songerein | { test drive #04

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{ 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.

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.

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[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.]

[ 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!

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!

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.

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!]

[ 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. ]

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.]

[ 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.

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!

Let us be off, then! I imagine the Chief Inspector is wondering why he hasn't heard from you. No doubt he'll want a full report and a chance to relieve himself. [ Assuming Gina didn't just, you know, let him wander willy-nilly in a dream realm. ]

Your sharp eye has undoubtedly spotted some familiar faces in the crowd--the Mikotobas and Mr. Naruhodo? [ He discreetly taps out the contents of his pipe when the orc isn't looking and stashes it back in his coat. ] Perhaps they can decide the victor in this challenge: the rookie or the veteran!

[She is a little more responsible than that! Toby's being looked over by one of their friends at the moment.]

The Chief Inspector'll be keepin' 'imself plenty busy for now, you can count on that. I just gotta make sure that the pup's seen to Jimmy and Richard, that's all! [In other words, seeing if he does have to relieve himself.

She does tap on her chin thoughtfully as she looks off into the crowd.]

Hmmm... Yeah. They can be good judges o' worth, I s'pose. They'll know for sure just how much better mine is!

[ For all the suggested impartiality of their friends, Sholmes can imagine that the reformed diver will still have the advantage. Well, if he loses, that means a great excuse to mope dramatically, and that's almost as fun as gloating. ]

Shall we raise the stakes, Inspector? Should I win the judges' favor, I enjoy unrestricted access to the Chief Inspector for a month. Should you win ... ?

[ He waves his hand, inviting Gina to fill in the blank. ]

[Gina might have a feeling as well that their friends might lean towards her... and she might be hoping she can count on it!

But now, the stakes have been raised. Gina narrows her eyes. She doesn't want Sholmes to run some weird investigations with Toby, but she can't back down from the challenge either. At least she's confident in her chances of victory!]

Alright then! If I win, then... uh... ya gotta be a maid for a month! For me and the rest of our lot. You're gonna 'ave to clean up every mess!

[ Sholmes' smile falters. That does not feel like an equivalent exchange. But he invited this, didn't he? And there are no clear stipulations about a required quality of housekeeping. (Let that be a lesson to Gina: any deal with Sholmes needs a thorough check for loopholes.) ]

You have yourself a deal. [ Sholmes stops long enough to extend his hand for a shake. ] I do so look forward to taking Toby out for a bit of case work. I shall have his third eye wide open in no time!

[Gina likes to think it's a perfectly reasonable wager! But she might be biased. Of course, she doesn't even think of the possibility of adding further detail to it. She's just satisfied that he agrees! But his comments get a glare out of her.]

Oi! Don't go givin' 'im any extra eyes now, Sholmes! ...An' don't forget, ya ain't won yet! We still got yer monster of a chocolate to find. Let's get on that already!

Pardon me, but you gave him an extra ear. [ He points at the questionable chocolate rendition of Toby. ] And it's the 19th Century, my dear! A willing pup has every right to find spiritual enlightenment.

Now, as to the matter at hand! [ He snaps his fingers. ] If my brain were made entirely of chocolate, I should think I would head this way.

[ Sholmes turns on his heel and immediately begins striding off in ... well, a totally random direction. That seems about right, regardless of what his brain is made of. ] Do try to keep up, Inspector!

[She frowns as he points out her folly and just meekly tries to protest.]

Th-that's just one of them artistic choices... [Although when it's put as enlightenment, it sounds better to her. As long as it doesn't change the precious pup!

In any case, it's adventure time. She scurries in his footsteps, hoping she can count on the great detective to solve this case. She's not too worried... really, aside from how unsettling the Chocolate Sholmes is, this is starting to seem fun!]

Oh I will! I ain't lettin' ya out of me sight!

[And with that, they're off!]

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{ test drive #04 - march 2022 }

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