{ test drive #07 - august 2022 }

[dreamposts]

✵ 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.

1. 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!
   
   
2. 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.

1. 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.

1. 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.
   
   
2. 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?

Comments

[fffffclass]

[ 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 ]

[blue_eyed_obsession]

[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.

[fffffclass]

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 ]

[blue_eyed_obsession]

Then you're thinking it too loudly!

[His words sounding almost venomous from his tone]

[fffffclass]

Oh my~ But I'm merely happy to see you broadening your horizons♥ It's important to learn.

[ u absolute brat ]

This hyung is so impressed your ears work.

[ Yoojin has NO FEAR ]

[blue_eyed_obsession]

You are so full of it...

[Before, Kaiba had derived some amusement from their bantering back and forth but now his ire was triggered. He balled one of his hands into a tight fist and clenched his teeth. A slight tremor rattled the nearest windows but it was just ever so slightly so it might have missed perception]

Don't be so smug because you happened to be right one time. It doesn't change anything nor elevate my opinion of you in any way.

[fffffclass]

[ .......o right, dreamotion reacts to strong emotions 8') whoops ]

So you admit I was right. That's an important first step! Please recall it fondly whenever you are in doubt. This hyung is happy to be of service~

[ this is like teasing a young Sung Hyunjae. so satisfying. ]

[blue_eyed_obsession]

[That was something that perhaps the two should have considered however Kaiba was forever skeptical of supernatural powers so he certainly didn't expect to be the cause of such commotion.]

The only thing I'll recall fondly is the simple fact that this is the first and last time I'll ever get stuck talking to you.

[With the continued teasing cracks started to splinter across the glass, before the nearby windows shattered most dramatically, sending shards soaring through the air in all directions.

Even the usually unflappable Seto Kaiba made an exclamation in surprise, his eyes widening in startled confusion.]

[fffffclass]

[ Yeah that was not expected at all; Yoojin looks duly alarmed at first, eyes wide as the windows around them shatter without warning--but then his reflexes as a Hunter kick in and despite how annoying Kaiba is, Yoojin doesn't hesitate to put himself between Kaiba and the glass. It isn't much, but he brings his coat up to help shield against the worst of it.

He'll still get a cut or two, but it isn't much to him. Making sure other people are safe comes first ]

Hey--are you alright??

[blue_eyed_obsession]

[Covered almost head to toe in a combination of fabric, leather, and metal, Kaiba wasn't in the greatest amount of risk from the shrapnel but the last thing he wanted was an eye injury. Tilting his head away from the possible explosion he raised his arm to shield himself.

When the glass settles, he's stunned to see Yoojin situated where he is acting as an additional barrier.]

Guess you weren't all talk about that either.. I'm fine. Not a scratch on me. [Referring briefly back to the hunter speech. It's evident that Kaiba's first reflex isn't to show gratitude but a part of him feels as if he should.] ...... Thanks. [Ok, even that much felt wrong so he changes the subject quickly] Have you seen anything like this happen before? [The mood had shifted, the anger replaced with bewilderment so any unintentional dreamotion energy from the young ceo had ceased]

.. You might want to see about those cuts to make sure that no glass remained in your skin.

[fffffclass]

[ His instincts to protect people are second to none!! And oddly, have very little to do with the fact that he's a Hunter. His instincts as a Perfect Caregiver compel him to look after people......as long as they're younger than he is, anyway. Older, more powerful people can look after themselves tyvm. ]

This is nothing--are you sure you aren't hurt?

[ hope Kaiba doesn't mind if Yoojin fusses just a little to make sure he doesn't have any visible injuries. ]

Man...that was so weird. Why did all of those windows explode...?

[blue_eyed_obsession]

[Kaiba in general considered himself powerful enough to look out for himself- but he did keep a security detail on his payroll too. This guy stepping in with no incentive to do so was still such a foreign concept.]

Nothing I can't handle. Relax.

[Ie. he could only tolerate so much fussing. Stepping around Yoojin, Kaiba did a cursory inspection with his gaze. They didn't know what caused it, so they also didn't know if there would be another explosion to follow.. he was cautious but not fearful. He was silent as he observed. There was no charring on the sills, if it had been an earthquake they would have felt it, if it had been a high enough pitch to hit the resonant frequency of the glass they would have heard...]

I don't know- yet.

[fffffclass]

Hmm...

[ Since Kaiba seems to be alright for now, Yoojin moves to inspect one of the burst windows nearby. He doesn't sense anything unusual--there no immense presence or residual mana in the air, so magic is probably out. Still...it's very odd.

Yoojin picks up a piece of the glass and inspects it briefly, but when there's really nothing to it he stands with a sigh. ]

It's probably good to keep our distance from any windows or mirrors for the time being. And keep an eye out for anything unusual.

[blue_eyed_obsession]

[Kaiba half expects Yoojin to cut himself when he starts picking up a shard, but says nothing to prevent it. The other male doesn't seem as concerned about his own wellbeing. Just want level of doormat is he?

Oh right. F-class.

Still. This F-class loser did do Kaiba a favor so he keeps his commentary internalized]

Mm. [ He hummed in the affirmative, still eying the mess of sparkling bits and pieces. Leaning over one of the sills he notes that most of the glass was projected forward, as there is far less debris inside.] I wonder... was this directed at you... or me. [Leave it to Kaiba to assume that there was something nefarious behind all this]

[fffffclass]

Well, I would understand if it was you...

[ HE'S JUST GOING TO BE UPFRONT ABOUT THAT. Kaiba is a conglomerate brat and Yoojin would understand someone getting irritated enough with him to shatter something ah, the irony

He wonders how rude this kid must be in general for him to acknowledge that people would target him ]

[blue_eyed_obsession]

[The truly sad part about Yoojin's comment is that it didn't offend Kaiba in the slightest]

Heh, there wouldn't be much point in removing you.

[Leave it to him to see an attempted assault as a symbol of status. If only he realized that he was the one that triggered it in the first place.

Oh, he's pretty darn rude most of the time.

Without saying another word, he headed off a few paces finding the point where the destruction ended then tracing his steps back to the same place on the other side. If he'd thought about it sooner he would have started a search for the culprit, but if they were inside one of these buildings they could be long gone now. The damage was pretty centralized on their location.]