songerein | { test drive #02

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{ test drive #02 - november 2021 }

✵ TEST DRIVE MEME: NOVEMBER ✵
Reminder that our Test Drive Memes double as an Intro Log and threads can be carried over in-game. They are also required for samples. Note: the TDM timeframe is the start of November, after the Halloween events. Refer to the Game Info for general information and feel free to toss any TDM related questions here. Reserves are open and Applications will open on November 1st. The next application cycle won't be until March, 2022.

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. 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.]

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, so walking around and to see what all there is might be a good idea. The town has filled in a bit, but it's still larger than the current population and there are a few small fae and small wild critters who have made a few nests so just watch your step—or head. Some could venture out to the farmlands and beyond...just be careful.

D. Dreambucks Café. There is a certain quaint little café back in the Plaza that is known for its refreshing and unique teas and drinks. Called Dreambucks, it's staffed by friendly tea fairies and primarily serves tea and small cakes. Their teas and foods 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:

Caramel Delight. A caramel flavored tea with a few spices to add a little warmth to the taste. Just a few sips will make anyone want to find the nearest fireplace, grab a blanket, and settle in as they reminisce on happier moments.

Cranberry Cheer. A strong, flavorful cold juice that will renew one's vigor by leaps and bounds. ...And also make one leap and bound away through their day. Drinking this will inspire one to spread good tidings and festive feelings, be it left over from Halloween or some other seasonal festivity they may be familiar with. General good will to all is also an option.

Hazelnut Hot Chocolate. This warm drink can be topped with moon and star shaped marshmallows and is a perfect alternative for those who may prefer a more mellow drink. A drink of this will develop a want to share stories from nostalgic memories to riveting adventures to chilling horrors—whatever may be on their one or feel creative to make up.

Although it doesn't always happen, sometimes the drinks 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: There is no currency in the world and everything served is free at this time. 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. CANDY CHAOS

Despite the dramatic events that occurred during the dreamscape and the after effects still waiting to be seen, some good things happened as a result of the Halloween festivities. Looking ahead to other holidays, a few people are trying their hand in making candies. After all, they all can't rely on the fae for everything and with new resources at their disposal, there's no excuse now.

A. Candy Mining. One morning a few friendly gnomes that dwell beneath the town pop up and announce that one of the caves has changed from normal rock crystals to candy rock crystals. More strangely, once mined they change color and flavor depending on the person's emotions or their last dream is at the time the candy rock crystal is removed. Ready to create something new, various candy makers send out requests for various "flavors" to experiment. People are welcome to try and create their own kind of candy or other crafts with the new candy rock crystals as well. However, the gnomes will warn that the candy rock crystals may explode if anyone who had strong nightmares or extreme emotions touch them, even after they are extracted. So take care!

B. Cotton Candy Sheep. A new type of sheep has been discovered (or introduced? Who is to say—) roaming just outside of the farmlands and it appears their wool is made out of cotton candy. While one might be wary of eating straight off the animal, it is said the wool is not only delicious, but could actually be used in clothing if processed correctly. Of course, that still needs to be tested so who knows if it's true. For now, some would like to herd them to the corrals, however they are fast and flighty creatures, capable of hopping several tens of feet into the air and float away. The best way to lure them is to create hard candy wind chimes as they are not only attracted to the sound, but also the taste. The sweeter and crunchier, the better.

C. Trick Candy. Halloween may be over, but the idea of using candy for silly pranks is eternal. One day there will be full "joke" shops around, but for now candy will be the focus. A contest is being held for anyone to not only learn how to make candy, but devise ways for them to turn into fun pranks. Turning one's tongue a different color is too basic, how about something that could change the entire body? Or hair if that's too difficult. Those not part of the creative process will also be exposed to the end products—and failures. Some taffy rope that's decided to slither around and tie people together, a giant jawbreaker expanding to the size of a large boulder rolling down the streets, people taste testing bubble gum now floating in the air—the possibilities are endless.

III. DREAMSCAPE TUTORIAL: HAUNTED TOY HOUSE

To help everyone understand their dreamwalking abilities, the tapirs will ask anyone who is willing to gather around the Dream Swings in the Central Plaza. There anyone is invited to sit in the chairs or hammocks and focus on their dream crystal lanterns to enter a special dreamscape made just for them. Those watching might find the sight of everyone suddenly turning into a colorful ball of light and disappearing alarming, but that's just the normal process of entering a dream. When someone leaves the dream, they will briefly reappear as that light before returning to their original form. The theme for this dreamscape is Haunted Toy House with everyone stuck in a life sized doll house filled with cursed toys.

A. Feeling a bit stiff. Upon entering the dreamscape, some dreamwalkers may find themselves looking a bit like a cursed toy, so hopefully no one mistakes them as an enemy. The form can vary from a wooden doll to a plush toy and always with some kind of corruption or missing piece. A truly ghastly appearance that would scare any child and spawn nightmares. While in this form, dreamwalkers may find their abilities a bit altered to fit the form.

B. House Traps. There are numerous rooms in this strange house, and some might even feel they are in a piece of Escher artwork instead with stairs going here and there and upside down. With it being a dreamscape, the concept of gravity is certainly otherworldly here. While some rooms are harmless, others are filled with traps. Spikes shooting down from ceilings; doors sealed shut as the walls close in; floors turning into black goop or disappearing completely. It's a giant maze and one has to wonder if that giant exit sign is real or another trap (it's another trap). Best way to disarm the traps and obstacles is using one's imagination and test out those dreamotion abilities.

C. Corrupt Toys. Inhabiting the house are several toys ready to pounce on their new "visitors." Fortunately they can be beaten back easily and can be "purified" to return to their original state. All it requires is a nice "injection" of positive dreamotion energy, though how that can happen varies. A healing spell, a smack from a weapon created from positive feelings, encouraging words—the toys just feel lonely and abandoned. Playing with them may also help turn them into allies. The more toys "purified," the less corrupt the house will be in turn. However, if more become corrupted instead, things will turn into even more of a dangerous nightmare and noctaere may start appearing.

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[He knew what kind of adventure he wanted, but had nothing to do with the adventure and more to do with whom would be with him. His admiration for the Warrior of Light was a secret to... basically nobody. He couldn't have been any more transparent about it even if he tried; and wicked white he did.

To admit that out loud though... It had him feel a little bit silly.]

I... had hoped a dear friend would be by my side. There is much and more I have yet to see for myself, but it's the company that makes it much more special.

[Giving her a sheepish, apologetic smile.]

Pray don't misinterpret my words though. There is much to experience here and I for one am ready to see what this world has in store for us.

Mayhaps. Things hardly work the way you think they will. I can't say I've had a dream like this before, but traveling to other worlds is not a new thing for me.

[He says this, but it was really only between two. Either way, none of that is normal, even back home.]

Either way, it is a pleasure to meet your acquaintance, Barok.

[ This will be Susato's first, so consider the excitement shared! She's still not sure what to expect, if anything at all. ]

Me too! I'm a little nervous though, I think. Do you want to explore together?

[ ... Susato looks surprised, though what he was saying really wasn't a shock at all. Still, it's nice to hear, that her father is proud of her. ]

Thank you! It really does give me encouragement to hear you say that.

I suppose it's "keep up the good work" for me. Even in a "dream world" ...

[ Literal and figurative demons and gods. Samus had more experience with the latter than the former. She'll investigate once she gets her bearings. ]

Noted. Thank you for telling me.
Do you know how I arrived here? Or do you know where "here" is?

[ For a short while, all Susato can do is stare, and admire the small victory she'd had in getting him to stay. She has so many questions, not the least of which is: what the heck is so suspicious about the tea?

But more than that, she can see something in the way he carries himself. It's the same, but... also changed. Different. ]

So it's true. What they said, about all--all this?

You're not quite the same Kazuma we left at the port of Dover, are you?

Good question.

[ Samus had been standing some feet away, green visor fixed on the rest of the people in the plaza. Casting a glance, noting just how wildly different everyone looked. From clothing, to species, to various other factors. However, she noticed their sizes were consistent. No one was on the larger size. Was that intentional? Or just a coincidence? She'll make it a point to investigate that later, or simply ask the... creature. Solei, she remembered.

Not that she didn't stick out herself. Over fix feet tall, covered from head to toe in a highly advanced suit of armor, a powerful arm cannon covering her right forearm. She looked every bit like some kind of sci-fi protagonist.

She was also clearly female. The voice may have been filtered through the speakers of the helmet, but there was nothing hiding how feminine the voice sounded. ]

You seem to be taking it well, all things considered.

Edited 2021-10-29 14:30 (UTC)

[ Samus had made note of the tail, but she hadn't felt the need to address it. She was so used to working with-- and fighting against-- so many different species, that the fact that she wasn't human was almost comforting. It made this feel more and more like just another job, like she was under contract with another bounty hunter. She appreciated the familiarity. ]

It was made for me.

[ She kept moving forward as she said it, continuing to walk to the treeline with her. Memories of the Chozo making the suit for her making their way through her mind. A small smile tugging at her lips as she thought of her surrogate parents, and their claims of her becoming the protector of the galaxy. ]

One of a kind.

[ At being called by name, Susato immediately follows his gaze down to her outfit. She gasps--after all, being outed would mean dangerous ramifications for her, and for Rei Membami.

But she isn't in court.

And as quickly as the outfit had appeared, it was gone, replaced by her usual kimono.

And when she looks up again, van Zieks appears to be of his normal age--though his features look a great deal softer. ]

Ah, Lord van Zieks ... c-carmel delight sounds ...

[ ~~don't say delightful, don't say delightful~~ ]

...lovely. Though I never would have guessed your preferences would lean so... sweet.

Edited 2021-10-31 07:11 (UTC)

[A familiar voice filters down from above, her heart skipping a beat the second she recognizes it. And how could she ever forget that voice which, much like him, is one that also invades her dreams, one that she thinks about so often. Albeit, in a much different sense than he does hers. Although, there had been a time where she could do nothing but think about that voice, taking over her every waking moment. She would've focused an entire career she hadn't been entirely too passionate about just to hear and be near him every single day. The desire is less intense now, but she'd be lying if she said her heart didn't ache a little for what could have been. Nowadays, she happily supports him and his endeavors to both reunite with Milla and perfect his spyrite research.

The realization of who this is ceases her in its grasp, and she slows considerably before stopping all together, in shock.]

J-Jude...? Huh?

[There's no mistaking it, bedhead and all. She's in awe watching him, now, gaining the lead from up above, though the sheep at least seems to be slowing down a little?

Oh. Right. He needs help.

Kicking back into gear, she chases after her friend, the wind chimes clanking together and producing a sound that the runaway sheep will find appealing.

Unbeknownst to her.

And even if she had been aware, she's too caught up in who's managed to find their way to this dream world.

In fact, the shock has yet to dissipate.]

Jude?!

... How the heck did you manage to get onto the back of that sheep???

[She asks incredulously. Hitting him with the real questions right off the bat as if this is the best time to do so. Alternatively, he could just let go instead of clinging uselessly like a ragdoll.

That said, he looks ridiculous. And her mind is already imagining every possible scenario for how this even occured. She's not worried though, the sheep are harmless, and she's maybe far too amused at this entire situation now. Already she can just see the headline- Cotton Candy Catastrophe! World-renowned Scientist Seen Clinging Cautiously As Sheep Soars Through The Sky!

She's totally going to write that down the moment she gets a chance. Prioritizing Jude's predicament should probably come first though. The gloating and reveling in his humiliation a close second.]

I see.

[There's a sadness in the other man's expression that Diluc understands well. Beneath of all his anger about how things happened four years ago between him and Kaeya (and their father, and the Knights of Favonius, and the world in general), he has quite a bit of it too.]

I did: a brother. We're estranged now. He... isn't the person I thought he was.

[Which is a very extreme oversimplification of the situation. But van Zieks doesn't need to know about cold honesty met with hot rage in the rain, fire and ice clashing for the first--and quite probably not the last--time. Diluc doesn't want to talk of it, and the effect of the tea pulls him toward older, happier memories of two boys running through a vineyard. No betrayals, no Visions. Just the innocence of childhood.

Within his own lantern, the image slowly comes to life. The boys are similar in age and look nothing alike, but it's clear from the way they behave that they are very close indeed.]

[ A real challenge? There's a horrible nightmare creature taking shape in the corner and all this guy can talk about is "a real challenge"? Oh boy, no wonder they're in this predicament.

He's glad that Diluc seems to be behaving reasonably at least! Thoma summons his lance into his hands, and though it holds the shape of the weapon he usually wields in the waking world, it seems to be made entirely of soft orange-yellow light. Someone's been practicing their dreamwalking abilities. ]

I don't think we're gonna have much of a choice.

[ No sooner does he say that, than six spindly and ghostly pale arms come shooting out of the darkness to try and grab them. ]

Same to you!

[ Thoma is honestly fascinated by the whole dreamwalking thing. He's always been interested in stories of the supernatural or unusual circumstances, and now he has the chance to really apply himself and learn some of the cool things he usually only reads about. That said, he doesn't fancy another trip to a haunted dollhouse anytime soon. ]

Are you, uh... holding up okay? I know things here can get pretty crazy.

[ Ori sincerely doubts the gravity of this encounter based on the size of the bush alone, but she's a worrier at heart and she'd rather be careful and anticipate the worst than be unprepared, so she takes a moment to prepare herself for— no wait, there he goes— she's a little startled by how quickly he proceeds, and her eyes widen when the bush rustles in suspense...

...and a goose comes out! ]

Oh, hello Sir Goose...!

[ Now, technically, a goose is definitely not a disgruntled ancient forest spirit or a werewolf or anything, but... A slow blink or two later, she looks over at Childe and starts to back away because if there's one thing Ori knows about geese, it's that they're not afraid of men whatsoever. ]

[Kazuma will be ever so patient, settling himself down on the ground beside Yujin while he sleeps. He has all the time in this world, so there's no need force him awake. It gives him an opportunity to meditate, clear his mind after a rather busy month.

What was he going to tell him? Should he tell him anything at all...?

When he no longer hears the sound of snoring, he takes that as a cue that the Professor is coming to. He moves to stand back up, brushing some of the dirt off and waits expectantly.] Professor?

[He lets out some air, seeing his plan was a success. He can make out the detective's muffled voice a little from here.] How about thinking of a way to get out?

[He tugs at his sword, trying to wiggle it free from the sticky gum. It's stuck in there all right.] Think you can push my sword out from in there? [Maybe it'll make a hole if he can get it out?]

[He shouldn't be finding such pleasure in seeing the Grim Reaper so vulnerable before him. But he's been toiling so hard, for so many years to come to this point. To confront the one who killed his father, and make them pay, with everything he has. He's already a condemned soul, there's nothing more for him to lose at this point.]

Like I said, it's foolish of you to think this world is harmless! [He lunges toward the other prosecutor, leaving a trail of flames behind him. He could care less about the fog and frost forming around him. He wanted so badly to tear into this man. So far as to want him dead...? No, he wants him to suffer for what he's done. He'll swing his sword upwards once he is within range of Barok, with incredible force behind it. A normal person might find difficulty parrying or blocking the strike.]

[ The creature she'd spoken to earlier had been at least a little bit familiar -- sort of. It certainly wasn't Morgana, but she's not necessarily a stranger to talking animals and other oddities. Not that she can call it an oddity, considering how strange she and some of the other 'newcomers' must look, and anyways, who is she to judge?

The voice startles her out of her momentary slump, at least, and Ann blinks as she looks up at the other woman, clad in armor. It's only for a split second that she thinks that maybe she's wrong. Maybe this is some weirdo Metaverse shenanigans; but it's quickly pushed aside. This lady is tall too, goodness. ]

Oh, hi there! Ahaha, I guess I'm just used to weird stuff happening. Didn't think it'd be a thing so soon after the last stint, though, not gonna lie.

[ Going back to school and graduating doesn't seem to be in the cards just yet, not that she's entirely complaining. ]

Did you just arrive too?

Well, most arrived while they're asleep. I was thrown into this world from another. I couldn't tell you where "here" is though. Maybe it only exist while there are those who can dream.

[It sound silly, but he's come to learn that anything goes when you're sent into other worlds.]

It seems being here doesn't affect what is happening to you in the waking world though.

Hoh? What gave you that impression? [He tilts his, that ponytail of his in clear view. Purposely done to amuse her.

Her mentioning of her departure from Dover Harbor, makes it clear where her memories are, somewhere ahead of his like Naruhodou's.] You'd be right to assume that. In fact, your departure has not happen for me yet.

[She replied with a fond smile.]

Made with love, eh...? Maybe one of these days I can sweet-talk some armorsmith to put a little something together for me; make me at least a foot taller, really scare the pants off some people.

...Ah. See? Here.

[She paused at a tree and ran her fingers over a small pile of stones stacked in a particular fashion.]

I started down this way. About every hundred yalms or so, I've placed a cairn. I put a ribbon in a tree at the furthest point I've gone.

[She looked to the bounty hunter.]

Around there was where I saw a massive shadow while prepping a kill. Bipedal, too big to be a man of some sort. If it can be spoken to, I'd like to try that, but I'm not much of a negotiator.

It was supposed to be saltwater taffy, but it had other plans, apparently.

[She looked down at it. It held tight.]

Which leads me to the why. If it didn't wish to be eaten, it could simply ask. ...And I'd have questions for the candymakers.

[Look, she's not from a world of chocolate frogs, okay?]

[She wasn't normally this clunky, but she supposed marionettes weren't really meant for speed and agility.]

Forgive wha-

[Oh! Well, there they go, then. This was faster for sure, but that didn't stop the mild squeak of surprise. To struggle and kick was foolish and dangerous with the dolls dropping from the shelves behind them, some wielding screwdrivers, steak knives and forms from the kitchen, and she wasn't too proud for the aid.]

Er, forgiven! Points for a dashing and daring escape, but the next time you wish to sweep me off my feet, would you kindly let me in on the plan beforehand? I'll even swoon for you.

[She laughed with the absurdity of it, and for just a moment the wood and silk went away, replaced with skin, scales and a rather daring, deep purple ensemble.]

...Wait, what-

[And back to wood and silk. Well, nuts. That was rude. Still, with a few hopefully closed doors behind them, they shouldn't be followed. Dolls are too dinky to reach doorknobs.]

[ OKAY. Okay.

So maybe that was a tad unexpected. But thanks for giving her the ammunition for payback on that side remark. With her mouth agape, she gently grabs Kazuma's ponytail as if to admire it.

Gently.

For now. ]

Explain.

... please.

You mean--you don't remember entrusting Ryunosuke with Karuma? Crossing swords with him?

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{ test drive #02 - november 2021 }

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