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

Dumb dreambabies.

[ He repeats the phrase back to him, but decides to let it go. It seems like he was wrong with his belief that Mammon's casual mentioning of the moon wasn't some guilty admission to something he had done.

Lucifer opens his mouth to offer a very rare apology, but stops. ]

Why are you unable to create a spark of energy?

Your guess is as good as mine. Satan can do it easily. I bet you'll be able to do it easily too. But me? I can't do anythin' here that involves dream energy.

[ He clicks his tongue. ]

It's whatever though, I don't really care. [ He says as a lying liar who is lying. ]

[ He works his jaw side-to-side. ]

There's no telling that I will have an easy time or not. Something tells me that I might also have issues with harnessing dream energy.

[ In a way, admitting a weakness is a way of apologizing for accusing Mammon for destroying the moon earlier and picking at a spot that is sensitive to his brother. ]

I doubt it. You've always been amazing at everything you do. I bet your dream energy is gonna be so strong you'll just rule over the dream realm or somethin'!

[ Huff! Mammon gives Lucifer the tiniest of pouts. ]

If I rule over the dream realm, that means we can return home and you can complain about something there instead.

[ Lucifer doesn't want to appear too soft or troubled by Mammon's distress. But that goal does like a spark in him; if he can gain control over this world, it means he can send his brothers safely home.

Even if this is a dream, even if the world is carrying on without them; he refuses to have his family be separated from one another. ]

So, I suppose I will have to do just that, then.

[ Somehow Lucifer ruling over this place is slightly less terrifying, since Mammon's been nervous about Satan leaving him behind. ]

A-Anyway...! You just got here right? So you haven't gotten a chance to look around, right?

You're right... I haven't.

[ There isn't much that he wanted to really look around at, anyway. But he decides to keep that comment to himself. ]

Do you have suggestions of where I should visit? [ A pause. ] Perhaps, a factory of some kind that has a walk-through?

Ignoring how boooooring that sounds, I don't think we got any factories up an runnin' right now. We only recently got like clothes stores and junk to appear and it's all just borin' clothes too.

[ Mammon ever so casually starts walking around Lucifer and once he gets to his back, he starts gently trying to nudge him forward. ]

But we can get you some tea or somethin' an' I'll even be nice an' answer anything you want. Free of charge. Since I'm so nice.

I will never understand why you hate going to factories so much.

[ Honestly. There is so much to learn from them. He might be able to pick up a new skill that would benefit everyone in the household -- Lucifer halts at that thought as he realizes that it is just the three of them.

The sentiment still stands, but -- ]

Oy. [ Yet he doesn't actually struggle against being shoved. He walks forward and lets himself be led without much fuss. ] Yes, it is very nice that you know better than to try to charge me. [ It is his sharp response back, even though it lacks all bite. ]

Not to mention this place doesn't even have a type of currency so tryin' to get money out of you would be pointless.

[ Does he hear the disappointment in Mammon's voice? Surely he can hear the pain his younger brother has been suffering, not having anything of value this whole time. He huffs though as he gently starts nudging Lucifer in the direction of one of the little tea shops that popped up recently. ]

[ He clicks his tongue and rolls his eyes. ]

I would think that'd make things easier for you here -- no currency means that you can acquire almost anything that you want.

[ Of course, Mammon wouldn't be able to boast about how much that it cost or the lavishness of it. In a way, he supposes this is a kind of Hell for his little brother. ]

Stop shoving. I'm going, I'm going. [ Yet he doesn't say much more than that as he is directed toward the tea shop. With his face directed forward, he breathes out a silent laugh and smiles. His steps pick up just a little as they reach the place that Mammon wants him to see. ]

Perhaps this shop will have some poison teas.

I dunno about poisonous teas, I haven't really asked about it in particular, but they are pretty good regardless.

[ Mammon's even nice enough to open the door for Lucifer, if only because if he shoves him anymore, Lucifer might actually get annoyed enough to hit him. It might be a better idea to not annoy him that fast! A-ahem. ]

We can take that table over there. It's the furthest one away from everyone else.

Will I ever find a poisonous tea here?

[ His lamentations are quiet as he walks along. He gives Mammon a look of mild suspicion when the door is held open for him. Lucifer makes a thoughtful sound before he passes through the entryway, but notes the action down all the same. ]

Well, since you've been here, I'll leave the ordering to you. [ Lucifer doesn't even mind to be directed to the table farthest away from everyone. He heads there without breaking his stride.

To most, it sounds like he's bossing Mammon around -- making him handle getting the drinks. To Lucifer, he is showing that he trusts in Mammon's decisions and orders instead of trying to immediately take control of the situation. ]

[ Mammon's face perks up quite a bit when Lucifer tells him how amazing and wonderful his decisions were! Well okay, Lucifer's words weren't quite praising him that highly, but Mammon still felt pretty good whenever he could tell Lucifer trusted his judgement. He waves one of the fairies over and orders a drink for both of them. It was something chill with a little bit of spice to it, just to give them a little shock. ]

Ya know, I can't really think of the last time we could actually sit around like this. You're always busy with paperwork an' I'm always... off somewhere.

[ Lucifer props his elbows on the table, interlacing his fingers. He looks out around the cafe, enjoying the atmosphere for once. His expression, at first, is agreeable; he nods along before his hands drop, no longer loosely interlaced. ]

Yes, you are always off somewhere. [ He can't help but look a little irritated, as he feels in that statement a lot is being glossed over. But he lets out a long sigh instead. ]

Well, I suppose we'll have more times like this whilst I'm here.... since I don't think that I'll have to worry about paperwork from anyone.

[ He brings his hands together, interlacing his fingers yet again. ]

I simply do not dream of work.

{ test drive #04 - march 2022 }

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