songerein | { test drive #07

✵ TEST DRIVE MEME: AUGUST ✵

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. Special note! Next month marks our first year anniversary and we'll be holding a special little event to celebrate. As such, this test drive is directly connected to its preparation.

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 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 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:

Cloud Coffee. A cup of hot coffee with a cloud of sugar floating above it. The steam from the coffee melts the sugar, causing a subtly sweet "rain" of syrup to pour into the cup. Drinking the coffee brings whimsical and playful feelings, not unlike wanting to dance in the rain. (Thanks to dreammotion magic, the melted sugar does not make a huge mess of the cup like it would otherwise…)
Melon Soda. Bright green and fizzy, this drink tastes like late summer and makes one feel mellow and a bit lazy. Dreamers who come from worlds with things like school and summer vacation may recognize the sense of holding onto summer relaxation for as long as possible.
Peach Tea. Black tea brewed with dried peaches and other fruits to create a light and fruity flavor. Drinking this makes one feel like chatting, either with a friend or a stranger, about the “good old days.” Available hot or iced.

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 something else going on, there's always something to do. In this case, as Reverien approaches its first anniversary, locals and Dreamers alike are preparing for a Renaissance Faire sort of festival to celebrate! Currently dubbed "Dream Faire" (name pending, Faire for short), it won't be until later in the month, but there's a lot of work that needs to be done ahead of the festival itself, and there's no shortage of ways for new arrivals to help. Sponsored and funded by the leprechauns and their strangely vast amount of gold and treasure, everyone is ready to pull out all the stops!

A. Plaza Cleanup. Debris from all the wind from last month has built up in the Plaza, so the first order of business is to clean it up so that vendors can begin setting up their booths. Some of what needs to be cleaned out can be used to build booths: driftwood, bits of fabric, an especially cool looking rock, etc. Other items, however, may have traces of dreammotion energy in them that can have some surprising (if ultimately harmless) effects. One predominant effect is floating in the air and causing freak mini thunderstorms in the area. Be careful!

B. Bedazzlepalooza. The directions given for decorating ahead of the Faire is "MAKE IT SPARKLE," and people in town are taking that quite literally. It's a great way to show how far this once run down ghost town has turned into such a bustling, lively town! Items all over, large and small, are being coated entirely in gold and jewels. A magic device that shoots out small jewels and glitter to stick everywhere has been created to help. Perhaps one would like to join in making everything bright and shiny? Or perhaps someone was unfortunate enough to have a personal belonging (or entire self) become bedazzled by a zealous decorator.

Stop, Thief! Of course, having such a large amount of valuables out in the open like this attracts unsavory sorts who will try to gather whatever gold and jewels they can and run off. Keep them from getting away with their ill-gotten bounty!
Ornate Eggs. Beautifully decorated eggs are sometimes seen rolling loosely around, especially near high concentration of gold and jewelry. Many in particular can be seen rolling near the Bank of Leprechaun. Locals recognize these eggs from their holiday decorations the past winter and think someone must have lost a crate to try and use for decoration. Collect the eggs to either put away or to add to the decorations. Careful, some of them get strangely hot when moved away from the jewels and may even zap those around them. How strange.

C. Costuming. No good Faire is without its costumes! Madame Blackbird and other clothiers around town are hard at work putting those costumes together and the theme will be fairytale fantasy. As a result, there are many commissions available for gathering unique materials that can be woven into cloth or used to decorate jewelry and accessories from the Wildlands and beyond. Glistening scales from rainbow fish, shedded wings of pixies and dragonflies, hide of a minotaur, threads from the ghoul worms, flowers overflowing with nectar to attract butterflies so they can stay on the clothes—some will be easier to find than others.

Modeling. For those less inclined to leave town in search of bits and baubles, tailors also need willing (or less-than-willing) models for their costumes. Just stand outside the shop in full costume and try to convince passers-by to come in and have one made, maybe even get into the character or theme of the costume. Hopefully it's not too hot as the heat is still ongoing. While the theme is consistent, with all the different cultures there are various different…interpretations, some quite stylish, others not so. That medieval knight may look more like a Roman gladiator, or that princess is fully decked out in jewelry…mostly jewelry with little fabric (oh my). In addition, some may find themselves stuck in their outfits and will need assistance in changing out of them.

D. Faire Food Preparations. It's going to be a grand feast, one that will outdo the town's first feast the fae had provided them when they first arrived. But in order to do that, the chefs will need special ingredients and foods.

The Great ~~Emu~~ Turkey Leg War. Turkey legs are a popular item at these kinds of events, and a farmer on the outskirts of town who raises turkeys has offered to provide the animals. For obvious reasons, the turkeys themselves are not terribly fond of this plan and have escaped. Some of them even found little army helmets to put on their heads as they scampered off. The farmer has put out a request to catch the animals and bring them back alive (please and thank you). Dreamers are free to take the request or to join the turkeys in their fight against becoming future food.
Fairy Tale Fruits and Veggies. Other farms that are focused on produce have also requested help in harvesting crops ahead of the festival. These commissions include, but are not limited to:
- Beefsteak tomatoes that are comically large in size (might take a few people to lift them). If one cuts into them, will it be a tomato or will it have meat inside…?
- Dragonfruit that may or may not shoot a tiny puff of fire at whoever is attempting to pick it.
- Starfruit that will glitter and float away if left unattended for too long.
- Corn that asks you for the hottest gossip (for its ears to listen to, you see).
Players are also encouraged to come up with their own strange and silly fruits and vegetables in their prompts.

III. DREAMSCAPE TUTORIAL

Instead of being created by the Tapirs, the Bank of Leprechaun is sponsoring a special "dreamscape dive." After extensive research, a special dreamscape has been created to find special treasures that can be found and brought out of the dreamscape to add to the Faire. There are a few challenges dreamwalkers will have to get through, but they assure everyone it's completely "safe" and it'll be good practice for exercising one's dreamotion abilities. And should anyone hear strange roars, the ground rumbling, or strange large shadows…don't worry it's fine.

A. Up the Beanstalk. Upon entering the dreamscape, everyone will find themselves at the bottom of what looks to be a large beanstalk growing against an even larger cliffside. The location of the treasure is in a castle gilded completely in gold situated near the top, and the only way is up. Flying is one way to do it should anyone be capable, but there are large leaves and vines that can serve as pathways. Perhaps one can try to use dreamotion to make the leaves move as a kind of elevator. Not too many threats on the way to the top, except maybe giant flies that buzz around. They won't attack, but the drafts from their wings could easily knock someone off balance. Maybe one could try hitching a ride to fly up.

B. Sticky Hands. Once at the top, a few leprechauns are there waiting in front of the giant steps to help guide everyone inside through a small, opening crack by the giant doors. Of course they're not going in, just giving some instructions and warnings. One big one is the fact that once anyone enters the castle, their hands will become super sticky. For anything non-treasure, it will take some force but they can pry their hands apart. However, the moment they touch any kind of treasure or artifact within the castle, the item will be stuck until they exit the dreamscape via finding a shining crystal and using any kind of dreamotion to activate it. Fortunately they are commonly found…after clearing the trap.

C. Clearing Traps. It's going to start feeling like a real castle raid. Treasure is found quite easily as there are many rooms and chambers filled to the brim with rare gems, jewelry, accessories, ornate weapons, gilded tomes, mirrors, and other artifacts one might expect to find in a treasure trove. However, there is only one way in and the moment anything is picked up, the path changes. Floors suddenly disappear, one door becoming four, tiles lit up into different colors, walls closing in, arrows flying from all directions, mannequins wielding fire and—the classic boulder run. Without hands it'll be more difficult to deal with, but dreamotion will be very effective and can be used to get past the traps. Once cleared, the shining crystal will appear and once activated they will wake up with the item in their arms. Turn it in or keep it!

It's not like these treasures belonged to anyone…right?

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

Alas, for Hythlodaeus's hunter, her prey is keenly aware of her presence, if not her exact location. Not that he's in any hurry to call her out (even if he probably should be).

No, no, it is far more important to make his way to each of Reverein's landmarks and comment to himself about this and that little detail of what history he's gathered and how useful this place always is or how delectable the food over there always seems to be.

It isn't until he's back where he started that he finally stops, grinning ear to ear, not even bothering to hide his amusement. "And the we reach the end of our tour," he says, and looks directly at his follower's hiding spot. "I trust that was sufficiently informative?"

It wasn't until the third, maybe the fourth landmark that she found this guy to be a little odd. He talks to himself a lot... but she knew a few that had the same sorta habit.

It's landmark seven that she discovered she was retaining information. That's what this place is made of? That building there was assembled recently of dream magic? The two moons were new after the original was stolen...? This tailing target was doing her a favor as a stranger here. All told, she'd learned of three cafes she wanted to head to for a drink once things cooled down-

The imp froze. Hold on. Pretty boy was lookin' right at her.

Well. Crumbs. A smirk lit up over her face as she stood and revealed herself, giving her blonde wig a flip with a laugh. It did nothing to hide the horns.

"Actually? ...Yeah. Didn't think I'd start tailin' a tour guide of all people. At least, you sound like you've been here for more than a minute."

That earns her a laugh. "Not as long as some people, but several months at least. More than enough to learn when new arrivals are like to come along. And though I know not what the environment you came from was like, I can assure you you'll find plenty of friendly faces around should you wish to know any more."

He takes a few steps closer and cocks his head to the side. "No need to hide in the shadows, in other words. ...Most of the time."

Friendly faces, huh? Hell was... amicable enough, but she had to wonder what would become of her if she simply did walk around as she was. She'd seen a great deal of strange-lookin' folk blending right in among the humans.

"That right? Seems to be a whole mess of different folk here just goin' about their business, but you can't be 100% sure."

She shrugged casually. "Besides, I'm lookin' for somebody."

"Indeed. The fae are native to this realm, but I've seen my share of different peoples from more worlds than I could have dared hope for. So much so, in fact, that even the very definition of a man can change from one world to the next."

It was still mindboggling how many people thought he was something else solely because of his soul-sight.

Hythlodaeus paused and slid her a sly look. "And here I thought that someone might have been myself, what with how diligent you were in following me. May I ask who that someone might be?"

"Actually, you ring a little bell in the fashion of who I'm lookin' for- he's just chock full of information, especially if it's musical theatre. Like meets like and all that."

She folded her arms, but one hand propped her cheek as she smiled warmly. "He's my height, got a fancy bow-tie and dressed to the nines. The most adorable freckles, too. I checked where folks have their fun but he wasn't anywhere around there during our 'tour'."

Her height, hm? He knew better than to say it aloud, but, combined with the clear adoration she appears to have towards this missing man, it painted quite the adorable picture.

"Not even at the theater," Hythlodaeus noted--for he had no doubt he would have noticed someone matching the description. "But I would be more than happy to accompany you on another walk through town if you'd like. I've excellent eyesight if I do say so myself, and now that I have some idea who I should be looking for, it will be all the easier to find our man."

Not even at the theater! Millie's shrug and brief thinning of her lips spoke to the sheer surprise she felt not seeing her husband there, too, what with his passions.

"You've got my thanks then, stranger. He can work himself up into a real tizzy sometimes, especially if he feels like he's lost somewhere. I don't think this is a kidnapping situation, but you figure after all the crap we've been through we'd come up with some kind of system to find each other again."

She'd found what had to be the best search partner: Any peer at her soul denoted something quite different, the dark aether of the soul that matched the other demonfolk that walked here, but on a far smaller, profoundly weaker scale.

The petite woman rubbed her chin, lost in thought. "...Like some kind of tracker in the bowtie or somethin'... Those 'If lost bring back to so-and-so', 'I'm so-and-so' shirts Blitz bought did not work as much as he wanted 'em to..."

"Oh no, I can assure you it isn't." Or, rather, this isn't a kidnapping. Hythlodaeus had no way of knowing whether or not her husband was being kidnapped in the waking world. Hopefully that wasn't the case.

He squinted, focusing his aethersight, making note of the differences in her soul compared to those he's seen so far. It reminded him of that Alastor fellow's in a way, though the telltale signs of death were nowhere to be seen. "Let's see..."

He stood a little straighter, looking around, occasionally craning his head to get a better look this way and that. "Well. The good news is that you aren't the only one from your world to arrive here. However, I'm seeing multiple souls that may belong to the one you're looking for."

She dared someone to try kidnapping. Some have! She was sure the ones that survived the result juggle with more than a few night terrors.

Millie's shoulders stiffened briefly, an owlish blink directed the very, very tall man's way. "Multiple what now? Souls?? You're seein' souls?"

Huh. What did imp souls look like? Did it... did it give her away?

{ test drive #07 - august 2022 }

I. Exploring!!

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