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

i. welcome to songerein (beware spoilers for these prompts)

a. magical journal

[ Susato was all too pleased to be given a free journal just for herself to use. It was light pink with deep red cherry blossom petals as a pattern. She doesn't waste any time using it as her own personal journal. ]

This journal belongs to Susato Mikotoba. Judicial Assistant.
I've found myself in a strange new world. One that rivals that of Great Britain.
Is Sholmes-sama here? This strange magic and technology seems right up his alley.
I does make me wonder about the laws here...
Are women allowed in the courtroom? I wish to stay by Naruhodo-sama's side without any issue.

~ Susato Mikotoba

b. dreambucks rainy mornings

[ When ushered towards Dreambucks Cafe, Susato was immediately charmed by the atmosphere of the place. It was like she was experiencing her trip to Great Britain all over again. But with a magical twist, it seems! Creatures roamed around like it was some kind of fantasy novel straight off the shelves of a book store. And as someone who loved books, she couldn't help but gladly be swept up in all of the madness. According to the creature that greeted all of them, it was nothing more than a dream. Surely she'll wake up eventually, right?

Once she found herself a seat in the cafe, she would look over the offered teas and choose Rainy Morning. It seemed like an interesting name for some tea. She was curious about what leaves were used to make it. But once she took a sip, she was suddenly reminded of a simpler time that was far, far away. Susato closes her eyes with a smile. A daydream would appear on a dream crystal lantern.

A young girl would be carried by an older boy on his back. From the hairstyle, it was quite obvious that the little girl was Susato. The older boy assures her that everything will be alright as long as they are together. When the girl would open her eyes again, she would notice you catching a peek at her memories. She seemed embarrassed at first before relaxing a bit. ]

That is an old friend of mine.

[ She then frowns. ]

But now he is... [ Susato trails off. ]

ii. home improvements

a. susato the bug tamer

[ While most people were terrified of bugs, Susato didn't actually fear them. Especially because she could sense no ill intentions coming from them. As weird as that sounded, she could tell that they were simply just trying to live their lives. Survive. She didn't know the full story but who knows what could have happened that caused them to be displaced like this. So, Susato has taken the gentle approach by simply ushering them away to the other forests. But one has gotten particularly attached to her that she can't bear to part with.

He's a dragonfly about the size of a large dog. She has affectionately named him Arsene Lupin. Lulu as a nickname.

Having seen that there is a peaceful solution to all of this, she grabs the attention of the closest person to her. ]

Wait! You don't have to kill it. You just have to befriend them.

b. tidying up

[ Susato can also be found cleaning up some of the houses. She seems all too happy to get her hands dirty despite the circumstances. She may even approach you, her face dirty with dust and dirt, with a bright smile on her face. ]

Do you need assistance?

iii. dreamscape tutorial

a. pumpkin savior

[ It did not take long for Susato to figure out how to turn back into a human. She picks up on things pretty easily for a girl her age, mostly likely due to the fact that it's a part of her job description to do so. But now that she is human again, she has made it her mission to help others that are stuck as pumpkins. Mostly because she can see those conniving little mice trying to draw on them. How rude!

When she sees one of them approach one of the pumpkins, she picks it up and holds it over her head. ]

Shoo!

[ As they scurry away, she brings the pumpkin down to face level. Oh, right! She almost forgot that you were still a person in pumpkin form. ]

Do you need help being yourself again? I can help.

b. dreamotion practice

[ Susato is hard at work trying to make the place festive. She doesn't waste any time inserting the Japanese influence into the decorations. She mainly starts with turning the leaves into bright pink cherry blossoms. Even though it isn't in season, it should be fine. Right?

Perhaps she needs to be told that her decoration skills could use a little work... ]

iv. wildcard

[ Feel free to throw anything at me! ]

[Kazuma had managed to solve one problem of simmering the flames, only to be "assaulted" by the mice. He hopes none of these embarrassing scribbles actually stick when he's human again. Blast not having his katana in this form to scare them off-] -!!

[Suddenly he was lifted up by someone with a very familiar voice. It's a voice he hadn't heard for some time, but there's no mistaking it, especially when she lowered him and he got a good look at his savior. The voice belongs to his once judicial assistant, Susato Mikotoba. Immediately the air above her will feel cold, prickly with static. She's here. How was he supposed to handle this, he's a pumpkin! Of all the times to be-]

I...would appreciate the assistance, yes. [The air will start to return to normal as he tries to get his head back in the game. Maybe going in the opposite end and getting warmer.]

[ That voice sounded awfully familiar to her. She'd know it well considering she grew up with it. But there was no way that could be the case, could it? He was...

But this was a dream. Perhaps her mind was just playing tricks on her. As much as she wanted to believe it, it did not make any sense at all. For a second, Susato doesn't say anything. She has to take a second to get her emotions in check. ]

The first step is to picture the silhouette of yourself, next imagine your height, and then imagine the colors that make up yourself. It's kind of like a painting. Just try not to panic.

[The instructions were straight forward. He's disappointed he hadn't thought of it himself to be honest. One problem. He can't focus while his mind is trying to figure out what to do once he was back to normal and talking with Susato. He knew there was always a chance he would meet his dear friends in these strange worlds. A certain famous detective found his way in that land of stories afterall.

But a lot has happened, and now that one has appeared...he couldn't shake the thoughts of the horrible things he's done.] . . . [So nothing happens. Susato will just keep holding onto a silent pumpkin.]

[ Susato continues to hold onto the pumpkin as she patiently waits for something to happen. Maybe it takes a couple of tries for certain people and being in complete silence usually helps when focusing on something important. But when seconds begin to fade into minutes, Susato begins to realize that the pumpkin person isn't making any progress at all. She stares at it, pouting a bit.

Maybe he's just shy? Or nervous. Perhaps she'll just have to cheer him on! ]

Are you alright? Don't be nervous.

[ She gives the pumpkin an encouraging smile in hopes that will work. ]

I know someone who gets nervous under pressure too. I'm rooting for you so don't give up just because things are getting tough!

It's not... [Embarrassing, this is embarrassing. Oh if Naruhodo was here and knew he was a pumpkin, he'd be laughing, he's sure.

...Someone who gets nervous under pressure, huh. Sounds like that's who she was talking about. He recalls that trial, how Naruhodo rashly declared he would defend himself, knowing nothing about the law. How Naruhodo would later traverse the great ocean to continue on where he himself couldn't, with Susato supporting him the whole way. He can only imagine the kind of hardship they both went through. Meanwhile, he can't even change back from a pumpkin. He hums quietly. It doesn't need to be now. She doesn't need to know about any of it just yet, and he'd rather not stay a pumpkin the whole time.

The pumpkin wobbles in her hands, shifting about until eventually, there's a poof of smoke, and a person now stands in front of her. Unfortunately, though unaware himself, the scribbling he endured as a pumpkin remain on his face.]

[ Seeing the plume of smoke suddenly appear, Susato is relieved that she managed to help another soul out of their pumpkin prison. She had feared that her instructions were too vague or may be incorrect as a whole. But as the smoke clears and their figure is revealed, Susato's smile is replaced by look of shock and fear. She looks like she has seen a ghost. And from her perspective, she really is seeing a ghost.

Asougi Kazuma is dead. Long dead, really. Susato is sure of this because, not too long ago, she had been at his grave asking him to look down on her as she went into court dressed as a man.

There are so many emotions that flutter around in her chest. Happiness, worry, anger, and the urge to laugh at the scribblings on his face matched with such a serious expression. Susato closes her eyes, doing her best to do away with her emotions and think of the situation logically. This is a dream and, like all dreams, anything can happen. There are already strange creatures wandering around in this world. Who is to say that there will not be creatures that can take on the form of the dead?

When Susato next opens her eyes, her hands are placed neatly in front of her as she stares coldly at Asougi. Or, potentially, the thing impersonating him. ]

You... It is rude to take on the form of the dead. Have you no shame?

[ She then raises her hands in front of her chest, already preparing to give out a well-deserved Susato Toss. ]

I request that you reveal your true form.

What? [Now it's his turn to be confused. What probably should have been a heartfelt reunion, turned into Susato staring him down like a threat. Didn't they already go through this...? Or perhaps, this place messes with time as well. He sees where her hands are positioned, recognizing that familiar Susato Toss form.]

...You may toss me, but it would just prove I'm not a ghost and who I appear to be. [He takes in some air, working out how to handle this.] I didn't die, let's make that very clear first. I have nothing I can present to prove it, but I will answer any questions you have of me.

[ As he said, she could toss him around just to make sure that this isn't some kind of trick. Yet she finds herself hesitating to do so. If this really is him, she does not want to actually hurt him. And from his willingness to be tossed, it seems that there is no longer an if that needs to be applied. No matter how hard it is to believe, this seems to actually be Asougi.

There are so many questions that are running through her head. How is he not dead? Where did he go? How is he doing?

But those kinds of things can wait because the overwhelming feeling of relief and happiness to actually see Asougi again takes over. She ducks her head, hiding the forming tears in her eyes. ]

I'm sorry for this...

[ And without any warning, she buries her head into his chest as she hugs him as tightly as she can. ]

-!! [...He had expected a strong reaction once she worked out he is who he claims to be, but the hug still catches the man who has always kept his guard up. There's a sudden gust of wind, turning into a warm breeze. A small part of him, a lingering guilt wanted to push her away. For he's not a good person deserving of this. And yet, how long has it been since someone embraced him...?

He hums quietly, raising an arm to wrap around her.] Thank you for freeing me from my pumpkin prison.

[ It truly feels surreal that Asougi has managed to find his way into her arms once more. She is reminded of the times when they were children and she could only reach his waist. Even when the both of them have grown older she is still unable to grow as tall as he is. But none of that matters. She is just happy that he is here with her again. No longer did she have to look to distant memories of Asougi to comfort her. She had the real thing with her right here and now.

Well, as real as a dream could be.

Despite the fact that she doesn't want to let go, she decides that she has to or she just may never manage to do so. She can't let him slip through her fingers again. Once she lets go of Asougi, she gives him a polite bow. ]

It's not a problem.

[ Susato leans forward excitedly. ]

I have so much to tell you. About Naruhodo-sama, about Sholmes-sama, and even about me. You've missed a lot.

[He remains close to her, just to ensure she knows he's not going anywhere.]

Hm, I'll gladly listen. [They never did have a moment to chat once he remembered, did they? On top of that, it had been nearly a year, along with the time spent at the Index...several years add up.] Though perhaps we should continue this elsewhere.

[ Continued here! ]

[Typically, the matter of book keeping and records were best left in Susato's hands. While his memory was good, his practices with those sorts of things were... less than orderly. Which was a major part of why his desk was always such a disaster.

But this book was different. It shared people's words with one another somehow.

...well. Part of him thought it could still be some manner of trick. That was-- until he saw her words.]

Susato-san?! [...oh right. He's writing in a book.] It's me-- Ryunosuke Naruhodo. Where are you? I'm coming to find you.

[Nevermind that he hasn't even gotten an answer yet.]

Naruhodo-sama? You're here too?!

I'm by a cafe? I think.

Where are you?

Yeah, it seems that way.

Of course-- the cafe. I know exactly where that is.

I'm near the residential area now, but I'll be there soon.

Alright. I will wait for you outside of the cafe.

I'm not wearing anything different so it shouldn't be hard to spot me.

[He doesn't even bother to write his response. Book clutched tightly in his hand, he immediately takes off for the cafe; knowing exactly what to look for. The moment he sees her, there's a sense of relief. But he doesn't slow down until he finally reaches her.]

S-Susato-san!

[...give him a moment to catch his breath. Even in his dreams he's out of shape, apparently.]

[ The boy in the grey cape is nothing if not a hard worker; when Susato approaches the house, it's already been aggressively swept to the best of his ability, bracken tossed in a pile outside. But now he's leaning in the doorway, considering the remaining sticky messes from fruit and sap. He replies to her over his shoulder without looking at first, voice laced with a sigh. ]

Thank you. But what I need is a bag of baking soda.

Baking Soda?

[ Susato is confused by such a request, mostly due to the suddenness that it is brought up. Susato then shakes her head to get rid of her surprise. Right! Baking soda. She believes that does help with cleaning very tough to get rid of stains now that she thinks about it! She has heard some women talking about how useful it is from time to time. ]

I understand. Though, the truth is that I wouldn't know where to find it. Especially a bag of it.

[ She bows, even if he isn't facing her. ]

I apologize.

[ Another sigh as Tenn comes to terms with the fact that he's spoiled, both in Japan and overseas; it was so easy to go out and find baking soda anywhere. He never thought he'd have to clean without it. ]

It's fine, there's no need for you to -

[ But then he turns around, and is startled by two things: one, the bow, but two and most importantly, the kimono. ]

Ah... please excuse me.

[ He echoes her bow because how could he not? On rising, he asks almost too quickly, ]

You're also from Japan?

[ It is a surprise to see another person hailing from Japan as well. A welcome one, though. While she did love Britain, it is always nice to be around others who understood her own culture as well as she did. At his question, Susato gives him a small nod. ]

Yes, of course. My name is Susato Mikotoba. It's an honor to meet you.

[ She looks a little ways past him to get a better look at his progress. Everything seems to be going smoothly so far which is a relief to her. If more people like him were around, perhaps this place would turn out okay. It may be a dream but that is no excuse to have things fall apart. That would certainly lead to a nightmare, wouldn't it? ]

And where are you from, may I ask?

[ It's hard to tell. The clothes that he wears... It's something more common in Britain, isn't it? ]

[ The kimono brings a few questions to mind. It's not formal enough to be from a ceremony, but could easily be for a festival or event. He’s also unsure whether she's younger or older than him, and so Tenn errs to caution and follows her lead in formality. ]

Pleased to meet you as well. I am Kujo Tenn.

[ His attire is western in style, and the make of his silver sweater and dark trousers under the cape appear fine. (Though that’s clearly not slowing him down while housecleaning.) He is curious that she asked for his region right away... but was wondering the same, and answers easily. ]

I'm from Tokyo. And you?

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

{ test drive #01 - august 2021 }

Susato Mikotoba ( Dai Gyakuten Saiban )

III-A

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TGAA:Resolve spoilers here on

TGAA 2 SPOILERS BELOW

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ii. b

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