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

[How funny it is that he's awoken from his long sleep only to find himself in a dream world shortly after, hmm?]

Oh, but it would be such a shame to toss such an elegant gift! You won't be curious to at least try a bite? Come now. Eheh.

[After all these years this yaksha hasn't changed one bit, has he. Perhaps he's at least found some peace in his life? Venti can only hope so.]

[ It's also ironic because how often does Xiao find himself deep enough asleep to fall into a dream? It's so rare indeed. ]

You have one of your own and yet you are not "trying a bite." Should you not also if you are suggesting it?

[ In otherwords, why does he have to if you're not willing? ]

[Venti's eyes seem to sparkle at that response. He sits up straighter on his tree branch and then twirls the flower in his fingers around.]

True! Would you like to make it a game?

Edited 2022-02-21 18:53 (UTC)

[ Xiao tilts his head to the side in order to regard Barbatos. A game? Of course he isn't surprised at all that this is what the Archon is electing to do. That he would find some light-hearted enjoyment from it all. ]

Why would I want to play a game?

[ Can he convince Xiao? ]

[Somehow Venti is both surprised and unsurprised. He lets his smile tug at his lips as he uses a swirl of anemo to let the flower float above his fingertips.

From what he remembers Xiao has always been a rather quiet spirit. Shy and set in his own ways without the ability to try new things without some resistance of some sort. It makes him smirk because he knows that the energy of anemo proves that Xiao must long for something... But what is that something? He can take a few guesses.]

Why to try something new with an old friend, of course. If you'd like we could call it a reunion.

[ The Archon can guess all he wants for what that something is. It's not even something that Xiao himself fully acknowledges. It's just a dream, right? A wish. Those aren't actually meant to come true.

However, this in part is due to the Traveler and their meddling in affairs. For consistently seeking out Xiao and getting him in situations that he'd often avoid. He's had to be around people and engage with them.

Terrifying. ]

A reunion, you say...

[ There's a sigh. ]

Very well. If it really means so much to you.

It would mean all the world to me!

[Venti giggles and then with a swirl of anemo he hops out of the tree and lands gracefully on his feet. His clothing swishes and he comes up to the yaksha fearlessly and holds up his own candied flower.]

Now, old friend. A question for a taste! You may ask me a question if you eat a single petal in return. Then I'll do the same, ehe.

[He's not too sure how curious Xiao might be but Venti certainly has questions for him.]

[ Of course the Archon has little to fear when it comes to approaching Xiao proper. Barbatos has the one flower while Xiao has several.

A question for a taste. So Barbatos wants to play a question game? ]

I... Wouldn't know what to ask.

[ Despite all of this time apart... His social skills are still in the negative. ]

Oh...

[Venti pouts softly...]

Not a single thing you're curious about? After all these years?

Is it in my nature to question the comings and goings of an Archon?

[ Because it really isn't. Xiao doesn't concern himself with those things. Instead he's more practical. More concerned about actually protecting Liyue. ]

You slept for a long time.

Ehe. I see you still haven't changed, ever the loyal one to us archons. That rock-headed buffoon is so lucky to have you.

[Morax better be treating him well!!!

He huffs.]

I do admit my nap may have been a few years too long... Yet, all the more reason to catch up.

I would ask, as always, that you refrain from calling Rex Lapis as such.

[ Yes, he would rather not get into that Barbatos. Xiao is still very loyal even if Morax has decided to live as one of the humans. Honestly the Yaksha can't understand that mindset. That mentality. How Archons must feel the need to give up their control over their land. ]

Why did you say asleep for so long?

[Venti can only giggle in response. Giving a small wink and then nodding his head. While he can't promise he won't call Morax by dumb as fuck names-- He'll agree. For now.

He lifts a finger. There it is. A question!]

Hmm. I was afraid of becoming something I'm not. Because of that, I felt the need to let the world pass by without me for a time.

[While answering the question being his usual vague self with it. He does reach to the flowers in Xiao's arms and plucks a petal up.]

Here you are, a petal for the answer?

[EAT UP.]

[ Becoming something that the Anemo Archon isn't? What would that sort of thing even look like? Xiao isn't really sure. He can't imagine it, honestly. For someone with such a pure tune to actually think that he could change into something?

It's not a full answer. But Xiao hadn't thought that he would get one. Archons and the like.

So he picks the pink petal from Barbatos' finger tips and decides to go ahead and play this game. ]

[It was a long time ago when Mondstadt was only a new city on the stretch of Teyvat. A time when Venti looked at the world and felt that if he were to rule over a nation he would become something that he never wants to be. A beast.]

Ehe, there we are. And how's the taste, anything like the taste of dreams?

[ Maybe one day Xiao will think to voice such questions out loud. Instead he allows the petal to dissolve. Tastes the flavor on the tip of his tongue. ]

It is. Sweet.

[ It's not really flavor that Xiao fancies, ironically. It is texture. Just as tofu is light and fluffy, this candy melts. Slips away. ]

[It warms Venti to hear him say that. A simple three words but something soft. He can perhaps pick the gentleness in Xiao's tone.]

And not terrible, I assume.

No, not terrible. However it isn't something I would have on a regular basis.

[ In case he was wondering. Though now it's Venti's turn to ask a question isn't it?

It might be a moment before he realizes that there's something off about that candy. ]

Fair enough! Ehe!

[While Xiao might be discovering the effects of the flower... Venti knows it's his turn to ask his question. He lifts a pretty purple rose petal to his own lips.]

As for my question... [He looks at Xiao.] In all these years have you been able to find some peace?

Find some peace?

[ What an odd question to ask. Xiao doesn't think that such a thing is so important. Not for him at any rate. ]

I continue to be myself.

[ Which that should be sufficient, correct? He's not lost himself? ]

[An odd but very important question, Venti thinks. Venti knows of the times where the Yaksha has been in pain and suffering from his karmic debt. Years of war and killing, without saying as well. That's why Venti has to wonder... How has he been doing since then.]

Ehe, well that's a good note to hear. [He taps the petal to his lips.] And life around Liyue has been kind to you?

[ And the other might start to notice that something is starting to come to life at their feet. Or maybe he's going to start catching a whiff of something floral?

As far as how Xiao has been. He's here. Conversing. Actually walking around with people present. It's more than what he could do in the past. Or even allowed himself to do. ]

I have encountered a few that seem to know of me.

[ Which isn't really answering the question, but it also is. Since Xiao isn't well known at all. So running into these individuals himself? That says something. Of course he's a bit flustered by it but still! ]

[As dodgy as that is Venti is pleased to hear that Xiao has run into faces that he knows. Being lonely in a brand new world just won't do.]

That's wonderful, Xiao! As much as it seems we are whisked off far and away it's a comfort to see familiar faces.

[He can smell the hint of flowers on the air. He catches sight of the blooming flowers and lets out a giggle.]

This world has secrets. But with friends, it might not be terrible to explore.

[He puts the flower petal on his tongue.]

Hm! Sweet!

[ Xiao is only answering because Barbatos thinks to only vaguely answer the question. Of course that should be expected of the Archon. He's not known to be direct. ]

I'm not sure I would go so far as to say "familiar faces" in most cases.

[ Might want to be careful, little bard. The flowers might start creeping up a leg. ]

After all, being pulled here might not be a fortunate happenstance.

Ehe...

[He has to agree with that one. Venti actually isn't very trusting of this world thus far. There's something about being whisked away against his will that goes against everything that Venti stands for. He doesn't like it.]

Yes, entirely true! All I'm saying is that if we have trustworthy allies along the way we might not have to worry as much!

[For now. Anyway.

But as those flowers start to crawl up his leg Venti looks down and suddenly finds his eyes tearing up. A sudden wash of sadness comes over him and his eyes well up brighter with tears...? Why are his eyes leaking?!]

It's better than... facing this world alone.

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