{ 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

[pridecometh]

I see.

[ Somehow, all the flourishing and actions honestly reminds him more of Asmo than anything else. The slight chill that he gives him lessens slightly as he makes that small connection in his mind.

On the inside, he smiles; he thinks of how his little brother would greet someone in the same way and carry on in the same fashion. On the outside, his expression remains as reserved and calm as ever. ]

Lucifer. I am still determining if it is a pleasure or not.

[lonelysmiles]

[If Alastor knew he was being compared to the Avatar of Lust, he'd be massively confused: His sex drive is nonexistent. No, his flourishing is because he's an entertainer at heart.]

[And if you're not going to initiate the handshake, Alastor is going to just grab your hand and give it a firm shake himself. Because that's how he does things even to the heir to the throne of his Hell.]

Ha! At least you're honest!

[He releases his victim's Lucifer's hand, tilting his head to one side.]

...Ah yes. I see it now. You're a Devildom demon, aren't you? You must be the Avatar of Pride. [He hums.] Quite different from the Lucifer of my Hell but there's similarities there if you squint. Likely due to the Deadly Sin you both represent.

[pridecometh]

[ Lucifer pulls his hand back after it is given a firm shake. He crosses his arms and lets out a long sigh, but does not do more than that much. ]

I am nothing but honest.

[ So he lies.

And the ice from before returns. There is a sharpness in the way that he looks at Alastor that loses all the humor and goodwill that he vaguely felt earlier in being reminded in part of Asmo. ]

Likely. [ His response is curt, at best. ] How do you know of Devildom?

[lonelysmiles]

[Sure you are, Lucifer. There's a reason you're known as the Father of Lies.]

Mostly what I know comes from your brothers Satan and Mammon. Though, honestly, mostly Satan. I think Mammon is a little afraid of me.

[He gives a big toothy grin, not in the least bit bothered by Lucifer's sudden coldness. He and his Lucifer weren't exactly buddy-buddy either. He and most of Hell, to be honest.]

We did a bit of an exchange, comparing the differences between my Hell and your Devildom. Particularly experiencing some of each other's homes while dreamwalking. [He pauses.] Have you tried that yet? Fascinating experience, wandering through others' dreams! I don't sleep that much myself, and this place gets so dull when the sun goes down!

[pridecometh]

[ If it is possible, any affinity points that the demon had with him has dropped to a negative amount. His expression closing off all the more. ]

I can't imagine why he would be.

[ And Lucifer is honest in that comment. There are few that can actually intimidate or trouble him, however, and he is also aware of that much. ]

I haven't, and if this is a request, consider it denied. [ His tone remains even and unhurried. ] I don't share dreams with clowns.

[lonelysmiles]

[Alastor chuckles as his shadow rises from the floor to occupy three-dimensional space, placing its shadowy claws on Alastor's shoulders as it grins in Lucifer's direction.]

Can't imagine why he'd be so afraid either. Nothing scary about me!

[The deer demon's smile matches his shadow's as he turns towards the pastry display, ears twitching with interest as he peruses the savory options. His shadow keeps its eyes on Lucifer the whole time.]

And it wasn't a request, more a warning: More often than not, people just wander in and wander out at random. I don't think anyone's figured out the trick to dream privacy yet. A goal to work towards, I suppose.

Besides, the brief visits I had to the dream version of your Devildom? Almost idyllic which made it dull as a result. Then again, you Devildom demons aren't dead human souls damned for their misdeeds in life.

[pridecometh]

You're right. There isn't.

[ He gives him a wilting smile, like he is entertaining some fool that is trying to show him some amazing trick. I'm sorry, Asmo. Lucifer closes his eyes as he silently apologizes to his brother for likening the performing clown to him. It truly was an insult to you, and if I remember anything when I return, I'll make it up to you.

Opening his eyes, he glances past to see how the fairies are coming with his order. If anything, his disinterest is to hide his growing anger. His brothers will always be a soft spot for him; the idea that anyone would upset them leaves him at a loss of what to do. If it were Devildom, the matter would be handled swiftly, but they are not home; furthermore, they have their own autonomy that Lucifer does not like to infringe upon. Especially Satan.

So, he clicks his tongue and acts disinterested. ]

Mm, yes, yes, we can't all be souls of the damned.

[lonelysmiles]

[Not impressed? Well, that's fine. So long as the real message gets across: "I am not as vulnerable as I look."]

[He straightens up and looks to a free fairy behind the counter. His smile turns less over-the-top as he turns on the charm.]

I'll take a black coffee but forgo the emotion additive please. Also one of those lovely croissants would be very welcome, my dear.

[The fairy actually blushes a little as she goes to retrieve his simple order as Alastor turns back towards Lucifer.]

And we can't all be Deadly Sins, just fall to them.

[And remembering Satan's own reaction to the news...]

Although I must say that I was surprised to learn that your counterpart's wife has a different relationship to you all. Satan seemed just as shocked when we figured out that key difference.

[Not blurting out precisely who or what alternate relationship Lucifer and Lilith had in the Devildom. He's a performer, but he knows when to keep certain cards close to his chest.]

[pridecometh]

Mm.

[ Again, he makes a disinterested noise at the blustering that keeps coming out of Alastor's mouth. ]

You're rather lonely, aren't you? [ It is what he finally says, still staring straight toward the fairies that are making his order. ] The Lucifer of your world does not give you any attention, and so you seek my attention in his place?

[ He finally turns to look at him. ] Is that it?

[lonelysmiles]

[Alastor's smile doesn't falter. He's lonely, yes, but not for Lucifer's -- any Lucifer's -- company specifically. He wants closeness, companionship, to be part of the crazy song and dance of life, not just a radio host commentating on it.]

[He'll be forever denied that wish. And he's accepted that. He's learned to be lonely. One day he might even enjoy it. It's only been ninety years, after all! Tomorrow just might be the day!]

The Lucifer of my world couldn't give less of a damn about me, and I'm fine with that. Honestly, being one of the King of Hell's favorites seems to be more a chore than an honor. You caught my interest because of your order, and I find you interesting because you are so different from my Lucifer. Unlike the counterparts of your brothers, I've met him several times, so it's intriguing to see the differences...and the similarities.

[He pauses to take his order from the fairy.] Thank you, my dear! It all smells delightful!

[As the fairy shuffles off to fill someone else's order, he refocuses on Lucifer.]

No, I was a radio host in life. Talking to people was a job and a pleasure. You just happened to make enough of an impression to spark my interest. Nothing more, nothing less.

[pridecometh]

Such blasphemy.

[ Lucifer grumbles at the idea that he would be the King of Hell. That is a role reserved for, and earned by, Lord Diavolo. But there is a pause in hearing that his brothers may not exist in the world that "he" is the King of Hell. Such an awful existence to be without them, to never know them.

His lips curl into a displeased frown. ]

You certainly do seem to enjoy talking. [ Which is quite different from Lucifer who generally is quite tight-lipped about most things save the rare times he can get talking about Lord Diavolo or break into a tirade over whatever his brothers have done.

"My brothers are not your playthings." The statement hangs in his mouth. His shoulders drop; out of consideration to Satan and Mammon, he swallows those words yet again. If they need me, they will tell me. ]

Perhaps, it is time for an ad break.

[lonelysmiles]

Perhaps it's best to draw the show to a close. You're a far more boring guest than I'd hoped. Pity that. As soft as your brothers are, at least they have some spark.

[Alastor smiles with cold pleasantness at Lucifer.]

Enjoy your stay in Reverein. Perhaps I'll see you in your dreams.

[pridecometh]

[ Lucifer breathes in and out; slowly, methodically.

He remembers when he first fell from the Celestial Realm. He remembers his own habits very well, even after that time. But they were able to help him heal and recognize that he cannot act that way -- not if he wants to truly protect his family.

His breathing continues. It somehow seems to become the only sound in the cafe as everything else starts to grow very quiet.

As soft as my brothers are--

There is a loud cracking sound. His demonic form appears -- spreading out his four wings and the air around him filling with demonic energy. ]

Perhaps. [ He replies and smiles. ] But I would be careful where you wander. Not every dream will be welcoming you. [ Lucifer can feel their hand gripping his and telling him to calm down. He breathes in cool, calming air, but his form does not let up. ]

Good day.

Thanks for such a fun thread! Really digging their CR!

[lonelysmiles]

[Alastor doesn't move, but it's not out of fear. He watches with the smile on his face widening all the more in utter delight at the display.]

Ah, there's the Fallen Seraphim! A proper demon from the Devildom at last!

[He gives a sweeping bow.]

Until next we meet...Your Majesty.

[And with a hearty laugh, Alastor merges into his shadow, the black specter still laughing as he briefly circles Lucifer before disappearing out the cafe door.]

THANK YOU

[pridecometh]

A proper demon.

[ He bears his teeth as soon as the demon bows his head to him.

With a jerking motion, he attempts to step forward but he still feels their hand in his own. He can feel it on his shoulder and it holds him back. No matter where the two of us are; we're still connected.

It keeps him from moving forward and just watching as Alastor leaves.

The food and drink he requested, that he had been so bent on getting, forgotten and shall become just a wasted effort by the fairies. ]