{ 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

[lestray]

[Gina welcomes his warning with a smirk.]

I 'ear ya loud and clear, but I got a feelin' that ain't somefin' I really got to worry over. [She waves a hand dismissively.]

I doubt I can get on 'er bad side even if I tried. An' trust me, I did try! [She says that with a soft laugh as she thinks of Iris and her determination to befriend the street urchin. When Gina was reluctant to befriend her and when she tried to convince everyone she wasn't worth trusting, Iris always remained doggedly determined to see the best in Gina. It was infuriating, and touching. She almost wants to see Iris write something bad about her, just to see what it would be like!]

[thegamesafoot]

You're quite lucky, madam inspector. [ He gives a smokey snort. ]

I don't recall precisely how I earned her wrath, but she once wrote that I smacked my head upon a beam and fell down a set of cellar stairs. [ He seems to have forgotten this actually did happen, but maybe the cruelty lies in the fact that Iris didn't edit it out. ] Me! The hero and titular character! Her beloved Hurley! Reduced to nothing more than ... cheap physical comedy!

[ He sighs, exhaling his momentary anguish. ] She'll be delighted to write about all of this, though. Quite a departure from the standard Sholmes adventure.

[ He eyes the orc suspiciously. ] I do wonder what sort of dastardly crimes the fae denizens are capable of. Kidnapping and tooth theft are their bread and butter, if I had to wager a guess.

[lestray]

I dunno, Sholmes. Sounds like somefin' that would happen to you.

[She lays that out to him honestly and with a hint of a smirk. That sounds pretty par for the course for the great detective as she knows him! And she knows him to be both a disaster and a genius. Sometimes it feels like getting to properly understand him is a bigger mystery than the actual cases he tries to solve!

Her smile grows and becomes more nostalgic as he talks more about Iris. Gina may not have been in this world long, but Sholmes's presence does help to illuminate Iris's absence. She's starting to miss her little friend already!]

Yeah... This place feels like it'll fill a 'ole book series! [She continues working on the sculpture, now trying to make some eyes! And she chuckles as he thinks about the crime life.]

Ain't that stuff from fairy tales? I wouldn't count on that if I was you! In a world o' dreams, I bet they got more creative kinds o' crime goin' on! [Or at least, that's her guess!]

[thegamesafoot]

Indeed! That's exactly the extravagant suspicion I like to see, Miss Lestrade! We mustn't rule anything out!

And in what devious ways might a criminal cover his tracks in such a malleable realm? [ The way his face lights up, one might guess that he's not just thinking about criminals; what kinds of patently irresponsible things can he get up to? ]

Inspector Toby will need to expand his senses beyond the olfactory. The pooch may very well need to open his third eye. Tell me: how familiar is he with chakras? Auras? How active is his pineal gland?

[lestray]

[She feels like an authority now! Pausing her carving, she folds her arms together for a moment in thought.]

Let's see! If it's like a dream, there's gotta be all kinds o' ways. I bet a cove'd be able to pick a pocket wivout even touchin' it! An' make their footprints go off in all kinda o' confusin' ways... They might even 'ave you runnin' in circles!

[But the rest of what he has to say goes over her head, and she raises her eyebrow.]

Alright, Sholmes. What're ya goin' on about now? You know as well as me that Toby's only got the two eyes! I dunno all that stuff. Chakras... that some kinda onion? I ain't fed 'im any o' those yet!

[thegamesafoot]

Not onions, no, and please do refrain from feeding those to Toby. They wreak utter havoc on the canine constitution.

[ He taps his pipe to his lower lip. ] No, if a dream criminal can easily confound our traditional senses in the ways that you speculate, we must identify other damning evidence he might leave in his wake. Some spiritual essence? Residue of the energy that the tapir mentioned?

[ He waves a hand to the chocolate dog in progress. ] Perhaps Inspector Toby can become attuned to this?

[lestray]

Gonna 'ave to make a note o' that. [She remarks quickly as he explains that about onions. Ever since she's started taking care of Toby, she's been trying to keep track of what he can and can't have. Because it seems like there's a lot of things out there that are bad for dogs! ...Hence Toby's absence right now. But onions are one thing she hasn't check up on yet, so she'll have to make sure she remembers that.

Then she ponders, trying to go detective mode as she theorizes with the man.]

Yeah... all that 'dream energy' stuff I keep gettin' told about. I bet coves leave somefin' like that behind, no matter 'ow 'ard they try. And Chief Inspector Toby's nose is so keen, I'm sure 'e can sniff that out too! I'll start testin' how well 'e does with that as soon as I can!

[But first, she has something else to work on! Cheerier now at the thought of Toby helping them to take down dream criminals, she works on the carving's eyes!]

[thegamesafoot]

[ For a while, Sholmes mulls over the idea of dream forensics and half-watches Gina's progress. Finally he returns to idle chatter: ]

You've quite the knack for this. Maybe you should consider a change of occupation. I'm certain the well-to-do would pay a handsome sum for a custom chocolate sculpture. [ With his celebrity, he's been invited to a few society galas, complete with ridiculous displays of wealth: towering cakes, ice sculptures, exotic foods. Some chocolate extravagance would fit right in. ]

And if that wasn't enough, maybe this would even grant you entry into their lavish estates, brimming with shiny, pocket-sized baubles. You know, the kind that would never be missed. [ No, he's not condoning anything, though he has helped himself to a few things at a client's house. Mostly of the edible variety. ]

[lestray]

...You're just playin' with me, aren't ya Sholmes! [She remarks with suspicion, and disbelief.] Sure I'm doin' fine an' all, but I'm still no artist. Ain't no way anyone'll be payin' that much for a lump o' chocolate!

[She says as she keeps on chiseling away. She's definitely making a face of some sort, but it's unclear if it really looks like Toby.]

That... that does sound really fancy an' all... but no way it'll 'appen! Not like I'm divin' anymore anyway. You saw to that yerself! [She'll blame him whenever it's easy! Even if it's not like she hates having moved on, for the most part.]

[thegamesafoot]

There's no accounting for the strange whims of the aristocracy, my dear. [ And he's certainly an expert on "strange whims." ]

And playing with you? Pshaw! I would never! Test you certainly. And I'm pleased to say you've passed with flying colors. [ He turns to his chocolate likeness, as if it were a presiding judge. ] There you have it, your honor! I detect no threat of recidivism from this reformed pickpocket. She is an upstanding citizen of the Empire!

[lestray]

Ya got me there, they're an odd lot alright. [She can agree with that much. The rich seem so darn weird! And evil. But mostly the weird part is relevant right now!

She's not sure whether she should feel proud or annoyed at this little test. She might as well feel both! As she states down Sholmes.]

I don't need no bleedin' test to tell that! O' course I'm still on the straight an' narrow. [She folds her arms proudly.] I'm a top inspector now, an'... an' I'm stickin' to it!

[thegamesafoot]

I'm simply exercising due diligence, Inspector. [ He raises his hands defensively. ]

Although, I do hope you won't entirely set aside the tools of your former trade. In an investigation, one needs a sharp eye and--sometimes--a deft hand. [ Or the ability to jimmy windows and pick locks. Search warrant? Who needs one? ] Don't allow yourself to be mired by rigid process and bureaucracy! Keep your instincts as clear and keen as Chief Inspector Toby's nose.

[lestray]

It's overdue if ya ask me! [He grumbles with a shaking of her head. In any case, he gets back to her sculpture and tries giving it a little smile. While musing on what Sholmes said. She ends up grinning.]

Now that's the best idea I 'eard out of ya yet, Sholmes! I might be a copper now, I still know 'ow easily the 'ole lot of them can mess things. Wiv me divin' instincts, I can be a master dee wiv the best of both worlds! [She boasts proudly. She has already investigated her own way in the past, which led her to discovering Gregson's secret notebook, but there's still plenty of more room to implement the tricks of her trade into her new work! Maybe it'll scratch that itch a bit, of that part of her that really misses diving.]

[thegamesafoot]

You wound me! [ He clutches a hand to his chest at the jab. But it's a fond kind of indignation; he can imagine those same words coming from Gregson. ] But I'll suffer a bit of critique from a fellow investigative professional--even one so freshly reformed from a life of crime.

[ His attention turns firmly back to Gina's work on her sculpture, such that, only when he glances back up does he notice something amiss. The color drains from his face and he chokes on his lungful of pipe smoke.

Where is chocolate Sholmes? ]

[lestray]

[She chuckles at his reaction. That detective really can be a big goof!]

That just means I got a fresh view of things. [She chimes in support of her experience. She prefers to believe that she's fully qualified to critique Sholmes!

But then the choking sound makes her glance away from her work again, just to make sure the guy's not croaking.]

You alright there, Sholmes?

[thegamesafoot]

Oh, everything's quite alright. [ He says this absentmindedly, casually scanning the surroundings for a lumbering chocolate golem. Surely if chocolate Wagahai could spring to life, Sholmes had a similar aptitude. ] Yes, indeed. Nothing at all the matter.

[ He waves a finger at Gina's dog-in-progress. ] Go on. Back to work with you. Toby won't make himself.

[lestray]

[Sholmes did make a suggestion to her, so she feels compelled to do that opposite! She sets down the carving tools and approaches Sholmes.]

Chocolate Toby'll do just fine wivout me workin' on 'im for a minute! Now what's gone on? You're not gonna shake me off that easily!

[Despite that, she hasn't noticed what the problem is yet. ...Probably because she's doing everything in her power to forget the Chocolate Sholmes's abominable existence.]

[thegamesafoot]

[ Fair. Maybe it's a small blessing that the statue has completely disappeared. Sholmes hesitates, then relents with a sigh. ]

I did say we should work together, didn't I? So be it. [ He waves his pipe at the surroundings. ] Apparently, if one molds chocolate with enough skill, their creation stands a chance at coming to life.

As such, it seems my likeness has wandered off. [ Not unlike his creator. ] But not to worry! I'm sure he's perfectly harmless, ha-ha!

[lestray]

It- it's alive now?!

[She gasps in surprise - and alarm! She wasn't sure if she believed this whole animating chocolate thing, but now she's quickly learning how to believe and to fear it!]

That thing can't be trusted roamin' the streets all on it's own! It's gotta be terrorizin' every cove it comes across... Alright, Sholmes, you're right! It's time we worked together, before that chocolate you stirs up trouble!

[thegamesafoot]

I'm afraid that may be easier said than done. If he takes after his maker, he's certain to be elusive quarry. [ Always watching. Always waiting. ... Chocolate mouth agape in eternal horror.

Look, it's okay. It's fine, Gina. ]

The matter can wait until after you're done. Then we can fetch the real Chief Inspector Toby and launch a proper manhunt.

[lestray]

You're right. But if anyone can figure 'im out, it's gotta be the real deal, ain't it? [This does look like a case for Sholmes alright! She is worried about what havoc the chocolatey doppleganger could be wreaking on the town, but she turns her attention back to her sculpture.]

...Fine. I'll just finish the 'ead for now, and then we'll be off! [...Part of her feels kinda excited about working a case with the great detective!]

[thegamesafoot]

[ Very generous of Gina to assume that Sholmes knows what Sholmes will do at any given moment. ]

His joints aren't terribly well-articulated. He can't move faster than an awkward trundle. [ But the fact that the thing could sneak away at all contradicts that notion. ]

A noble bust of the Chief Inspector would do quite nicely. Better that he doesn't have any legs, given the circumstances. [ Between Chocohai and the Sholmes monstrosity, that's more than enough animated chocolate for one town. ]

[lestray]

If ya say so... [He's the closest thing to an expert on this particular situation, and 'expert' is being used very generously. She'll just hope no one's traumatized by the sight of it before they can track it down.

His agreement does go very well with Gina! She nods along as she tries putting the finishing touches.]

Right! It's for the best. The last thing we need now is another of these runnin' around!

[It would be disaster if the chocolate Toby ran into the real one! So she just tries putting some finishing touches to her imperfect masterpiece. In addition to ending up having three drooping ears, she doesn't feel like she's done the facial features justice. In fact, it ends up looking something like this.]

[thegamesafoot]

[ Sholmes squints at the end result, tilting his head to see if he's just looking at it from the wrong angle ... ? ]

Well, Inspector Lestrade, I must say, it's very avant-garde. [ He takes a drag from his pipe and tries to formulate a more pointed observation. ] The wide eyes and the third ear certainly suggest the canine's vigilance.

[ He sighs, and shrugs. ]

However, it pains me to say: we cannot yet rule on who is the superior chocolate craftsman, as we lack both an impartial judge and my own creation.

[lestray]

Thanks... I think. [His assessments sound enough like compliments to her! She smiles, her arms folded, as she feels quite pleased with the creation she's brought into this world.]

I get it, you're just afraid to admit ya got beat by a new dee like me! [She thinks she has his number.] Fine then, let's find both an' settle this once and fer all!