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songerein2022-02-15 12:03 am
dreamposts) wrote in songerein2022-02-15 12:03 am
{ 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.
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.
a lil spice in his life while the fbi are knocking down the door
Sorry. I ruined the fun of the prank, right?
[Truth be told, she has no clue what's going through his head. Embarrassment is her best guess but hopefully not mortified. That wasn't her intention. What's left of the frozen petals finally drop to ground, and Kiki's smile is simultaneously saddened and forgiving.]
But using love to joke around isn't very nice, you know? [...Okay, maybe a little bit of chastising is in order.]
stop he is an honorable sword boy
(Thank you for letting go of his hands because now he's free to just pull his hood over his head and cover his face. He knows he's practically glowing red. He can feel how warm he is. )
I don't know...
(How does he explain this without sounding like an asshole!!! He might have been under the influence of a charmed flower but that doesn't change the fact that love is an important and precious thing. A crane can only have one love! He can't just give his heart to anyone and he did just that--)
Aaaaah.
(He crouches down on the ground in shame before letting out a highly stressed whisper,)
Something came over me. (Noooo he feels bad,) I didn't...
(He didn't mean it???)
poor crane boy
More importantly, she's not sure what would make him feel better. Her hands hover awkwardly above him before she finally crouches down alongside him and reaches out to pet his head through the hood.]
I-it's okay, Tsurumaru-san, I forgive you. ["I'm sorry." Her eyes are glued to his feet rather than his face.] It was a mistake, and that's okay. You're not obligated to me or anything like that.
[Is this how to comfort someone? The only frame of reference she has is the one time of Kaeru dying in Sakaido's arms.]
no subject
He doesn't respond right away. He still needs a moment to regain his composure. For Tsurumaru Kuninaga, his aesthetic is carefully crafted and everything he'd just done clashes with his image. More than his pride being hurt though, he knows it isn't her fault and he looks up from under his hood, still bright,)
A crane can only have one love.
(Because this clearly explains everything,)
I'm sorry. I don't know what happened...
(He shakes his head and suddenly, loudly,)
Don't be sorry! (It's not her fault!) I'm the one who--
(Aaaaaaaah)
... Sorry.
no subject
It's fine. I said it wouldn't work anyways. [The petting continues
to ruin the aesthetic.] It's better if you find someone to love outside of a dream. I'm no good to begin with...I'll disappear eventually, and I don't want anyone to blame themselves for the inevitable.[It's the kindest way she can phrase the idea that she'll likely die without the thought leaking out on its own. Her tone is so calm too, as if she were talking about the weather.]
...If it will make you feel better, it's okay if we pretend we never met. [She's used to that as well.]
no subject
His head still bowed down, eyes watching her carefully as she explains herself to him, he can't help but think of one of his last waking moments. The silence of a fallen battle site, under the moon, facing the sea, his voice drowned out by the waves.
He reaches up with one hand and
Pokes her in the cheek.)
Impossible. (Another poke,) A meeting can't be taken back. Once met, you can't be un-met.
no subject
Alright then. It's nice to meet you, Tsurumaru-san. [She rises slowly from her crouching position then offers him a hand. (Not that it will be much help since Kaeru is pretty tiny to begin with.)]
Just...don't force yourself, okay? You don't owe me anything.
no subject
He looks at her hand for a moment and accepts it. Even if it doesn't help or if he doesn't need it, he sure makes a show of making it look like it did something. He gets up easily and does a little skip at the end.
His previous mood seems to be forgotten. Wasn't he embarrassed as heck a moment ago? That was old Tsuru. This is now.)
I don't.
(Owe her anything and he
boops
her
nose)
You'll have to earn this crane's favor.
(You know... literally like the old folktale.)
no subject
I'm not really in a position to be able to save anyone's life. [Without it costing her own.] If I had the supplies, I could give you a painting. But I don't think that would warrant marriage, heheh...
[She knows nothing about swords, but she can at least pick up on folktales! Kiki makes a mental note to expect more crane-related anything when it comes to this man. It would make for a good painting subject too.]
no subject
Forget marriage.
(Waving his hand in the air. He's brushing the whole idea away.)
Let's start over. (Didn't he just say you can't undo meetings...) How does it usually go? FIrst you're friends?
(Not! Lovers! That never happened!!!)
no subject
That's what you get for all the boops.As for how to redo the whole of it, Kiki is pleasantly surprised (!) that he mentions friendship at all. Not that she has much experience with making friends. Kiki has her brilliant detectives and people who want to save her, but none of them are friends. She'd rather not think how long it's been since she's had a friend. So after an owlish blink, the psychic's smile returns with some sparkles appearing above her head.]
I think it's acquaintances first, but I'd be happy if we could become friends.
[Kiki can have a panic attack alone later when she realizes she has no clue what friends do or talk about. But hey! The concept is great right now.]
no subject
(He's teasing because what's with that look!!)
Eh, who has time for all of the steps?
(Tsurumaru. That's who. When you've already lived for over a thousand years, what's a little more time spent on a process? Nevermind the fact that Tsurumaru himself is... difficult to genuinely befriend? But it's fine. He never expects anyone to stick around long enough to really get to that point!!!)
It's more fun to skip to the exciting parts.
no subject
...A-actually, I don't think I've had a friend before. [Better to say it out loud before her thoughts leak out anyways. She's never been good at keeping secrets either. Still, Kiki's expression grows concerned as her gaze drops to the ground in contemplation.]
I don't know what you mean by "exciting parts". [Oh god, when was the last time she ever felt excited?!]
no subject
(He places one hand on his hip and leeeeeans forward. He's definitely using his height to be... intimidating? He's clearly playing around. There's no threatening aura or anything to him! But it's hard to miss that he seems to be... up to something? He's a trickster. A menace.
He just hangs there for a moment, being intimidating before replying,)
You know! Eating sweets before tea!
(He's old, okay.)
gomen, she has a lot of feels
A-ah...
[Suddenly, Kiki turns around and automatically gathers up some of her hair to hide her face. The muddy feeling grows to the point of bursting, forming tears in the corner of her eyes. She would've thought that hearing her lack of friendships would have driven him away. Too creepy, annoying, a disturbing power; the image of so many different frowning faces directed at her weighs heavy in Kiki's mind. Enough to the point where Tsurumaru catches a glimpse of it.
...He said he would try his best, and Kiki never knew she needed to hear something like that. She can't let this chance go to waste.
After a sniffle and quickly scrubbing at her eyes, the psychic spins around to face Tsurumaru again. Her voice comes out loud and warbling:]
W-want to go get tea with me?!
picks her up and spins her around
These little glimpses into something are strange. He can't say he welcomes them but like water washes off the back of the crane, he lets this do the same. It isn't in his nature to fuss about the complexities of the world. He only notes, files it, and puts it away for the day it's okay to mention it. Until then, he can pretend he knows nothing. He saw nothing. He understands nothing.
He hasn't changed his position one bit. He's still leaning close, that menacing smile on his face. When she turns around, he pats her on the cheeks with his hands! Gives them a nice little squeeze so she looks like a goldfish. A cute goldfish with big eyes.)
Mhm! (He lets go, standing up straight and resting a hand on his hip,) As long as there are sweets.
(And he! Holds! Out! His! Hand!)
I saw a cute shop before. Let's go.