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songerein2022-08-17 12:05 pm
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{ test drive #07 - august 2022 }
✵ 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

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.

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.
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!

- 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.

- 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.

- The Great
EmuTurkey 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).
- 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…?
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.

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.

It's not like these treasures belonged to anyone…right?
Dreamotion Abilities
But as he's walking along those thoughts seem to dull in his mind. Feeling something calm and familiar in a way that makes his shoulders tense up. He looks up and can feel the same sort of stony aura that he's felt many times in the past but not for many- many- years.
... That buffoon, Morax.
The affectionate thought comes to his mind with a smirk on his lips. And he might duck down near some bushes to watch the other archon. Mischievous and ready as he decides to greet the old man with a flicker of anemo energy right under his nose, brushing away the yellow light that Morax might have made.]
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[Really, he probably couldn't forget it if he tried. Not if this particular sprite had anything to say about it.]
[Closing his eyes, Zhongli lets out a sigh and straightens his back, turning to glance around him.]
A more civilized person might offer a simple 'hello' for a greeting.
[It's said in a slight deadpan, reserved solely for one particular Archon.]
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Ehe, wouldn't you expect something a bit more dramatic for all the years that have gone by, dear Morax?
[Venti appears behind Zhongli in a whoosh of anemo. His arms latching around the man's shoulders like a flea to an animal, his cheek pressing up against Zhongli's cheek with a squish.]
Hello, old man.
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I suppose I should count my blessings. This is rather tame, by your standards.
[Of course he can't help the quip. Still, he glances back at the familiar head of braided hair behind him. When he replies, his tone isn't as deadpan as it was before.]
Hello, Barbatos. I see that you have come to this realm as well?
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Ehe, shouldn't you say that you missed me?
[He giggles mishcheviously.]
And yes! It appears we have both shown up in a dream together! I wonder what the odds are of that!
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Missed may be a bit strong of a word. Not everyone can handle such frivolity in large doses.
[He does casually try to brush Venti from his shoulders with a hand, though it's entirely possible that Venti will resist his attempts.]
It is rather strange. I admit I have not undergone such an experience. But it seems that others have been brought into this dream for quite some time now, if the tapirs are to be believed.
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After all these years? You're still cruel and stingy, Morax.
[He pretends to huff.]
But, you're as keen as ever! Besides us, it seems our dear Traveller has come this way as well. While he doesn't seem to understand why, just like the rest of us, it's curious indeed!
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[Alas, he is forced to deal with Venti's nonsense. But it mustn't bother him too much, because he doesn't move to shrug Venti off anymore than he already had; if he really wanted Venti off his back, there'd be a much greater show of force.]
The Traveller is here as well? I see... I suppose a realm made of dreams is one that can draw in all kinds of people. After all, dreams are not limited to a select few.
[Though, now that makes him curious about who else is in this dream world. Questions to ponder for later.]
Have you also just arrived here as I have?
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A dreamy place for dreamy people, of course! Ehe... as for me? Hm, it seems I've been here for almost half a year. How time floats for people like us, though.
[He's hardly felt the time pass. What are six months to someone who's over two thousand years old?]
I would say seeing you is more of a monument event than that. How have you been?
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[At Venti's admission, Zhongli blinks in surprise at the Anemo Archon.]
Half a year? That's a long time to be asleep... Nothing has happened, has it?
[He remembers when Venti had fallen into a slumber, though he was not there to see it personally. Was something similar happening again?]
Ah... well, I am doing as well as I can. Though, I do find that the mortal world can be just as busy as the adeptal one.
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Ehe... A few things here and there.
[Vague as ever. He squeezes Zhongli gently in a continued hug and is not at all unlatching himself anytime soon. He has many years of annoying to catch up on.]
I'll have you know there are quite a few sights to see and learn about here too. Why don't we talk about everything over a glass or two of wine?
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[So for now, he lets it go, letting out an annoyed huff as Venti squeezes him from behind.]
I had thought you might be above begging for alcohol from everyone you meet. [He says the light jab as he begins to walk, and despite his new Venti-shaped backpack his steps do not falter.] Still, I will not turn down an opportunity to learn more about this realm. Especially from one who has had time to experience what it has to offer.
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Ehe, let's just say I can't make mora out of my butt like some of us can?
[He teases with a small snicker on his lips.]
But yes! Go on, now! Take us to the main plaza, there is a very nice cafe there I think you might like! It even has a pleasant and strong tea.
[Look, he's being nice enough to find them a nice place to have gross tea, okay?]
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[And, well, it HAS been 500 years since he's last seen his friend. He can allow this, at least for now.]
Hmmn. Well, do not think your situation is unique to you. I'm afraid I'm now in the same predicament as you are.
[Because guess who forgot to remember to make himself a retirement fund of Mora before giving up his ability to print it on demand?]
But still... I am not against learning more about this place. Tell me where we need to go.
[And yes, he's allowing Venti to stay on his back. For now.]
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So, he points towards the plaza.] Just that way.
[And...]
Ehe! And if you could, please call me Venti. Isn't that name much cuter?
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[Zhongli nods, and begins to head in the offered direction, but glances back at Venti at his request.]
Venti? Is that the name you are going by now?
[He's not really going to comment on the "cuteness" of the name, but he does nod.]
Very well, if that is the name you are using among mortals. Then by that same matter, would you please refer to me as Zhongli outside of our conversations.
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It is! It has such a sweet ring to it if I do say so myself.
[He pats at Zhongli's shoulder.]
I heard that Zhongli was the name you're going by. It sounds like an old man's name so it suits you very well. Ehe.
[Despite the banter he realizes that both of them are trying to conceal the fact that they have god names. Isn't that right?]
It's better to use these names amongst morals, isn't it?
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[Zhongli lets out another unamused sound, glancing at Venti over his shoulder.]
Why don't we simply agree that both of our chosen names are appropriate for our identities among mortals?
[Also, his name isn't old, it's refined, gdit!]
But I agree. While we are alone we can refer to ourselves as our true names, but amongst the public, I will refer to you as Venti.
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But even with the sighing and grumpiness, it seems that Zhongli is still agreeing to everything that Venti is hinting at. Isn't that how things should go?]
Then it's a deal, my dear Zhongli.
[But don't expect him to sign any contracts. Venti coos happily. They're coming up to the cafe that Venti had mentioned before but he still doesn't release himself from Zhongli's shoulders. People will probably look at them but he doesn't care much.]
There! That's the spot I was telling you about before! It has the best tea in town! ... I think. Eheheh.
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[People are most definitely staring, much to Zhongli's chagrin. He allows Venti to dangle on his back until the cafe comes up into view. When it does, Zhongli comes to a stop, glancing over his shoulder.]
I am looking forward to it. But first, I think we are close enough that you can use your own two legs. I don't think the cafe staff would appreciate our current stance.
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The comment makes Venti pout and he lets out a small sigh before letting himself release from being Zhongli's backpack. Landing on his feet as gracefully as the wind.]
If you say so. Now, let's get a table and the strongest pot of hot tea this place can offer! Please!
[Venti will make their way over to a table near the open window where they can relax. He sits and leans his chin on his palms.]
Now then. We have quite a lot to catch up on. I wonder where I should start? Did you know your dear adeptus has been staying in this world as well?
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That we do. It has been quite some time since we last had a chance to speak like this.
[The last time they had a chance to sit down and talk... well, that was long before Barbatos's long slumber, wasn't it? Time may be wonky to immortals like them, but it was still a long time. But he does perk up when Venti mentions a certain adeptus.]
Is that so... I have yet to see him here, so I was unaware that he was here as well. [He has to make a mental note to check in on Xiao. Though he kept his distance, he always did make sure to keep an eye on the youngest of his yakshas.]
And I take it that if you knew he was here, you've had the honour of meeting him?
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Time flows different for beings like them. Five hundred years is a stretch of time that most would baffle at. But to them it's a period where old friends must catch up.]
I have! He's been a delight although he has frowns that could rival yours.
[He giggles fondly.]
While there are some struggles he faces here I think he's adjusted as well as he can. I think he'll be happy to see you.
[As the freshly order pot of hot tea is set on the table alongside cups and a few biscuit treats...]
But tell me about you! What have you been doing all these years, Zhongli?
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[Zhongli mutters a word of thanks to their server, before going about taking his time to carefully pour two cups of tea. Whether Venti will drink his is unknown, but it's only polite to pour the other Archon a cup. He gives a displeased hum at Venti at the frown comment, instead choosing to address the second part of Venti's comments.]
Though his dedication to his duty is admirable, I know that Xiao's afflictions can be quite hard on him. I will have to make sure I am able to find some Remedium Tertiorum while I am here, or at the very least an acceptable substitute. But I am glad to hear that he is adjusting well here.
[He may keep from butting in personally, he really does care for the young adeptus. Even if he finds Venti irritating, he is pleased to hear that the Anemo Archon has been keeping an eye on Xiao. Setting the teapot down, he picks up his teacup, but doesn't drink it yet, contemplating his answer.]
What have I been doing? Well... I suppose you could say I have been preparing for the recent turn of events. I've no doubt that you've heard of the most recent Rite of Descension.
[The one where he, you know, faked his death and all.]
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And he's pleased to hear that Zhongli will come to check in on Xiao too. He's not surprised. Both archons are very fond of the yaksha in their own ways.]
I'm sure he'll be delighted to see you. He might even give you a tiny smile.
[He teases. But he knows that Xiao has been missing his geo lord.
as much as that might annoy venti just a little bit]Oh, did I ever hear about it. The stories hit Mondstadt faster than the Spring rains. Did you have fun?
[Venti knew Zhongli wasn't dead the whole time. He would have felt it. But he let everyone make their own assumptions.]
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