrieving her cup as she ponders his question.]

Well... it's strange, I can't deny that. I won't say that it's unpleasant, though. The people here have been very welcoming, and it's nice to sit down and relax for a little while.

[So much of what they've been doing has been go, go, go, endlessly moving from one place to another, one fight to the next. There'd been little moments in between - fishing for food, camping and cooking, resting easy while they waited for their next opportunity to continue forward, but it had been harrying for the most part. To sit quietly and drink tea, enjoying the new scenery, is a nice change of pace. Even if she has no expectations that it'll last long.]

[He slides into the chair across from hers quite easily, grabbing hold of the seat just long enough to pull in a bit closer to the table before he folds his hands carefully atop its surface. A server does stop by long enough to ask him about an order, and he politely asks for a cup of tea and thanks her before turning his attention back to Kisara in full.]

Depending on what it is you remember, I imagine this is the first opportunity you've had to relax in some time.

[His own experiences immediately prior to coming here seem to differ from some of the others', but it matters little— no matter when it was, they were a group that always had their hands full.]

I have found that many of the people here are quite eager to help one another. It helps a great deal— I don't know that I've ever seen anything like it, not on so large a scale.

For most of Dahna, it was hard enough for people to help themselves, nevermind those around them.

[Elde Menancia was quite different, of course, something they both know well. But it had its own problems, and she can't help hoping that this place doesn't have such a grim underbelly.

Best not to dwell on all of that, though. It's still hard to think about, let alone speak aloud.]

As for my memory, I've heard ours may not line up. Another strange thing about this place. [She ducks her head, grip tightening on the mug.] The last thing I remember is freeing Pelegion. We haven't yet left the city.

I cannot say I disagree.

[There's a bittersweet bent to his smile; Elde Menancia had been different, but far from perfect, and his past motivations still brought him no small amount of shame— they had been impossibly selfish, and he had allowed people to think otherwise.

He would like to believe himself a different Dohalim now, but things aren't quite so simple.

As she continues, he nods, his own gaze falling to his folded hands.]

Pelegion...

[It's been quite some time since Pelegion, for him. Then Kisara makes one more person he must keep secrets from.]

I see. I remember Pelegion well, though it's a bit— distant.

[A great deal has happened since then, and he still doesn't know what he should and shouldn't say.]

[Distant... it's vague enough to be concerning, but the intent of that vagueness is clear enough that she can only nod. So he, too, is from some unknown future. She hopes that it being a while since they saw one another - for him and the others - is because of her absence here and not something worse. It's a grim thought, and she forces herself not to linger on it. Better to not know or even consider, even if it's a very real possibility.]

I'm sure there's a reason for our memories to be out of sync. Until we know more about it, I wouldn't worry over it too much. We have enough on our plates.

I agree. In the long run, it seems to make little difference. We are, after all, still ourselves.

[He doesn't imagine that any discrepancy in timelines would change that, not for any of them. While he has seen the members of their crew grow considerably throughout their time spent together, himself included, they are still themselves at heart regardless.]

Better to focus on the present, I believe— as challenging a present as it may appear to be. I'll admit, I am developing some fondness for this place.

[For her part, Kisara is glad that they're all aware of each other and have experienced a good chunk of their journey together. It would be awfully jarring to show up and not be recognized at all, especially since the two of them joined last and would be the easiest to forget, timeline-wise. Though it would be just as strange to be the one who didn't remember... either way, she's grateful for what they have. The rest can come later.]

That's a good enough voucher for it, at least. [Dohalim is many things, good and bad, but he has pretty solid taste for what is and is not a quality location. Mostly.] Can you tell me a little about your experiences here? I'm still not sure what to make of all this.

[This, at least, is an area in which they can both trust he has some sense.]

I would be happy to— they have been varied, thus far, but quite informative.

[He produces his own journal from where it's tucked away within his robes, laying it on the table and tapping the surface with his index finger.]

These, for one, are a remarkable tool, though I believe that was already proven when it alerted me to your presence. I have used them to gather information from other 'dreamwalkers'— that's what the natives have come to call us. I'm particularly interested in the phenomenon of 'dreamotion.' It's not unlike our own astral artes, but available to all who would dedicate themselves to the practice.

I'm a little embarrassed at how interesting I found the journal... to see words appearing on the page like that, it really does feel like a dream. The nature of this place is fitting.

[The mention of 'dreamotion' also has her thinking, one hand subconsciously toying with the accessory that channels astral energy for her shield and mace. When he'd given it to her, she'd gotten a taste of the sort of power Renans have always known, after so many years in servitude fearing it. Another kind of dream come true, though that one, she made sure to earn.]

What do you think of it? Everyone getting power like that.

[As far as he's concerned, there's nothing to be embarrassed about— when presented with something new and foreign, it is only natural to be curious, and her own fascination with the journals echoes precisely what he'd felt upon his own arrival.

He is silent for a moment as he considers her question quite seriously. He has given the topic of dreamotion itself a great deal of thought, but has never considered the social impact it might have. His lips purse slightly, brow briefly furrowed.]

We come from a world where one's value is, incorrectly, judged by one's ability to perform such feats, even among Renans. That it is available to anyone who wishes to learn, if they so desire... I think that is far better. Anyone might achieve mastery, if they put their minds to it.

[She makes a thoughtful noise.]

I wonder... like you said, someone's worth depends on the amount of power, even among Renans. So everyone having power doesn't mean that that power is equal. How do we find a balance...?

[She pauses, then smiles faintly.]

Or maybe I'm just projecting our problems onto this world. I like your version better- everyone can be a dreamer, if they put their minds to it.

Balance may be difficult to strike, it is true. Not everyone will have the same aptitude, nor may everyone be driven to pursue such abilities to the same ends— but I think I prefer optimism.

[Perhaps it is naive, but if he cannot hope for the very best in a dream world, where can he? He smiles at her in turn, his own faint but hopeful.]

It is only natural, that we look at this world through the lens of what we know from our own— but you put it quite succinctly. Everyone can be a dreamer. Our opportunities here are equal.

Well said.

[She mulls over her tea for a moment, watching the wisps of lingering steam as it cools, and nods to herself. If this is the world they'll have to endure for a while before they can go back home, it could certainly be a lot worse. And isn't it good, that a chance for Migal's dream of equality to be achieved in other worlds, too? He'd like that.]

I don't know if I'll be any good at this world's magic, but I'll give it my all in trying.

I find it difficult to believe that you could do anything but excel at whatever you put your mind to.

[If learning to master this world's magic is something she desires to do, he has no doubt she'll be able to do exactly that. Kisara is and ever has been a formidable woman.]

That is, if it's something you're interested in. I have been assisting Law in learning to make use of it. I could do the same for you, if you like, though I doubt you'll need my tutelage.

I'd be happy to accept any help you're willing to offer.

[She's less sure of her immediate capabilities - smashing monsters and taking care of people is one thing, but magic is not her gift by way of it never being on the table outside of her equipment - but she'll be damned if she's going to let herself fall behind on something that's so important in this world. She's not so prideful that she wouldn't say no to help, especially from someone with as much experience with magic as Dohalim.]

Thank you... really, having you all here is such a big help already.

[He smiles again, a warm and genuine expression. Though it has been some time now since he had last seen her, it does his heart good to see she is exactly as he remembers, right down to her admirable humility. She is, he thinks, the best person he could choose to learn from when it comes to his efforts to learn to live a more honest life among the people.]

We feel much the same about you. It hasn't been quite right, not having you here.

[Rinwell is also missed, though it would seem they'll have to go awhile longer before seeing their young friend again.]

Dinners have been... passable, but admittedly lacking in variety. Law has not gained an appreciation for vegetables in the last few months, I'm afraid.

You know, that's three people now who've told me they're glad to have me back in the kitchen. Is that really all you guys keep me around for?

[Her tone of voice toes a very expert line between "you better not say yes" and absolute teasing. Maybe she should feel flattered that her skill with food is so indispensable that they can't seem to bear living without it?]

[He cannot help but laugh in response; more open than the reserved mannerisms he's shown so far. Of course he isn't the first one to say such a thing— but naturally, he shakes his head, dismissing the idea, teasing or otherwise.]

While I cannot pretend we don't all enjoy your efforts when it comes to cooking, of course we are glad to have you back for your company alone. It hasn't been quite the same without you and Rinwell— and Hootle, of course. We'd all become so used to one another's company, it's felt strange, being apart.

[For him, they had been preparing to go their separate ways back home, but hadn't quite managed it yet. In truth, part of him hopes they never do.]

{ test drive #04 - march 2022 }

1-A 👀; Sender: Dohalim

!!! i have never played with a doha. hello!

hello!!

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apologies, life has been Happening so much this week

all good! life is gonna life sometimes.

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probably good to fade soon but he is gonna show her the SIGHTS!

woooo perfect! /o/