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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[Van Zieks nods his acknowledgement of the thanks, then pauses to take a sip of his own tea in the meantime. Although it encourages him to think of the past, it doesn't necessarily tear him away from the present, especially now that he has company, and he considers how to best continue.

... Even in a dream, he can't just ignore the flash he saw a moment ago. And one thing they have in common, after all, is a desire to see the truth behind strange occurrences, no matter how unlikely it is they'll find the answer. She'll probably forgive him for skipping the expected polite conversation.]

Do you have any idea what that was just now?

Edited (assuming barok is "usually" polite lol) 2021-11-01 06:31 (UTC)

[While it's true that van Zieks didn't intend to pry into those sorts of personal matters, he can't deny his interest has been piqued due to some of those similarities. Not that he'll push for details when they're clearly sensitive; he's not quite as forceful about those things as certain Eastern lawyers...]

I invite you to speak of whatever you're willing, but I understand the difficulty.

[Where Diluc's memories disappear from the lanterns, van Zieks's begins to take form again, the curly-haired boy tagging after a grown man that nonetheless seems happy to be accompanied; they practice swings of wooden training swords, a large dog bounding around them as if eager to be involved.]

I'm still unsure what to think of my own brother... but he is no longer here to be judged. All I have are those memories.

[When Barok was just starting to understand the world, Klint already had his own ambitions, but he'd taken the time to teach the younger sibling so many things. He's not so willing to let go of all of that, even if he has to accept that that specter is gone.]

[She can't broadcast music and talk at the same time. Doesn't have lips or a mouth to taste the kiss she's aching to steal. But she can cup 6O’s face and cradle the delicate china curve with a lover's touch, nodding and smiling her giddy agreement. 6O was with her again; that's all that mattered.

Pulling away just enough to move freely, she walks steadily toward the shadowed hallway, again taking point with 6O shielded behind her as she angles the speaker on her chest this way and that, wanting to give every dreamotion-infused sonic blast the widest coverage.]

[Hm, he just deflected.

The observation is an idle one, and Jude doesn't press. Why not ramble about his own world? It'll serve as a good refresher to reorganize his own thoughts, plus he IS in a strangely talkative and reminiscent mood, he's becoming self-aware of it now as he takes another sip of his drink. Ah well, can't hurt! Besides, maybe Alphen wouldn't mind sharing more details too, depending on whatever Jude says that may remind him of his own home world?]

Sure, they are a central part of my research. Do you have any specific questions to start, or would you prefer that I go ahead and give a general overview? The difference between our worlds and the terminology we use could be a lot of new information to process, so it may be best for you to take the lead for us to minimize confusion. [He knows he can get pretty technical with explanations to boot, so maybe they should take it slowly?]

[Soft isn't how he'd describe himself. If anything, he feels hardened by happenstance. Hardened by circumstance. Losing Yonah, tracking down the Shadowlord, discovering that everything he thought was truth was... some manifestation of falsehood. When he thinks about it all, it only makes him feel angry. Would a soft man grow angry? Does it even matter?

He doesn't bother to argue with her because Kainé, without a doubt, wins most arguments simply by the virtue of being herself. Occasionally, he can sway her to his side, but this is one instance where her perspective of him may be kinder than how he perceives himself. Without expressing it, he'll cling to that. He needs it.]

Yonah isn't here.

[At least, if she is, he hasn't seen her. Would he want to? His heart says yes, but given that he's almost certain he's having some great existential crisis, he isn't sure how much of it he can take. This Kainé might not be the Kainé he knows, but merely his memory of her. And the other Nier... He doesn't know how to explain that.

As she continues, he offers her a nod. He doesn't know it for certain, but he suspects she was saved.]

You did, yeah.

[Because that's an important distinction to make. If it happened, then it was because Kainé did it. Not because Nier had anything to do with it. He can't take that credit.]

Couldn't have done it without you, honestly.

I don't know much about cooking or baking myself, but I'm pretty sure both of those things require heat, not water.

[But again, it's not as if he knows... enough cooking or baking to more appropriately address or critique. Not that it's ever stopped him from gently doing the latter where his own daughter's abilities in the kitchen lie.]

Maybe it means you should be the one handling the heat. Everything is better when it's with someone you can trust at your back, too.

[Unsolicited father advice is a go.]

You're telling me.

['Strange' doesn't even begin to properly cover all of the bases. He has a bunch of theories as to what's behind this, but even if one of them happens to be right, does it really matter much? He wouldn't call himself nonchalant, but in his old age and at this point of his life (if he can call what he has at present 'life'), it doesn't make sense to get in a row about it.

He doesn't have to understand it. How much of this is real, anyway?

Nier rolls his shoulders and though he's shaking his head, betraying that he's not prepared for a discovery of this nature, he isn't about to fight on it. So eventually, he just offers a hand over to what could be a younger version of himself. Or an alternative version of himself.]

Didn't say you were. If you think so hard about it, you'll get a headache. So let's just leave it at a 'nice to meet you.' I've got a thousand questions already and meeting you only adds more to them. I don't think any of them are going to get answered here. It's all a dream anyway, isn't it.

[ Behind the visor, Samus raised a brow. A moment of silence, as the bounty hunter turned her head to look at the girl, gauging her behind the visor. The way she spoke, it almost sounded like she was used to this kind of occurrence. And given Samus was still wrapping her head around being in some kind of dreamscape, she couldn't help but be impressed that someone could else could handle it so easily.

It takes all kinds, I suppose. ]

I did.

[ She finally answered with a nod. Then, with a soft chuckle. ]

Didn't think it'd be so soon after my last stint either.

[ It sure did sound silly. But given all the gaps in her memory, and the incredulous claims about deities, she was willing to hear out some kind of metaphysical explanation, if it held water. ]

To clarify: you're saying I'm asleep right now?

[ Offering the poor man a small smile, she hums and takes another sip of her tea. ]

It was definitely a toss up between the tea and the hot chocolate... makes me a little homesick, though.

[ Just as she's about to flail the chimes around and beg and plead for the sheep to return, a voice catches her attention and she pauses. ]

Wait, they see me as a threat right now? Even though I promised not to eat them?

[ She may or may not be taking the rejection of the sheep a little personally right now. ]

Aww... okay, you're right. That makes sense.

[ She grins. She still has no idea how it works exactly, but seeing him kick off is a start, isn't it?

She does the same, rather taken in by the childish simplicity of it. ]

My name is Susato.

...T-This is rather fun, isn't it?

[ Back... and forth. Higher and higher. ]

[ Susato chuckles. Truthfully she's not sure if that's meant to be a joke or not, but, well--

She doesn't feel a sense of stranger-danger she should around a man his age, at least? ]

And who do I have the pleasure of teaming up with, good sir?

[ Ann can honestly say she feels the same about Samus. Between the way she's dressed and the calmness in her tone, it speaks volumes; this woman has been places and seen things, just like herself. It certainly adds an air of mystery, but it's not her business. Maybe later it's something the can discuss. ]

Jeez... sorry to hear that. No rest for the weary, right?

[ Tucking her journal away, Ann turns fully towards Samus and offers a small smile. ]

What do you make of all of this so far? Pretty weird, right?

[ Zelda waited for a moment to see if Samus had anything to else to say, but apparently that nod was it. ] All right, then. We're close to the plaza, so I think we should start there.

[ Without waiting to hear if Samus would have any objections (they didn't seem to be the talkative sort), Zelda picked her way out of the collapsed building, past the armored figure, and out to the connecting alleyway. ] You probably woke up in the plaza, I assume. That's where all of us woke up at first. I imagine one of the little tapirs was there to greet you and explain what this place is, so I'll probably end up repeating some of that.

[ Zelda spoke as she lead Samus back to the plaza. She paused here and for a moment to give Samus a place to interject if they felt like it, but didn't let the silence linger. It reminded Zelda of when Link was first assigned as her knight, shadowing the princess wherever she went but speaking nary a word to her. ]

[ While Samus wasn't understanding some of the terminology, she was picking up on the context well enough. The woman had left stacked stones as markers, and she was doing it every one hundred... yards? It felt like yards, but Samus could only assume Madhuri has a different word for it. All the same, it was clever.

Her footsteps were light, even while wearing the armor. A testament to her super-human strength, thanks to her Chozo genetics. Her arm cannon raised, ready to be fired at any moment. But not yet. Not until there was a clear threat.

At the mention of negotiation though, Samus turned her head to look at Madhuri. A second of silence, as she considered her track record. Negotiation... wasn't one of Samus' strengths. But she was willing to try. ]

Neither am I. We'll have to make due.

[ Her honest assessment so far was that this place was a confusing mess. The fact that it was some sort of dreamscape did a lot to explain the gaps in her memory, but it also meant that reality was more... flexible, was the best word she could think of. She'd already heard of potential gods and demons here, which she still hadn't fully wrapped her head around. So it was no surprise that the hardest challenge so far was adapting.

But like always, she'd make it happen. She didn't earn her reputation as a bounty hunter by being inflexible. ]

Weird is an understatement.

[ She finally said, having been quiet for a few seconds. Glancing at the rest of the people in the plaza for those few seconds, before turning back to Ann. ]

The metaphysical implications of this place aside, it's not immediately hostile. That counts for something.

Ah, yeah probably for the best.

[ It was his idea to magic them back to buds in the first place, so she can hardly be blamed for the results. At least they were able to fix it! ]

I’m just glad I could help! Hopefully the florist won’t be too bothered… but maybe we should go apologize, just in case.

[ He wasn’t sure if she could reach it from where she was, but then she just up and defies gravity more than she already was! ]

Whoa!

[ Dream logic really is something, isn’t it? He’s used to strange things happening to a degree – life in Teyvat is hardly boring – but this all this dreamotion stuff is completely new and exciting to him. He’s always been interested in tales of the supernatural and now he’s living it. ]

Should I join you?

[ Surely if she can float, so can he! ]

It’s on my list.

[ A list that’s growing longer by the moment, it seems. Good thing they have these weird journal things, or he’d never be able to keep track of it all. ]

That’s right. I’m Thoma. It’s nice to meet you!

It’s definitely a little difficult.

[ Thankfully, Thoma still ends up with the lion’s share of sheep, probably because he has the biggest piece of candy still. However, she’s caught the attention of enough sheep so that he can move a bit easier.

He is keeping an eye on her, ready to scoop her up onto his shoulders if it looks like she’s getting overwhelmed. ]

You see those pens over there? We need to get them inside.

As well as I can be after a run-in with a literal nightmare.

[ That’s not something he wants to repeat again, even if this dreamwalking stuff is actually pretty neat. Thankfully, no one was really hurt, and he gained a healthy appreciation for Master Diluc and mister Childe’s fighting prowess in the process. ]

Sorry we didn’t really get a chance for proper introductions earlier. I’m still surprised there’s other people here from Teyvat, let alone Mondstadt.

[ Oh......so he wasn't just going to pretend it didn't happen. Okay. That's fair.

She knows a fair bit more about his life now than he'd like, she can only imagine, so she can spare this one, small, possibly-insigificant chapter of hers. It's just... a matter of words, and maybe putting in a way that van Zieks didn't think it was ridiculous.

Only... it kind of was? A little bit.

Oh dear. Maybe if she waits long enough that waitress will be back to interrupt them with her drink.....

.......

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

... anyways-- ]

Well, I... yes, and no, I suppose.

I don't understand why, but... that was me, I'm afraid. From the one time I became a lawyer and dressed the part.

[ She chuckles a little. Because if she laughs first, then everything's okay. Right? ]

[ Adapting is something they're all going to have to do, and quickly, it seems. And as nice as this place does seem, after so many issues and adventures in the Metaverse, she's skeptical. This place seems almost too perfect, and there has to be a catch somewhere. ]

Not gonna lie, I am half expecting someone to come and tell us we're all dead and this is some sorta weird afterlife [ She bites back the word 'bullshit', at least- ] crap.

[ Heaving a sigh, she pushes herself up to her feet and stretches. ]

True! But I don't trust it. Assuming we're not dead, we've still been kidnapped, and I don't really appreciate that very much.

Right?

[Man, he's so glad they're already on the same page. Dolls with teeth are absolutely not okay.]

I figured it probably is— I mean, I don't think it's following me to tell me it likes my jacket.

[It could be, but the chances are slim.]

If it did just want to be played with, it would have been nice if it just said so— but I guess if it said anything, I'd probably have run even faster. [No shame in it!] You figured out how to calm 'em down?

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{ test drive #02 - november 2021 }

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