songerein | { test drive #01

✵ 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

[ ... Okay, she is right. That isn't a normal blade. But it's still incredibly sharp and going to be near his head...

But if that's truly the best she can do, all he can do is gulp. ]

Alright... Just- Do be careful.

[ He'd like to not be decapitated today, thanks. ]

[Fingertips ran along the side of the blade, the movement idle as she analyzed the shackle around Luca's neck.]

You may want to have your head tilted back and eyes closed. You can also hold the metal away from skin as much as possible. [If only she had something to add just a little bit of- well. Something that might help him feel a little safer. She could very much understand the worry, let alone apprehension.

She'd certainly removed a few heads in her time.]

When you are ready.

[ He nods and does as she says. Hand on the chain, trying his best to keep his arm away from where she might be cutting...

He still isn't entirely sure this will work, but if she's serious about this... ]

... Go on.

A deep breathe, and exhale—

[It was more to help Luca steady himself, less likely to move in the wrong way as Alice lined up the blade.

Once he exhaled? The crack of a snicker-snack split through the air, quick enough the wind off it would be felt, along with the sound of metal breaking. A hand did rest on his shoulder, blade held to her side and behind with the sharp side facing behind her.]

That should do it.

[Didn't leave anything dead- other than the shackle.]

[ If her hand is on his shoulder, she will feel a slight jolt as he hears the knife cut through solid metal. ]

Huh...? Wha? [ He opens his eyes and looks down at the broken shackle on the floor. Her blade... It cut right through a thick layer of solid metal! Impossible! Or at least, implausible! ]

How...? [ He glances around before his eyes finally rest on hers. It takes him a moment to process, but... He's grateful. ]

... Thank you...

[The jolt was both unexpected and expected, but it didn't stop her. Touch was something Alice wasn't fully comfortable with- being touched, or sharing, but this was progress. More so with Luca with how often they had spent times together.

What comfort she could provide, given how she could tell he was full of nerves with this. Couldn't blame him, she was the one used to it.]

Breathe a little easier, right? [The smile was faint, but it was there.]

I'm just glad it wasn't too thick, would be terrible to have you stand through another slash towards your neck.

[ He nods, touching his neck on reflex... Bandages, there? He can barely feel the edges through his leather gloves... Wouldn't he have been healed of that by now?

No, the important thing is the heavy shackle is off his neck. He lets out a breath he didn't realize he was holding. ]

I must say, you are quite skilled with a blade. Where did you learn how to wield susuch a knife? [ He's only handled a sword, but something vaguely shaped like a kitchen knife makes for an unlikely weapon. ]

Edited 2021-08-22 01:56 (UTC)

Self-taught- it was required to survive through Wonderland once it was no longer a peaceful place, after all. [She let the blade slip away, freeing her hand of holding it as she took a step back.

Had certainly done a number on many foes, and had never failed her once she took it up. Jabberwocky even went down, even if it had taken a lot out of her once upon a time.

Arms rested in a folded position just against her back.]

Saved me a few times as well.

Ah... I see. You've spoken a lot about your Wonderland, haven't you?

[ He couldn't recall all of the details, not all at once, but the cat's face has burned its image into his head and she did mention something about how she had to save it multiple times. ]

Remind me what you said it was to you?

To a few, yes.

[When it came up, or something reminded her of it- either now or the far better days. Hearing another Alice had called for help and answered hit a softer spot, some hope that she would get to keep her Wonderland something peaceful. A good escape, and perhaps safer lessons learned.

Her head tipped, a thoughtful expression there-]

There is no Wonderland without me, but there is no me without Wonderland either. It's destruction was sought out to destroy me. To be replaced by something else.

Mmn... [ It is, indeed, a concept that's difficult for someone with his flaws to wrap his head around. Was Alice describing her mind, or was she somehow connected to another dimension that directly reflects her mental state? Either way, Luca has seen far too much now to dismiss its existence entirely.

Another glance at the ground, a gentle nudging at the discarded chains with his foot. She said she saved it, but did she mention someone tried to destroy it? To replace it? The very notion reminded him of a faceless someone he would have rather seen dragged off to prison instead of... ]

Destroy and replace, you say? [ He looks up and tries to focus on her instead. ] I can't imagine too many people outside Wonderland would know of its existence, so that must imply someone was trying to manipulate you for their own gain... And failed, clearly.

He failed, yes. Far too many suffered, but he is not worth talking about.

[There was a familiar weight in the pocket of her skirt; the key to so much, and there was some strange comfort in having it there. Something missed in that world of stories-] My memories are more clear than they had been, after all.

[An implication that whoever wasn't worth speaking of had tried to do something to her own memories. A thought that still haunted her in shadows, but he was nothing more.

She had made sure of it.]

[ They're not thinking of the same man, are they?

No, of course not. He was thinking of that so-called "great inventor." Hardly the kind of person who would take interest in someone like Alice, as clever as she was in her own ways. And unless Alice's wonderland wasn't a... Unique case, the only kinds of person who could have possibly messed with her head must have either been a hypnotist or worked with that...

She was in an asylum, right? Didn't she tell him that? It was in written correspondence. With any luck, he got to take that here with him... Did she say something about her memories? ]

Yes... [ Oh, dear. He really hope he doesn't seem too distracted by his own thoughts. ] I must say, I'm impressed you've managed to recover that much on your own.

[Didn't hurt or help she didn't remember all of her time in the asylum.]

Nanny helped a little- or at least she was there to talk when I could find her. [Along with 'help' to find clothing and a way to earn money at first from those who just waned to use her. Again, they weren't of much worry but- well. She was on her own, and she couldn't help but wonder what was going on outside of all of this.

Could think on it later.] Cheshire was always there as a bit of a guide, even when I didn't think it was needed.

[A lot of it was still very much on her own. Little guides from her Wonderland-] To push onwards, and remember even those memories that had gotten buried.

Still- do you feel better without that weight around your neck? A little more steady?

{ test drive #01 - august 2021 }

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