{ 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

[feale]

[ The excitement in Gina's voice only serves to spur her on, and Violet smiles broadly as she looks around them, experimenting a little while they are low enough with keeping her focus enough to float in the air while also being able to be aware of their surroundings. Once or twice, she falters a little, a slight dip in the air before she regains their lift; only once she is completely confident does she turn her gaze skyward. ]

Do you trust me? I'll stay close so I can get us to a leaf if I stumble, okay?

[ She wants to make totally sure that Gina's okay with it. After all, despite her attention to their safety, she is putting them both at risk here. ]

[lestray]

[It's incredible, just flying through the air like this, even if it is practically through piggyback. It's a much more direct and speedier method of flight than the hot air balloon she's used to! It is kinda terrifying, but ultimately an exciting thrill! She gives a little gasp each time Violet dips.]

Yeah! 'Course I trust ya! You - you're doin' it! [Trust can be tricky with Gina, particularly when it comes to new people. But in this moment, she feels comfortable putting her faith in Yoshizawa's hands- and the ribbons connected to them!]

It, it's a bit of a rough ride but that's fine! Keep it up now, 'til ya think ya need a breather!

[feale]

[ For someone who is still learning to trust herself, hearing that the girl on her back at least trusts her is just the boost that Violet needs. It's with a smile that she nods, a sound of confirmation coming from her lips as she angles her arms, soaring them up along the side of the beanstalk with almost as much ease as running, or flipping through the air in a floor routine.

In fact, she's able to make it up quite a distance before she sets them down on a leaf for a short break, eyes shining with joy. The top is clearly visible from here, now - just one last stretch to go. ]

Let's rest for a moment, and then we'll finish our climb!

[ From this high up, it's hard to see much of the dreamscape below, but what she can see looks beautiful and eerie both. Not to mention huge. It's like Mementos, the way it sprawls and stretches out beyond belief. She wonders how many dreams and worlds and ideas are all packed into this one space. ]

Um, Gina-senpai? Can I ask... how long have you been here?

[lestray]

[It feels like the ride is only becoming even smoother... It's incredible! And Gina gets more and more used to being a passenger at the same time, keeping a firm grip on the other girl's shoulders and feeling calmer about the whole business now that it feels like there isn't really a chance of them plummeting to any certain doom anytime soon.

She voices her approval at the idea of a break. Yoshizawa's more than earned by now, of course! And once they're down on the leaf, Gina lets go of her shoulders and takes a moment to stretch.]

You can ask that, yeah. I've been 'ere for a good few months now. [She taps up her chin as she thinks.] Guess it's been about 'alf a year now that I think about it. Cor, time sure is soarin' when you're livin' in a dream world.

[feale]

[ Behind her mask, Violet's eyebrows raise, and then fall again, a frown falling over her features as she shakes her head. Six months? That is a long time to dream, even for someone like her. ]

I see... And, um, is there anyone else from your world here?

[ She has to imagine it would get lonely without her friends. She feels lucky knowing that some of the people she cares about are already here. It's not that she's opposed to making new friends, of course... but the security is always nice.

Although Gina seems to have noted that time goes quickly, too... ]

Is it often as busy as it has been since I arrived? This place?

[lestray]

[She didn't imagine a dream lasting this long either. She must be more well-rested than ever now! A small smile crosses her face at he first question, and she nods.]

Yeah, there's a good bunch o' people I know around. I've been stayin' wiv a few of 'em, matter o' fact. 'Ow about you? Got any friends about?

[It's helped her a lot with adapting, having her friends from home around. But Gina won't voice that in the interest of not getting mushy.

She waves a hand at her next question.]

It comes and goes. Ya got some quiet weeks, and then suddenly a 'ole bunch o' strange things might 'appen, and then before ya know it, you could end up in the ocean or on the moon... This dream stuff can make a right mess o' things, it can.

[feale]

[ Unlike Gina, Violet has no particular concern at the thought of getting too mushy. In response, she smiles her own bright smile back at the other girl, nodding to answer her question. ]

I'm so glad you have people with you! I think it's a little easier to adjust when you have people from home. I'm lucky enough to have friends with me also.

[ Gina's next words, however, bring a slight frown to her face. In a lot of regards, things that she's heard about this place tend to remind her of the Metaverse, of the way its shapes and patterns reflected the desires of the people that shaped it. But it's nice to hear that there are moments of peace in between the wilder ones. ]

I'm sure it's tricky to keep track sometimes... But it seems like the powers we can use here will help, right?

[ She gestures with a small, embarrassed smile at the ribbons that her sleeves have grown into. ]

[lestray]

[Good. Gina won't voice it, but she's glad that the other girl has friends of her own around. ... Although she's starting to wonder if anything could really bring that sunny girl's mood down!

And she answers Yoshizawa by nodding along.]

Yeah. They can really 'elp out in a pinch. Once you're used to 'em, that is! [Gina still has trouble properly harnessing dreamotion herself. Which is one reason why she isn't flying on up there herself!]

Yours are already doin' us a load o' good too in climbin' this mad thing. Speakin' of, you ready to get back to it yet?

[feale]

[ For her part, it's not entirely a surprise that she's acclimatizing to the idea of dreamotion so quickly. In a lot of ways, it's very similar to the powers she has in the Metaverse, just like Akechi told her shortly after her arrival. It certainly makes it easier to control, even if Ella herself is a little more difficult to call upon consistently right now. Still, she nods at Gina, and glances back up the beanstalk. ]

Ready! It's not really that far now. You're ready too?

[ And she turns, offering the other her back once more. Once Gina's holding on again, she'll take off in the same way as before, careful to make sure she's confident in her balance and motion before soaring upwards! ]

[lestray]

[Gina's glad she managed to find such a dependable ally for this task! And as Yoshizawa makes her offer, Gina grins and nods along.]

I sure am, Yosh! Let's 'ave ourselves another whirl now, shall we?

[With that, Gina grips her shoulders once again, and off they go! But this ascent might not be as smooth, as there's a number of giant shapes flying around the upper parts of the dreamscape.]

Blimey... Wot're those?! [Her eyes start to widen with concern as she witnesses the giant... insects?]

[feale]

[ She's focused enough on the act of flying itself that she doesn't immediately notice the shapes above them, and startles mid-flight, a moment where they waver in the air before she stabilizes them, keeps them aloft despite the sudden shock. She'd seen some of them closer to the ground, but they were being ridden by other dreamers, not looming close to the leaves as if to chase people out of the air.

Her eyes narrow from their widened state as she considers their options. If she had her powers, it would be easy to defend them, but... ]

Um, Gina-senpai? Do you think you can reach the sword on my belt?

[ It's more a fancy chain than a real belt, but it's the closest explanation she's got under the circumstances. ]

If you can get it, there's a rapier in there! You can use it to fend them off while we fly, right?

[lestray]

[She's increasingly alarmed as they draw closer to the territory of the giant insects. There's a dread as she wonders what could happen next, and she listens to Yoshizawa's request. She does look down and notice the sword, looking towards it in disbelief.]

That blade there? D'ya take me for some kinda bleedin' swordfighter?!

[She expresses that with mild panic. And yet, she still does releases one hand so that she can reach down and grab the hilt of the rapier. She carefully pulls it up and looks right at the blade.]

S-so... So all I got to do is swing this at thrm nasty bugs, yeah? [Maybe... Maybr she can handle this!]

[feale]

[ Despite the panic in Gina's tone, Violet is relieved to feel her grab for the rapier, and she nods. While she can't utilize Ella's power here, she still somehow has the same confidence behind her as if she could, at least right now. ]

I don't think you'll really have to hit them. Just swatting at them should be enough, right? But... even then, swordfighting isn't too hard, Gina-senpai; I believe you can do it!

[ After all, when she joined the team, she had no experience of her own to speak of, and yet now she feels more than confident with the weapon. ]

Besides, I can't use my powers here, so I don't think my gun will work either. This is our best chance! Do you think you can do it?

[ If it doesn't work, she'll put them down on a leaf so that they can reassess the situation. But right now, she believes! ]

[lestray]

[She's almost surprised by her mention of a gun, but then, Gina herself does have a smoke gun of her own. It just seems too tricky to use at close range. She'll have to make due with the rapier.]

Gimme a lesson or two later than, when we ain't flyin' through the air for our lives!

[She nervously keeps one hamd clutching Yoshizawa's shoulder for dear life, while the other holds the rapier.]

It's fine! I can manage this. It's like it's a big fly swatter!!

[As one fly draws closer, Gina feels a creeping fear from how big it is - and how much grosser it looks at that size up close. But she grips the rapier firmly.]

Back!! Back now, ya big gross beast!

[feale]

Got it! It's a promise, for once we get through this!

[ It's too much to explain in the moment, but Violet's gun is actually just a toy, a model purchased from a store in Shibuya. In the Metaverse, however— and it seems in Songerein proper, just not the dreamscapes— it works like a regular gun. Something to do with cognition making it appear real to those faced with its barrel. But the rapier is something that can be used for what it is, and when they're in a situation like this, finesse doesn't matter as much as having something to wave at the giant creatures. ]

That's it, Senpai! Just like that!

[ Cheering Gina on helps her to focus on what they're doing— her flying, her new friend defending them— rather than on the giant, terrifying beasts that swarm around the stalk. ]

Just remember to hang on tight, too!

[lestray]

[She didn't think she'd end up with swordfighting lessons, but here they are! It's something to look forward to, aside from surviving this ordeal in general!]

Yeah! Don't ya worry! I ain't lettin' go of ya anytime soon!

[Her nails are practically digging onto Yoshizawa's shoulder as she clings for dear life! While at the same time, she bats at each fly that comes close with the sword until iy backs away. But her hand is starting to slip at the same time as ahe goes through these movements.]

The lot of you can just bugger off already!!

[feale]

[ Despite Gina's words, she feels the hand slipping ever so slightly from her shoulder as the other works to bat at the flies that come closer to them. Luckily, they're close enough to the end of their trip that she's sure they can make it— she might just have to boost them a little faster to clear the space safely.

Good thoughts. Good thoughts. ]

Hold on tight, senpai!

[ It's called out as she twirls the ribbons with all she's got, carrying them as quickly as she can through the air and towards the top.

Almost there, and then the only thing they have to worry about is whatever it is that's ahead of them— and Gina's future sword lessons, of course. ]

[lestray]

[The worst seems to be behind them now. At least, Gina hopes that was the worst! Gina breathes heavily while letting the arm with the sword dangle at her side, not wanting to risk accidentally hurting her new friend with it. She just hands on extra tight as they go through this last stretch!]

Trust me, I ain't about to let go! Now just get us the rest o' the way up there, I know ya can do it!