songerein | { test drive #07

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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

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

[ Well...that's one way to greet people. Wow. Kids these days. Have some respect for your elders! Yoojin gets a little distracted walking around, and this is the treatment he receives...this punk.

Though. He probably should've been a little more aware of his surroundings, he supposes. But still! ]

Is that how someone asking a favour should talk? [ s i g h ] This is another world...apparently. No one's told you yet?

[ why is this guy so tall, seriously ]

[It was the best sort of greeting Kaiba could muster at this juncture. He was never a fan of the odd supernatural happenings in his own universe so that extended to this one and fueled his ill-humor]

[The first portion of what the other male said didn't warrant a response, nor did it seem as if one were expected. There was no indication that he was at all apologetic for what he'd said, either.]

If they had, would I be asking? [So much for the succinct response he'd been hoping for] It's a phenomenon I'm familiar with.. but can you provide anything useful or should I keep looking? [The most grateful person, right here.. not]

[ Kaiba is worse than Sung Hyunjae.

...okay, no, no one is worse than Sung Hyunjae. But this guy really has an attitude that Yoojin can't help but feel just a bit annoyed by. Be more grateful to the people you're asking for help from...! ]

...Please, valued customer, feel free to keep looking. I'm sure the tapirs would be more than happy to explain everything to this young punk.

[It was an attitude that had served him well in the cutthroat atmosphere of big business, but it was ill-suited to the current environment]

... It doesn't sound as if you're playing with a full deck.

[The teenager remarked casually, not being able to make much sense of the others words. Who could blame him? The guy was going on about herbivorous mammals as if they would be able to clear all of this up in an instant.]

Or maybe you were just dropped on your head in your youth. When would that have been anyway.. about 35 years ago?

Thirty-five?! I'm Thir...twenty-five!

[ He's thirty on the inside.....and an uncle at heart. But he travelled back in time okay?? His body is a nice, youthful, twenty-five years old! With many more years ahead!! ]

At most I'm your hyung, you brat. With an attitude like that, you'll be surrounded by vinegar for the rest of your life! If you ask someone for help, don't insult them just because you don't like the answer.

[ This is where he reaches...up...and pokes Kaiba in chest. Or at least tries to. Gently! He may be just about as strong as a regular person, being an F-Rank Hunter, but thanks to the stat-increasing equipment he's wearing he could probably wrestle a professional weightlifting champion into submission.

Gotta be careful with normal people.

And entitled ~~brats~~ youth. ]

Edited 2022-08-25 01:04 (UTC)

Really? My mistake.

[A smug smirk of satisfaction played across Kaiba's lips, as once again he failed to sound at all remorseful. He would be lying if he said he wasn't deriving some amusement from riling the other man up. It was therapeutic to have an outlet for all his frustration.]

.. Or I'll continue to be surrounded by all the wealth and power I've accumulated, while you're still here spinning tales, old man.

[Narrowing his eyes, Kaiba looked down at the offending digit as it dared to ... touch him]

I guess I can safely assume that you've never heard of Kaiba corporation or you wouldn't have had the audacity to do that.

[So he was learning a little from this exchange. Just like the previous world he'd unceremoniously been thrown into, this one was also likely to be inhabited by people that had no knowledge of either himself or what he was capable of. That wasn't something he would ever get used to, since he loathed dwelling in obscurity. It would mean making a name for himself for a third time.]

Kaiba Corporation?

[ No, he hasn't heard of this. But he sets his hands on his waist anyway and stares at Kaiba flatly all the same--he knows a conglomerate kid when he sees one!! ]

Ah~ So it's like that, huh. Our poor young sir~ Having to lead such a hard life among us commoners! Truly we are blessed to be in this chaebol's presence.

[ You know what. Forget it, hands in the air!! Yoojin is going to give an exaggerated shrug and stare dismissively at the space just off from Kaiba's face.

#3000%takingthehighroadandnotbeingsarcastic/pettyatall ]

[The questioning response confirmed his suspicions. You would have had to have been living under a rock not to have at least heard the name before, and this guy sure didn't recognize the logos on his lapel and belt buckle.

This level of sarcasm, he's 100% used to. When you're at the top of your game you're no stranger to envy.]

You think it's easy? I'd wager that running a multinational corporation is a lot harder than anything you've done in your entire useless life.

[Did he say running it? He sure did. Kaiba wasn't just living off someone else's dime. After he'd taken over the company from his adopted father he'd completely overhauled it.]

So go on, enlighten me. What is it that you do for a living?

[ ~~TOP OF YOUR GAME im dying, I love these~~

Also: THIS

P U N K.

If only his life was as easy and carefree as running a multinational corporation--with that kind of cash he could've supported his younger brother until old age and beyond! He could buy all sorts of powered equipment for him...! Build a super-secret training facility which would awaken Yoohyun's undoubted potential...!

But no. He was poor, dropped out of school when their parents died to work so he could put his precious Yoohyun through school, awakened as the lowest class of Hunter and then spent five years suffering and scraping by, trying to stay alive inside of horrific and dangerous dungeon gates.

His life was hard and it sucked and he would kill to have lived a normal life with his little brother KAIBA. ]

.........................................

[ Don't smack children, Yoojin. It's against the law. ]

Hunter, F-Class.

I put my life on the line every day so that normal people like you can comfortably in peace outside the world of dungeons.

[ u piece of shit lmfdg ]

[~~Just don't actually die we don't want to fill up that graveyard, or the GY as it were, prematurely!~~

There were other elements and aspects of Kaiba's life that he was omitting intentionally. He hadn't started at the top, he'd had to struggle to obtain it and it was that past he wanted to completely erase, but by doing so it had the unfortunate side effect of making him seem less relatable. His pride just wouldn't allow his past to slip out, he didn't want or need anyone's sympathy for what he had endured to get here.

All that mattered was that he had secured both a future for not only himself, but his brother. ~~If only the two realized they had this desire in common~~.

In the brief silence, Kaiba stood there silently and resolute, certain that the wait would not be worth it.]

Unless F means something different in your world... I can't say I'm impressed.

[Would that resolve the Hunter had exhibited so far hold out?]

So.. you're one of those? [With a shake of the head he clarified] ... The self-sacrificing, self-righteous type? That explains... a lot actually. [Though to his credit this "hero" hadn't launched into any lengthy speeches about friendship... yet]

Maybe this really is a video game.

[ ~~ffffffffffffffff :'D~~

THIS GUY...Yoojin is 300% sure that he has no idea what a Hunter is, and yet still he somehow manages to zero in on the weakness of an F-Class. This prejudiced system. Even people outside it understand how shitty it is...!

It hurts even more hearing it from Kaiba. Don't tell him things he doesn't want to hear!! ]

A video game?? You really don't know anything at all... Think a bit before you trample on the sincerity of others, brat. This is a dream!

...Apparently. Even though it still hurts if you pinch yourself.

[Nope, not a clue. Kaiba is just equating it to a class in a video game like a ranger or thief variant. The one thing that stays the same is that "F" doesn't stand for "Fantastic".]

If you'll recall- I did attempt to ask you where I am.

[Said with another little shake of his head. Wasn't it obvious that he was still in need of information since he literally was just making such queries?]

I'm starting to understand why you're only F-class.

[The games he crafted could be this immersive, blending the lines between reality and fiction. To someone who'd never even beta tested such an advanced system it probably did seem peculiar not to know that this wasn't in fact, a game]

.... but if this is a dream, why are you here? I can't imagine this is something my subconscious would create.

[ He's not wrong about that tbh... ]

You...! Do you think I would have dreamed up some conglomerate punk like you if I had the choice? Everyone's pulled in from other worlds, we didn't get to decide. If being here upsets you so much, I could always help send you home.

[ with his FOOT in ur BUTT. ]

Your creativity does seem lacking.

[Agreeing with the other in the most insulting way possible.]

So this is some kind of community dream?

[That makes it almost sound like Mementos, but with a more welcoming environment overall, if you liked fraternizing at festivals]

[~~Ha ha, I love them both. This is great.~~]

[ ~~these two are amazing and he wants to ground Kaiba for a million years :'D~~ ]

...Are you going to keep insulting me, or do you want answers?

[~~I mean, Kaiba probably deserves a million years~~]

Hm.. [Kaiba paused for a moment as if weighing his options] It hasn't been all that challenging, so fine. I'll withhold further insults for now.

What can you tell me about this place that you haven't already?

[ Wow, so he can adjust that terrible attitude of his. This guy... Yoojin would say he's impressed, but. Kaiba is still a brat!!

...It does give Yoojin a smug sort of satisfaction to be the one explaining this to him though. That's right, you brat. Listen well to this explanation I've oh-so-generously prepared for you. ]

Ahem. For starters, it seems like the people who're brought here are mostly random. No one seems to have done it on purpose, and the tapir I spoke to earlier didn't sound like it tried to bring everyone here either. It said they're the guardians of this place, but I don't know how true that is. At the very least, they aren't hostile.

There's some other stuff they mentioned about 'dreamotion' and belief, but it sound a bit like a cult if you ask me.

[It was practically a requirement for his occupation to be able to reign himself in sometimes or else brokering deals would be a lot harder than necessary. Plus, if there was anything he had learned from his excursions into other dimensions it's that tolerating others could be more beneficial under the right circumstances.

Just- don't expect this ceasefire to last indefinitely]

That tracks. [It seemed as if they usually were randomized despite all his previous attempts to find a pattern] You weren't kidding about the whole... Tapir thing? [Woo boy. From robots to herbaceous mammals..] They don't expect us to worship them or provide offerings, do they? [A man has to draw a line somewhere.. and that line was apparently firmly between Kaiba and being subservient to a Tapir]

Dreamotion.. sounds like someone's attempt at a cute sounding marketing ploy. [One he didn't altogether appreciate] From the sound of what you've just described, you haven't been here all that long yourself, have you?

[ Lasting indefinitely would be a Nice Thing...and we can't have those. Yoojin fully expects this kid to go back to being a jerk as soon as their exchange is over.

In the meantime though, he can at least make a good impression. Rowdy kids like this need a good role model. ]

Of course I wasn't. You think I'd make that u--...don't answer that. In any case, it's true. I might not have been here very long, but it was just the right amount of time to learn at least this much.

[Rowdy kid? There is so much about that description that Kaiba would have taken exception to if he'd only known.

Thankfully for them both that remained unspoken.

There's a glint in those blue eyes of Kaiba's that indicated he had in fact been about to say something, and thought better of it. I'm still not convinced that this guy didn't hallucinate the tapirs. The time would come when he too would meet Solei and would have to swallow some crow, but hopefully he wouldn't have an audience for it.]

Just to be clear, this is the extent of your usefulness then?

[Although he would never admit it, Kaiba did need more positive influences in his life. He'd been surrounded by so many bad ones that it tarnished his faith in humanity.]

...Wow.

[ THAT LASTED EVEN LESS TIME THAN HE THOUGHT IT WOULD ]

If you want to be brazen about it, I suppose you could put it like that. Like I said: if you want to know more you can always ask the tapirs--which I was not making up, thank you very much. They run this place.

I only know what I've already been told by them.

[ he crosses his arms over his chest and huffs though, DISSATISFIED. ]

I wouldn't recommend being rude to them like you are now though.

[The sad part was, Kaiba didn't even consider that last question as all that rude. It was like a prelude to going back to speaking freely and without censorship. There was no need to attempt to play nice with someone that could no longer provide you with anything.]

Uh huh, tapirs.. right.

[How many shots of alcohol would it take to start seeing said tapirs?]

When I require recommendations from you- wait. What am I saying, that will never happen.

[Laughing cruelly at his own response he turned sharply to leave, his coat swirling through the air dramatically from the motion. As he started to walk off with purpose he had to stop suddenly when he noticed something peculiar blocking his path.

Remaining silent, he just stared HARD at the creature floating there. Well... what do you know, a Tapir that dumps information on him before leaving]

[ yes, that's right

just turn around Kaiba

TURN AROUND AND SEE THE LOOK OF UTTER SMUGNESS ON YOOJIN'S FACE

he told you they were real ]

[Long after the creature has vanished, Kaiba .. just stands there, unmoving. Racing through his options, he really doesn't want to give this loser any additional satisfaction.

Admitting when he was wrong, was never one of the young prodigy's favorite things, nor did he see the point in voicing so now.

He.... could... just keep walking. Like, nothing ever happened.

... But no, he snaps back around and practically snarls.]

NOT A WORD OUT OF YOU.

Hmm? [ Yoojin looks far too pleased ] This hyung hasn't said a single word♥

[ He's just standing over here all innocent-like

RADIATING VICTORY ]

{ test drive #07 - august 2022 }

I.

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I WAS WAITING FOR THE CARD PUNS

There had to be at least one!

tmw u fight with someone 7 years younger than u....bc ur a mature Adult

It's not entirely his fault, Kaiba brings it out in even the most passive persons.

he's very good at what he does 8')

Lots and lots of practice!

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Perfection

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