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

[While Eustace was busy sweeping and exploring some of the houses, he might find more leaves landing where he just swept along with some branches. Just a mite problem someone finishing up some extra pruning while that sweeping is happening; no big deal, right?]

[All right, this area is done time to go to—

...

When Eustace does a cursory glance to check his work, he sees leaves in spots that were just cleaned. He could have assumed it was the wind or some critter, but the branches suggest something bigger. Frowning he glances up.]

Hey. Is someone up there?

[If not...he might have to do some more pest control.]

[There's another second of rustling, but then a pause.]

Yeah! Hold on! This branch is... grr...! C'mon...!

[There's more shaking. This one branch is being a pain in the ass, but it's dead and has to come down.]

[...

A small sigh as he runs a hand through his hair. In fairness he should have checked if anyone was working above before setting to his own task.]

Need some help?

[Even as he speaks he walks outside so he can get a better look at his "helper."]

Nah, I almost got it.

[Not that Zidane notices the guy who's talking to him, but they might see him - blonde hair, blue vest, and some good work pants. Anyway, kinda hard to see behind his head while hanging up in a tree and working to cut the final bit of old wood and trunk holding onto the branch. He's giving more dreamotion a go which was why it was taking the time it was.]

If you're sure.

[He'll just stand there to the side and out of the way, but within view so that he can see the teen work. It's hard to really tell what he's doing due to the low vantage point.]

Just watch out for the other branches.

I got it!

[Maybe... though, there is a snap as the branch he's working on comes down and just misses where the other guy is, falling to the ground below.]

Oh man! That surprised me!

—!

[He hears the snap and jumps back just in time to avoid the branch before silently glaring up at the teen.]

[Creeping up to the stump that now remains after the branch falls, Zidane drops down... but not all the way. Just enough to hang by his tail and see the guy finally.]

Whoops, sorry about that! But hey, tree's all spruced up!

[Just another hard glare before he sighs.]

There's a vine just to the right of you. It's hard to tell how far it goes, so go ahead and cut it. It should die off on its own.

[It's like that glare should do something, but he just grins.]

Got it. One second!

[Back into the foliage he goes to locate where the vine reaches. And in a moment, there's a fainter snap and the vine comes falling out of the tree.]

[Great. This kid is one of those types... At least he's following the order so he just internally sighs.

As he hears the vine snapping, he steps back to give enough clearance just in case, and he watches the fine fall down safely past him.]

That should be it, good work.

Now get down here and clean up the mess you made.

[At least Zidane got some praise??]

[Dropping down to land next to the other guy now, Zidane looks up, hands on his waist.]

Control the chocobo, Fluffy. I'm not a Dragoon. Sheesh!

[And after that, he'll jump down to the ground.]

Fluff—??

[WAS HE JUST CALLED FLUFFY??? He's heard a of various nicknames attached to him, but this is a first. And like with all of them, he just let out a small breath and ignores it. Whatever, it doesn't matter. He just give the boy a look...and see that he has a tail. Hm.

He then reaches out to grab the broom and roughly shove it in Zidane's hands.]

Here.

[Hell yeah he called you Fluffy. Staring back, Zidane's just smirking. He usually likes more explosive reactions, but this is fine too.]

[When he's handed the broom, he raises an eyebrow. Then, he sets it aside to him where it stands on its bristles alone.]

Here... [And he'll go ahead and watch the broom start sweeping on its own. Look, he's been playing around with Dreamotion. Have you, Fluffy?]

[...

All right.

He'll hand it to Monkey Boy. That's a creative way to do it. So he'll just watch before raising a hand.]

I'll leave it to you then.

[And he'll just turn around and start leaving. Two can play at this game.]

[Good try, but it'd have to bother Zidane more.]

Alright, Fluffy. See ya in a bit!

[He might wanna leave faster.]

[... But there is a lot of work to do for the treehouses...]

[Good luck finding him.

Okay it probably won't be that hard and Eustace isn't really trying that hard to "escape." He's just going to move on to the next area that needs to be taken care of.]

[The branch probably takes the longest time to clean up, but once it's gone...]

Hey, how's it going over here?

[What's up?]

[He's currently mending a few windows, taking out broken glass and piling the sharper debris into a makeshift bin to the side, something shimmering over the opening. Should Zidane investigate, it's a kind of barrier to prevent anyone from reaching in.

He only glances at Zidane before continuing with his work.]

Going.

Just watch your step—there are a few rotten boards that are marked for replacement.

[Some are obvious, but others aren't so much. Regardless all damaged floor boards have a red X on them.]

[Investigate is just what Zidane does, half hearing that thing about rotten boards while poking at the shimmering top.]

... Huh, y'know, seems kinda weird trees are cool with treehouses being built in them, but then they attacked us and threw fruit when we tried cleaning them up.

[Don't mind him looking around now, stepping over the damaged boards as he goes.]

Given how they were recently infested with insects and we suddenly arrived without warning, I'm not surprised the trees were on the defensive. Although they clearly have some sentience, we don't know how intelligent they are and if they are just reacting without really knowing what's going on.

[A hand rests against the bark of a tree that's part of the tree house.]

...Since they seemed to have calmed, we can assume they've at least realized we mean them no harm.

Huh...

[Dancing over a board that was missed and ignoring how it broke, Zidane tilts his head. He mulls over the information in his head, considers it, but then moves on.]

Do you think other tapirs lived here before we got here? Or something else?

[He looks it over.]

I'm not sure if anything ever lived here...there's no sign of any furnishing or living in. Perhaps some of the creatures took residence, but if something did used to live in these houses, it was a long time ago.

[Which is weird because it sounded like this world hasn't existed for all that long. Given this is some kind of dream world, could these trees just naturally be forming tree houses...? That sounds even more absurd.]

Hm... that, the furniture fell apart, or someone was taking it as people were leaving.

[Eh, Zidane wouldn't question a matter of a world's existence. Time could be weird between one place and another too.]

Or the termites. I get they eat wood, but I wouldn't put it past them.

ii-b: obligatory bother

no matter what world rip

haha! hey friend!

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