songerein | { test drive #01

Entry tags:

-tdm

{ test drive #01 - august 2021 }

✵ TEST DRIVE MEME ✵
Reminder that our Test Drive Memes double as an Intro Log and threads can be carried over in-game. 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 open on August 25th and Applications open on September 1st. Our application cycles are bi-monthly so the next cycle won't be until November.

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 the initial group is 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 is empty of any other people and it's relatively safe aside from most of the buildings looking like they're about to collapse in on itself, but 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 anyone who gets too close to the Wildlands will encounter a tapir who will tell them to go back for now. Be warned if anyone tries to ignore and push past them.

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:

Rainy Morning. After drinking this tea, one might feel a little melancholic or nostalgic for something from their past. They might even have a short little daydream of a distant memory.

Summer Afternoon. This tea will make anyone feel more vigorous and joyful. So much so they might start shining like the summer sun itself! Any dreams influenced by the tea will be one of a happy occasion or a hopeful dream.

Autumn Evening. Brewed with special strong, herbal spices, this tea has a bit more of a kick to it, but it's also warm and is great for calming nerves while giving just enough of a confidence boost to get through whatever difficulties lie ahead. The dreams influenced by this tea will reflect when the drinker has been their bravest.

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. HOME IMPROVEMENTS

The entire town is in need of a massive fixer upper, but one of the first areas everyone will likely want to start is the residential area to figure out their new homes. Instead of houses, most of the homes are in the trees. Be it a treehouse or carved into the tree itself, various dwellings can be found. Unfortunately, there are some unwanted guests making a mess of things, so they will need to be cleared out.

A. Pest Control. One of the worst offenders are giant bugs of varying size of type with the biggest about the size of a large dog. Some are actually quite friendly and can be shooed or coaxed away to the forests just outside of town. Or who knows, someone might befriend them and make them into a new pet or house helper. The giant beetles could make for some interesting guard...bugs. Some, however, are more hostile as they find the fruits, leaves, flowers, and wood of the trees delicious. The biggest threats are the giant termites so they must definitely be eradicated or removed.

B. A Little Pruning. The trees themselves are a little...testy in large part of the bugs that have been chowing down on them. After the bugs are cleared they will calm down and become more passive, but until then everyone will also have to beware of wild swinging branches, rotten fruit falling, and roots suddenly springing up from the ground. Another way to appease the trees is cutting out some of the old, rotten wood and giving the trees some pruning, especially any vines that are choking some to death. Positive dreamotion energy will also help revitalize the area.

C. Tidying Up. Once the area is clear, the new residents can start cleaning up and repairing the different houses there. From repairing walkways connecting the trees, to the stairs and ladders that lead up to the treehouses, to decluttering and repairing the buildings, there's a plethora of work that needs to be done.

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 Spooky Forest and it first starts in a pumpkin patch before moving to a dark, fog filled forest.

A. Suddenly Pumpkins. The moment anyone enters the dream they will find themselves in a fenced in pumpkin patch and turned into a pumpkin. Since anything can happen while dreamwalking, the first exercise is to try and change back to their original form or have fun and just roll around as pumpkins. They can even try to change the pumpkin form, such as changing the size, the shape, color. Just watch out for the mice. They are feeling very artistic and will try to scribble whatever on any pumpkin around, but otherwise are harmless and easily scared off. The marker will remain even when turned to the normal, but should be easy enough to remove, right? The only way to leave the patch is to turn back to normal.

B. Festive Candy Hunt. At some point the tapirs come in and ask the dreamwalkers to try and change the spooky forest into something a little more festive. They are given free rein to change the environment in how they see fit. Of course, this means the dreamwalkers need to figure out how to focus their energy and imagination to make those changes. Perhaps starting small by adding decorations or changing the colors of the leaves is a good starting place. But there may be some difficulty as some rogue candy is messing things up and getting in the way. Capable of movement, they will dash, roll, and even fly to evade capture. They will also try and defend themselves using special "attacks" based on what they are. Chocolate will make melted chocolate puddles, taffy will make sticky traps, bubble gum will try and encase people in a sticky bubble—might want to avoid the giant jawbreaker as it's more of a bodybreaker. Fortunately once caught, the candy will change to its more normal form. Maybe altering the environment could work to their advantage. If successful in either decorating or catching the candy, there will be some kind of reward later.

C. A Little Frightening. While traversing through the forests, any small, minor kind of fear will manifest and chase them around. For example if one is afraid of spiders, a small group or one large spider will suddenly appear. If one hates cleaning, a bunch of brooms and brushes will start harassing them. It's not enough to induce full blown nightmares, and no one can actually be harmed, but it's enough to give anyone a fright and need help getting rid of them. Thinking of more pleasant ideas that counter the fears, like fluffy clouds or cute plushies, can help disperse them. If the fears worsen instead, a small noctaere will form. The tapirs warn that they are creaturn born from nightmare energy, and if too many appear and grow bigger the dreamscape could turn into a nightmare. So what a great opportunity for the dreamwalkers to test out their new dreamotion abilities! Especially since their original abilities aren't even useful while dreaming. The noctaere are quite weak, so a few hits can easily disperse them, but there might be a few that will take a bit more teamwork. This is especially so since everyone's abilities will be weak as well.

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

[A sound like that could never mean anything good, and the crack is what alerts Tifa to his presence. Down comes tumbling a very familiar frame, and she doesn't even need to get a good look at his face to know who it is. She also doesn't need to think twice about extending her arms out to catch him before he can fully hit the ground, and by the time he's in her arms, she might as well be princess carrying him.

Tifa's about to crack a joke, calling back to the time when they'd agreed to exchange piggybacks on their next excursion, but something at the very forefront of her mind tells her not to. The fact that Eustace, someone who she'd considered a good friend, didn't remember her shook her, and not having Zidane remember her either would shatter Tifa to her core.

For now, she decides it's better to play it cool and simple and see where it is he stands. Can't be that disappointed if she's preparing herself for the worst, right?]

That was quite the tumble. You okay...?

[She looks to the broken balcony then back at Zidane, flashing him a smile, but it comes out crooked and laced with worry.]

Woah!

[So much for landing on the ground, but he guesses there's a first time for everything. It takes a second for him to realize he's been caught, and then another that it's a pretty woman that did the catching. Well, well... but no, he'll keep the flirting down... maaaaybe?]

... You always catch guys falling for you?

[No, there's no helping it. He grins big, but then nods.]

Yeah, yeah, I'm good. Better question, are you okay?

[There's not that much of a height difference between them, but she is a little shorter than him. Also, her smile looks a little off.]

[It's hard to tell if this is a Zidane that knows her or if she needs to continue playing it safe. She wouldn't put it past him to play a little with her, and she'd probably do the same right back if she wasn't so unsure about it. Still... She can't really help herself.]

Someone's gotta look out for the clumsy ones.

[She was the only person around when he fell! Who knows what would've happened if she hadn't...

Tifa sets him down on the ground and makes sure that both his feet are planted firmly on the cobble before she frees his shoulders from her grip.]

I'm fine. That was no dust off my shoulders.

[Really, it wasn't. Her training has taken her pretty far.

Her gaze settles on the broken terrace. She's going to beat around the bush a little longer to feel this situation out, and maybe she'll figure it out without having to ask.]

I get this place is pretty worn down but you'd think someone would fix that. Could've ended a lot worse than it did...

[He fakes a gasp.]

Me? Clumsy? It's creative falling!

[But he laughs still. Okay, the balcony caught him off guard, but he would've been fine.]

[Back on his feet, he smiles.]

Good! But man...

[Looking at the building himself, he can only shrug and shake his head.]

Most places wouldn't bother maintaining repairs if there's no one to live in them. And animals don't really care about more than being sheltered from the weather.

Looks like it's been a while since anyone's been in there...

[Or any of the buildings, for that matter. Among them, there are some that look like they're still in use, but most of the city she's seen so far has been quiet. No other residents besides the animals and fairies she's seen passing through, and the greenery that seems to grow against whatever it can find.

Through the corner of her eye, Tifa stares at Zidane, watching him as he examines the building. Time to test the waters a bit...]

Big step down from Avalon, that's for sure... Not that I mind. It's kinda cute, in a rustic sort of way.

Yeah...

[But that's a little confusing still. Was it here for a long time, or until recently? How much time passes here to being out and awake. Was it as long as they slept that time passed? But wouldn't that make it slower?]

[... His head hurts.]

[Shaking it, he looks over at the young woman. She's... expecting something of him. That much he kinda gets, but when she mentions a place he doesn't know, it kind of confirms. He looks back at the building.]

Rustic, huh? [He tilts his head.] I can kinda see it... but even like this, it's still in better condition than some places I've been.

[That pretty much confirms it to her, too. There was no spark of recognition there, and she tries not to look so defeated by the news, smiling instead while she follows his gaze back to the building, hoping to keep his there for a while longer.]

This is pretty bad. What kind of places you been?

[She finds herself asking it before she can stop herself, her mind searching for any small loophole in her conclusion that he doesn't remember her, or at least Camelot, even if the bigger part of her knows that it's not likely at this point.]

Literal ruins. It only had some living arrangements because one person was there. The rest were all moogles.

[He doesn't know if she knows what those are, but staring at the building longer, his tail twitches.]

... Sorry.

[Feels bad when you disappoint someone that seemed pretty down already.]

Huh!?

[Tifa turns to him, surprised by his apology. Had she said something wrong? Had he said something wrong? She doesn't think so, considering that she had asked, but...]

Sorry for what?

[For... not remembering...?]

It looked like you were expecting something from me, like... hoping I remembered something. And really, I don't forget things easily especially when it comes from a pretty girl.

[He scratches the back of his head.]

So, sorry for upsetting you.

[Tifa can only laugh at the compliment, not quite sure how to take it. If this were anyone else back home, she might have kicked their teeth in, but... Zidane gets a pass on that. At least it's proof that no matter what universe he's in, he hasn't changed a bit, and she's grateful for that.

But her laugh quickly fades, if one can even call it that in the first place, when he apologizes again, and she rushes forward to throw her arms around his shoulders, just like when they'd reunited for the first time in Celliwig, and holds him tight.]

Don't be. It's not your fault.

[And when she lets go, she smiles for him again, even if it is a little forced. Maybe it's better that she tells him the truth? Better to just rip off the band aid than beat around the bush?]

Somewhere else, in another world, you and I are already friends. [ ... ] I'm sorry. I shouldn't have expected anything from you...

[Can't change a monkey that easily.]

[Okay, the hug surprises him a little. He more expected to be hit or get some snark back, but a hug is a welcome change. And one that he's willing to give back because she kinda needs it. And when she lets go, he does too.]

Oh, so there's another me in another world? Weird, why isn't he asleep? I betcha he's getting into trouble. [And since she already knows him, he has no problem trying to cover it up.] Hey, it's fine. I'd be upset too, but then like 'Hey, cool! I get to befriend them again!' and maybe you have a little advantage knowing me more, but whatever!

[Just like him. She was expecting a reaction like that, but why was she so scared of what it could be in spite of that? It was silly to be worried about the very tiny possibility that he could have taken it badly, but she's just relieved that he didn't.]

Don't worry. There're plenty of people keeping the other you out of trouble. [Maybe. Even when she was with him, they did still find themselves in a bit of a bind every now and then, didn't they? So who's really keeping who out of trouble here?] But I bet he gets plenty of sleep anyway.

[ ... ]

I'm Tifa. Guess I do have a bit of an advantage here, huh?

Oh really? That's good. [Maybe? Not really... have to think about how much effort has to go into making sure he's not doing something particularly stupid.] Knowing me? Yeah... he's at least not getting up early to do anything bad.

[He shrugs.]

Nice to meet you again, Tifa! And I guess that all depends on what he's said.

Hmmm.

[Tifa's attitude shifts into something more playful, with the weight coming up off her shoulders so that she can take a few steps around him, waving a thoughtful hand in the air.]

Not much, honestly? We've gotten into trouble together a few times, and there's never a lot of time to talk then, but... [She stops when she's directly in front of him and turns to lean in.] He told me all about this cute, spunky girl that's waiting for him back home.

[That was actually the last and most recent memory that she has of him!]

That's about all.

Oh, he's being cagey, huh? Or maybe he's turning the questions around? [Tifa could also just not be asking about the right things. A hand on his chin, he blinks when she leans in and mentions a 'cute, spunky girl' waiting for him. He grins.]

Aha! I see he's mentioned our wife~

[He's a man of quality conversation.]

[She sputters.]

Wife!?

[Whether or not he's being cagey, that's a big deal! Why in the world would he leave such an important detail out like that!? She didn't even think twice to press him for more details—she never was too nosy a person, but that's right along the lines of something he should have said!]

He's... you're married!?

[Isn't he a little young!?]

[He was expecting a reaction, but that was great. He has to laugh and shake his head.]

I'm kidding! It's this whole thing I still like joking about especially since it was her idea~ Maybe one day, but nothing official yet.

[In his world, it's pretty normal.]

[If this were in Camelot, she might have given him a light shove for tricking her like that, but instead, she lets herself laugh with him. It hasn't been that long, but it's one of the first times she's been able to laugh like this since coming here.]

What, going around telling people you're married was her idea? As long as she knows...!

[Don't go parading around telling people you're married to the girl behind her back!!!]

When that day comes, I better be one of the first to hear about it.

[Whether it's here or in Avalon... even if she already is aware that either is unlikely. It's all temporary...]

Edited 2021-08-31 17:45 (UTC)

Well, we had to in order to get through a village. They put on the ceremony and everything.

[So they're kind of married... there? It's confusing, but they never got a divorce by their standards.]

Haha, knowing me - and I would say I'm an expert - I wouldn't be able to not tell everyone I could.

[Does that count as being married? Hmm...! Well, she's going to go with yes. Only because that just makes it cuter.]

Good to know.

[Tifa heaves a big sigh of relief then, glad to at least have things return back to some form of normalcy, even if this is still far from what she wanted. She hunches her shoulders, her smile turning timid.]

Thank you... for handling this whole thing so well, by the way. The first time this happened, it didn't exactly go like I imagined it would.

[He's glad she seems to be feeling better. Catching her by surprise like that kinda helps with that. But when her smile turns again, he tilts his head.]

Oh yeah? There's someone else you recognized then?

From the same world, too.

[And the two of them were not only her good friends, but good friends with each other. Or something. Eustace is complicated. But if neither of them remembered her, then at least they won't have to suffer through the same sort of mismatched memory thing, right...?

She can only hope.]

I'm surprised you don't have a million questions like he did.

Ah.

[So from where she was right now. That'll be interesting when he runs into them.]

[He shakes his head.]

Sounds like the me you've been around hasn't mentioned it, but a place like this or another world wouldn't be that strange after some places we've been. Multiple mes is a little new, but I can't find that too odd.

[But, it does make him wonder something... eh, he'll keep it to himself.]

Edited 2021-09-02 17:30 (UTC)

If it makes you feel any better, I'm not so sure the problem's more than one Zidane running around.

[As far as she's concerned, memories or not, there is still only one Zidane, just like there's only one of her!

... But something else strikes her as interesting about what he said.]

Hang on. You've done this before? That you can remember anyway.

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tantailizing - 2021-09-04 03:19 (UTC) - Expand

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starshower - 2021-09-06 15:03 (UTC) - Expand

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{ test drive #01 - august 2021 }

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