{ test drive #06 - june 2022 }

[dreamposts]

✵ TEST DRIVE MEME: JUNE ✵

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 July 1st. Our application cycles are bi-monthly so the next cycle won't be until September.

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 as it continues to grow, so walking around and to see what all there is might be a good idea. Many shops and businesses are popping up all the time and most necessities can be found. Although gold coins have been introduced, bartering is still the main method of purchasing and many retailers will waive first time purchases for newcomers. The population is still much smaller than the town itself, so there are still plenty of homes and buildings that are free to claim, and some may still need a bit of cleaning and renovating. Venturing out of the town to the fields and the Wildlands beyond is fine, though many would recommend having an expert accompanying them when going to the Wildlands.

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 refreshing drinks and small cakes. Specializing in teas, their products 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:

Mango orange juice. Sweet with a citrus tang. The heat of the day doesn't seem so overbearing, in fact you may feel downright cool as if in the shade everywhere you go! With this, you may feel the want to hang around with those who seem to be having a bit more trouble with the heat and just hang out.
Strawberry watermelon fizz. Bubbly and refreshing! The way this drink fizzles somehow feels as if it's lightening your mood with every sip, more cheerful. More open to speaking with others to spread the sudden good mood, perhaps.
Raspberry lemonade. Tart and sweet balanced nicely. A refreshing drink that leaves you with an easy feeling, rolling with whatever may come your way- just be careful not to let it turn into carelessness. Never know what might cross your path- or what paths you may stumble into.

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: Although gold coins have been introduced, everything served is free for newcomers as a welcome gift. 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

It's never a dull moment in Reverein and in the surrounding areas. Whether it's fulfilling a job from the latest Dream Board or dealing with current events, there's always something to do. Note on the weather: it is hot hot hot and humid. Although not explicitly listed as a prompt, all current weather and any other local happenings listed in the linked sections are fair game to use or incorporate in your prompts!

A. Wild Fountain Chaos. Due to some meddling by a well-meaning-but-still-mischievous fae, the fountain in Reverein has come alive. It has taken to luring residents close with anything from incoherent murmuring to outright shouting, "Hey you, over here!" before spraying those unlucky enough to fall for it, soaking them thoroughly. In its mind—or whatever qualifies as a mind for an inanimate object suddenly given consciousness—it's helping people out. It's hot outside, and who wouldn't feel cooler after a refreshing spray? Of course, the fountain isn't always filled with water. Thanks to the aforementioned fae's magic, the fountain's contents change at random intervals—and so do the related effects of being hit by the fountain's spray.

1. Sparkling Water. If any of this gets into the mouth, there is a distinct taste of something vaguely of lemon…as imagined by someone who has only heard of lemons third-hand and had to take their best guess as to how it tastes. People can't help but feel disappointed by it and may become a lot more sour minded than usual. Oh, and they start floating up into the air, so that's not going to help matters. Any attempts to add sugar will only make it worse and make people hyper instead.
   
   
2. Juice. Everyone who gets a taste of this feels like a kid again! Everything is bright and sparkly, and there's a sticky feeling to the skin that is somehow not unpleasant. The adhesiveness is strong enough to climb and hang upside down from just about any surface, if anyone is so inclined to test it out. Maybe even get stuck to each other.
   
   
3. Alcohol. Regardless of whether it's champagne, wine, or beer, the effect is the same: those who get a taste are now drunk. And since this inebriation is magical, there may be unintended dreamotion consequences to any drunken behavior. Explosive dreamotion effects, suddenly feeling very honest or cuddly—even just a sip will make the most high tolerant get a nice buzz. Have fun. (Drinking parties and challenges may or may not be deliberately set up around the fountain with the other flavors used as games.)

Bonus! The fountain can be distracted and/or placated if residents provide it something refreshing in return. It's working really hard keeping everyone else cool, so it deserves a reward! If residents strike up a conversation with it, it will eventually request an iced coffee. Just be warned that it's very particular about its coffee and will have a complicated order that would make the average barista scream.

B. Sand Castle Guardian. There is just a random, giant lifesized sandcastle right by the shores of the lake that suddenly appeared. No one knows where it came from, not even the local fae. They swear it just appeared overnight and they can sense strange magic to it—but nothing dangerous. Some have even ventured in and found nothing of concern. Despite being made of sand, it's a sturdy building…however wind does blow away bits and pieces over time. Once a crowd has gathered, a voice booms overhead, again the source:

I AM THE SAND GUARDIAN, GUARDIAN OF THE SAND.

A small voice shouts nearby, "Poseidon quivers before him!!!!!"

The "Sand Guardian" continues to state that it has a few challenges to give to these dreamers and fae. Should they succeed, they will be granted a great reward. And those challenges are…

1. LIVING LEGENDS. In one ornately decorated library, certain books that are sparkling with golden sand can be pulled out. Upon opening them, life sized forms of a single key character or monster will suddenly appear. The Kraken, the Leviathan, Poseidon, Moby Dick, Jaws—the possibilities are endless. Characters must face and defeat these "legends" using only their dreamotion…to create sand and water based items and attacks. Any other type of ability will be nullified and not work at all. All normal weapons stripped and any other magic just creates a puff of hot air. Even any conjured weapons must be "sea" themed. Want a harpoon? Will have to be satisfied with one made of hardened sand or magic water and hope that one hit works before it collapses. But a massive wave of water or a giant blob of sand could go a long way. The "legends" themselves aren't too strong, either—in fact they are made of paper and shells, but they are still tough and will take a bit of a beating before they disappear back into the book. Win and claim a fancy conch shell as a prize.
   
   
2. PEARL DODGEBALL. A simple game of dodgeball…or so it looks at first glance. It can be a game of 1v1 or 2v2 with the opponents being other dreamers, the fae, or some strange sea creatures that seem to be part of the sandcastle. Using a red pearl the size of a standard issue dodgeball, the goal is to hit the other person and remain standing in a best 2 out of 3 games. However, the real challenge is what happens if the person is hit by the ball. The moment they are hit, they turn into a giant oyster and have a chance to try and catch the ball in their "mouth." Should they manage, it's an instant win and they turn back to normal, transferring the oyster fate to their opponent. If they still fail, they will have to stay in that form until the end of the rounds and even then will have to hop and bounce around for about half an hour before they change back. Winners are rewarded with a few rainbow beads.
   
   
3. TREASURE. Like any castle, there is treasure to be found, and the Sand Guardian has given everyone a list of items that can be taken (players are free to make up whatever is on the list, have fun with it; or be vague whatever works). However, there are forbidden items that must not be touched, and their cues are simple: anything that has rainbow glowing sand on it. Unfortunately this sand has an enchantment that makes it so very hard to resist so one must be of strong will! If the item is touched, be it on purpose or accidentally, the castle will tremble and roar before cursing the would be thief to the dungeons...as a little jeweled hermit crab. Fortunately as a small crab, walking through the bars is pretty easy. Only way out is to somehow make it out of the mazelike place. Calling for large help to hitch a ride would also be helpful. Just be where the giant sand crabs and sand lizards that serve as "guards," but…they're made of sand. So not the most threatening or dangerous to get past. At worst a caught crab will be stuck in their sand bodies and paraded around for humiliation. Those who aren't naughty and find all the treasure will be rewarded with a fish tank treasure chest.

Of course just relaxing on the lake is a fine option for those who may not want to deal with the strange sand castle challenge.

III. DREAMSCAPE TUTORIAL

Note: this is set after or current event with the lunar wolves and moonscape. There's still work to be done to get a new moon back up into Songerein, and the tapirs and Elimei are here to help with some aid from the lunar wolves. A dreamscape is constructed where moon stones are scattered over a strange moonscape covered with craters filled with bouncy jello(??) and landscaping. Is that a forest or a jungle? Unlike the previous moonscape, there aren't as many threats so this will serve as great practice for those trying out their dreamwalking and dreamotion abilities.

A. Shooting Star Collection. Madame Blackbird has made a request that if they see any shooting stars to collect them in a special bag she's sewn up just for this purpose. The tapirs are happy to oblige and provide some shooting stars to appear, but these stars are tricky! They are super fast and need to be caught before they hit the ground. Beware when they land as they will basically explode and leave a small watermelon size crater. Definitely wouldn't want to be hit directly by that! It's all about flexing one's dreamotion abilities to figure out creative ways to catch and slow down those stars. Some might even look a little interesting with little black eyes that race around the ground. If caught, they will help give star catchers a big boost in speed and even allow them to fly into the air. (Complete with music.)

B. Playing with Pups. The lunar wolves have sent their pups to help aid the dreamwalkers in finding the moonstones…however, pups will be pups. First they will "tag" anyone and cast a special "blessing" that will change the individual into a random animal. Usually it's a wolf, but sometimes the pups feel a bit more mischievous so it could be anything. Then, while they will help find the stones, some pups will request playing a game of hide and seek along the way towards the moonstone's location. Characters can use whatever ability they have, including some granted by their animal form. Enhanced hearing, sight, smell, taste and any magic ability that could fit the theme. Just be warned—the pups are very mischievous and may run off to new hiding places, sending their playing partners into thorny bushes, muddy crater wallows, and other random annoyances. Find the pup, find the stone! It's a win/win, right? …Right?

C. Moon Gaps. Most of the moon stones are pretty simple and have no extra flair to them. Safely pick them up and put them in whatever container being used. However, moon stones that have a dark crescent shape should be handled with care. Touching these will instantly make the area around the individual change into a small reflection of what their own home world's moon might look like OR takes on the appearance of a popular moon based story from their world. It seems innocuous and quite fascinating at first, but creatures native to either the moon's story or the home world will start appearing, nightmare energy slowly corrupting them. What is actually happening is a strange "gap" or portal has been created and those elements of the character's world are seeping into the dreamscape. Two things need to happen to close the gap: 1) the moon stone must be purified by forcing a lot of positive dreamotion energy into it; and 2) the creatures must be defeated. Better ask for help because while only one or two creatures might be showing up, more will continue the longer the gap is opened. Wouldn't want them to leak into Songerein proper now…

Comments

Shooting Stars Collection

[leveillpier]

[ His words were met with an equally determined elezen. She was rather quick on her feet as well, holding onto weapon and casting scatter in a matter of seconds, blocking the star's escape.

If it got anywhere close to it, it might take a little shock or two. Alisaie landed right in front of it with her pouch, ready to catch it if it jumped in her direction, if the person calling for help didn't get to it first.

Either way, catching these stars was a lot of hard labor and the sooner they finished, the sooner she could relax with a cup of tea, enjoying the scenery. At least, what little enjoyment she had, being spirited to yet another unfamiliar world. ]

[crimsonsurvivor]

[ Having a partner that's also quick on their feet is nice. His regular team of people isn't here, and it's been interesting working with others.

Since she's ready to catch, Shinya will chase it towards her. The pouch given to him is open in case he catches up, but right now his goal is to get it to go straight into his partner's reach. ]

Here it comes!

[ Just as planned, it's heading on a path straight to Alisaie. ]

[leveillpier]

[ There's a confident smile on her face as Shinya lures the star towards her. The pouch in her hand is held wide open as it's chased straight into it.

She doesn't waste a minute to tie it back up again, and letting out a breath, satisfied with their capture. It's not every day that she can work with someone who's easy to coordinate with. She's either used to doing things on her own, or working with her brother and the other Scions through their challenges. It almost feels nostalgic. ]

Is this one the last of them? If there are more, we should get back on our feet.

[crimsonsurvivor]

[ They do have very impressive teamwork, especially for their first adventure together.

It certainly makes him think that she's also worked with a partner or a team in order to be able to coordinate with a stranger so well. He wouldn't mind doing more tasks with her in the future.

Once she scoops up the star, Shinya comes to a stop in front of her with a smile. ]

I'm not certain. We could take a moment and scan the area to see if we missed any.

[leveillpier]

[ He's not wrong. If she's not working with her friends or the Warrior of Light, she's on a mission with her twin brother. One of which, she wishes she could see right now, but there's not much she can do about that. She has to press forward, no matter how she feels about not having Alphinaud by her side.

Though, those heart wrenching feelings keep to tug at her once more at that thought, and Alisaie internally brushes it away to focus on their task. The sooner they finish, the sooner she can take a break. She repeats that silently in her mind. She tied the pouch as tight as she could and tucks it back to her side. A hand on her rapier and she looked around cautiously. ]

Let's scan the area then. Mayhaps, splitting up will cover more ground.

[crimsonsurvivor]

[ Growing up, Shinya had to fend for himself. It was a cruel situation where the motto could be said to be "everyone for themselves". One that he came out on top of. Finding allies for himself wasn't easy after that. Still, adjusting to work alongside them instead of against them...

That was a unique experience. A violent one, too. This one is special, as well. A lot easier than the previous ones. He watches as she takes care of her pouch, tying his up and letting it dangle from his hand. ]

Meet back here in a few minutes? We could get a drink when we're done, have an opportunity to talk.

[leveillpier]

[ While Alisaie didn't have many hardships growing up, she had her own struggles with finding a place for herself, and being her own person. After all, with twins, there's always some kind of comparison. While, she and her brother were prodigies in their won right, she was nowhere near as diplomatic or as knowledgeable as her brother.

She found her strength in other things, such as choosing to become a Red Mage, and helping others in her own way. She was more well verse in the battlefield, while Alphinaud was more focused on support. These little differences helped her adapt to others. She may not be the best by herself, but she shined with others. She was fine with that. She couldn't imagine what type of world he would come from, nor did she find any interest in prodding on the past of others. A slow nod of her head. ]

A proper break is due afterall of this trouble.

[ she spoke in agreement, before adding the last bit due to her own discomforting experiences of companions getting hurt and injured. ]

If anything happens, you better send a signal immediately.

[crimsonsurvivor]

[ Shinya has learned that most people have their own struggles growing up. He doesn't know much about this woman yet, but clearly she isn't a regular civilian. She's someone who has training, that much is clear from what he's seen so far.

It's one reason he would like to sit down with her and talk. Here, Shinya is without his team to lean into, so finding others he can rely on in times of trouble would be best. ]

Good, I'm looking forward to it.

[ Ah, her next words clearly mean that she's used to splitting up and there being trouble. Shinya nods. ]

So long as you do the same.

[leveillpier]

[ Alisaie while understanding that it was important to build relationships here, couldn't help but be a bit cautious. There were many experiences she face that left a bad taste in her mouth. She took a moment and nodded her head to his words.

Talking later, might be the best. At least, she could get some insight on this person and possibly an ally that she could rely on in the future. He seemed pleasant enough. ]

Of course! I wouldn't be careless in an unfamiliar place.

[ She always tried her best to not burden others. While, she could be hot headed, she knew better than to take any dangers on by herself. At least, currently. There was a lot she had to get done, and she would be no use to anyone if she were incapacitated. ]