{ 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]

[ His eyes widen for a second and his gaze is immediately fixed on her face. He controls his expression so that it looks irritated rather than increasingly concerned. ]

On occasion, he is known to do that, yes. [ Lucifer barely manages to stop himself from sighing. His hand does lift so that he can press his fingertips against his forehead as a brief look of resigned exhaustion touches his face before he reverts it back to a controlled one. ]

But it is fine. There is little harm that is done, and the matter is resolved relatively quickly without any issue.

[multidisciplinary]

[ Zelda catches that little hint of surprise before it's carefully tucked away back behind Lucifer's mask of calm. What could that mean? Lucifer's description of Diavolo as one of the most powerful demons makes him sound genuinely terrifying, but Mammon's description of Diavolo is more of a bored, spoiled child.

Regardless, both parties are in agreement that the Lord of the Devildom regularly harasses his subjects and that these occurrences are so frequent that they're regarded with little more than exasperation by the victims.

From that angle, perhaps Lucifer and Mammon are both right. ]

So I hear. [ Zelda sounds a bit cautious, less because she's genuinely frightened and more because she's suspicious about what kind of person Diavolo is---and by extension Lucifer, who seems to respect the former in some manner.

Then, more lightly-- ] In that case, you will probably adjust well to life in Songerein. Things are apt to happen unexpectedly here, as is the nature of dreams, but they are often resolved with little fuss.

[pridecometh]

[ Shifting his position, he completely faces her. The movement is so sudden that it may take her by surprise, but that is not completely his intention. ]

Lord Diavolo is one thing. The whims of everything else is another. [ His voice is sharp despite attempting to seem at ease. ] But it is good that it resolves itself quickly least I am forced to act to end things myself.

[ A lofty threat that really has no bearing, and he knows it, but it gives him a sense of control. ]

I, Lucifer, refuse to be the plaything of others simply because of my loyalty to Lord Diavolo. [ And loyalty is the word that he puts the most emphasis upon. ]

[multidisciplinary]

[ Suddenly turning to face her directly does startle Zelda enough to make her flinch, but holds her ground. If he's trying to intimidate her, he's doing a good job she won't let him. ]

It is not your loyalty to Lord Diavolo that will make you a plaything here.

[ She uses his words for emphasis. ]

There are larger powers at work in this realm who see neither race nor allegiance nor creed. You will find yourself prey to dreamshifts and hideous festive sweaters alike in Songerein---moreso if you are particularly resistant to playing along.

[ It's not a threat, but more of an FYI. Songerein seems to operate on the karma system: those who play nice with others and work together to overcome dreamshifts will find themselves rewarded. Those who are belligerent against the fairies tend to find themselves punished for it. Zelda recalls a fellow dreamwalker who would thrown across the city when he would not accept no for an answer from Solei. Fairies and dream magic are tricky, finicky things. ]

[pridecometh]

I understand.

[ And he takes a step forward. ]

That does not make me a plaything. I do as Lord Diavolo wishes because that is my loyalty. If I am in a festive sweater, if I am in some other situation, I have no desire to give up my pride for whatever brought me to that state.

[ He breathes in sharp through his nose. Really. ]

No wonder you cannot tell you are being played by demons.

[ Lucifer honestly feels a little bit of concern, but that is as much he can do to wake her up from her delusions. ]

[multidisciplinary]

[ If Lucifer is genuinely concerned for Zelda, she's interpreting his words as anything but. It feels much more like he is talking down to her. How dare he suggest that she is being manipulated! A well-educated princess like Zelda would know immediately if someone was playing her. (Or so she likes to think.)

Zelda puts her hands on her hips and lifts her chest in an effort to look more authoritative. ]

I am under no such state, thank you very much. My demon friends have been nothing but kind and courteous to me since we met. If they wanted to take advantage of me, they have had ample opportunities to do so.

[ Not really the kind of thing you want to be using in your argument, Zelda. ]

Why, Satan could have easily killed me while I was trapped transfigured into a pumpkin. Mammon seems to lack the inclination to do anything that would require as much effort as manipulating a person. And Alastor guided me to freedom from a nightmarescape for naught but a word of thanks.

[pridecometh]

[ He can't help but shake his head as she carries on about how the demons she knows have not taken advantage of her. His breathing can be heard -- sharp as he inhales through his nose, like he's attempting to calm himself.

But he pauses as he hears the name of the demons she knows. His eyebrows furrow before hearing both of his brothers' names. Dismissing the good that Alastor did for her, as he has his own feelings about that demon which would derail the conversation further, he uncrosses his arms. ]

You've met my brothers. [ The statement alone should have been warmer than what it sounds like, but he mulls over this revelation. ] They are not the norm of demons. You're being deluded if you think all of them will act like they do.

[multidisciplinary]

You are one of Satan and Mammon's brothers? [ Her disbelief is clear in her tone.

The possibility that Satan, Mammon, and Lucifer were related had been niggling in the back of her mind since Lucifer mentioned Diavolos, but considering how unlike her friends Lucifer was, Zelda had had her doubts. (It also doesn't take a genius to know that Alastor isn't one of the brothers Lucifer is referring to.) ]

If they are not the norm, should I assume the same of you too?

[ Some of her indignation lessens as she studies Lucifer. Now that she thinks about it, he isn't really acting like the demons he's warning her about. ]

After all, you are making no effort to manipulate me either. Or, if you are, you are making a very poor go of it. Honesty is the last thing you should be giving to me if you aim to exploit me.

[pridecometh]

Their eldest brother.

[ Lucifer decides that it is important that she knows that he is the oldest. A burst of pride hits him that he cannot allow her to think that he is younger than either one of them. ]

Of course, I am not the norm.

[ There is a second that he feels he could give a very pedantic response to her declaration. He decides against it, however, since he is recalling something that Mammon has told him. Satan has made friends with a young girl -- what was it? A fellow nerd? He squints as he feels like that isn't quite right.

But if she is thought of well by Satan, he changes his tactics completely. The sneering and irritated tone he takes also lessens. ]

Anyway, you're Satan's friend, aren't you?

[multidisciplinary]

[ Learning that Lucifer is the oldest of the brothers doesn't really surprise Zelda. Though she has no siblings of her own for comparison, Lucifer's stern authoritative attitude is what Zelda would expect from an eldest bother.

That he doesn't argue her assertion that he is abnormal is what surprises Zelda. (Admittedly, she had been hoping to get a rise out of him.) As someone who seems so proud of his loyalty to the demon lord, Zelda figured Lucifer would insist that he is the pinnacle of demonkind. Why would he agree with her? Unless he's agreeing that he's not the norm because he considers himself extraordinary.

But Lucifer doesn't give her a second chance for a verbal attack. Instead, he throws her completely for a loop. ]

I am, yes. [ She looks taken aback and her tone is somewhat cautious. ]

[pridecometh]

I see.

[ Lucifer draws the two words out as he thinks about them. Crossing his arms, he analyzes his part of the conversation. His eyes roll up as he thinks on it, before deciding that he didn't do anything worth apologizing or feeling ashamed.

His pride tells him that he did just fine. He does feel like his brothers should do more in warning people that not all demons are like how they are; they are extraordinary and sit at the highest ranks. ]

Well, continue to do your best not to trouble him, then.

[ If he says anything else, Satan may be annoyed that Lucifer expressed his somewhat approval or appreciation for a friend of his. It is good that he made friends with such a nice girl, but still, no need to get too mushy about it. ]