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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1-0. Arrival
[Welp, this sure is a thing. Going from a crazy island floating in the sky to a dream world? Talk about getting a little too into your own head! Rose still hasn't quite worked out whether her body is actually in Verens or has gone back to Glenwood, but really, does it matter now that she's here? It's also hard to tell how long it's been since she's seen everyone when it feels like it's been forever and yet no time at all. But that's the nature of dreams, isn't it? It's enough to make her head hurt, which is why Rose is still laying sprawled out in the grass of the plaza with her new journal covering her face. Handy for muffling the frustrated scream she lets out.]

1-A. Magic Journals
[Once she's gotten that out of her system and poked around a bit to get her bearings, it's time to test out this new method of communication. Despite not caring for how the crystal network had always projected things into her head, in hindsight it was a handy and sophisticated system. Decidedly... not like here. Hence, a rant:]

Are you seriously telling me that after I've experienced airships, sharknados, and and people turning into crystals, we don't even get indoor plumbing here?? What kind of crappy dream is this?!

[She's used to roughing it on the road, but come on! What good is your imagination if you can't even have a little luxury in the basics department?]

2-C. Trick Candy
[The spooky season has never sat well with Rose when some of the more... interesting holiday highlights have included fun pastimes like restless spirits of the undead rising to torment poor innocent souls, mazes designed to trap unwary thrill-seekers, and other assorted horrors. Bleh! Who needs it? Yet it's not entirely without its perks: the food is often superb, and the opportunity to have a bit of fun teasing people suits her nicely.

So when Rose hears about a competition being held to brainstorm new candy-based pranks, she jumps on it. Her first attempt at creating candy apples that look like normal green ones on the outside but "bleed" red sugar when bitten into goes amazingly well given her history of culinary endeavors. It's almost enough to make her think she's finally got the hang of this cooking thing! Except her second try quickly disabuses her of that notion when somehow or another the gummy product she's been shaping takes on a life of its own. One moment the handful of stuff has a vaguely bear shape, then the next it starts splitting apart, dividing into a stringy, wiggling rainbow mass that begins multiplying and growing until the table she's working at collapses under its weight, eliciting a horrified scream from her as she stumbles backwards while fumbling for her daggers at the same time.

Unfortunately both weapons slip from her goo-covered hands right as the horde of now dog-sized gummy worms charge at whoever is nearby in search of fresh meat... Okay, not really. They're just looking to be petted, but how is anyone supposed to know that? Rose sure doesn't, which is why she tries punting one of them as hard as she can with a kick that'd do a professional sportsman proud. Sorry if you happen to be in the way!]

Why does this always happen...?!

2-B. Cotton Candy Sheep
[Coming off her sorta failed attempt at snack prep, Rose has set her sights on another edible goal because dammit, she's hungry! The cotton candy sheep also apparently come with the bonus of possibly being a source of clothing material. No way she could pass up this two-for-one deal! Although impatience has led her to forego things like "common sense" and "advice" in order to shoot straight for her meal. Hence why she can be seen charging about the farmlands trying to catch the sheep by hand, sometimes she getting close before they bounce off into the sky. So close, in fact, that she manages to snag the hind legs of one poor animal who starts bleating unhappily as they both float higher and higher.]

C'mon, you little...! If you don't get your butt down I'm going to not only sheer you but sear you!

[She's so not winning any animal advocacy awards, huh. ...she also might be trying to haul herself up enough to take a bite out of the sheep's fluffy backside. Save it?]

[ CHIPS HIS SWORD....... oh wait that hasn't happened yet.

No, don't worry, Kazuma. Susato knows how precious it is, which is why she's very careful when she takes it. She exhales, closing her eyes as if to prepare herself.

...... ]

Mighty Karuma, twist thy head and watch them fall... All thy mortal foes.

[ She does it, just the way she's seen Ryunosuke do.

...But even she can't help letting out a relieved gasp when she opens her eyes and sees the compartment ajar, with the same papers and the mysterious scarlett writing. ]

... N-No.

[ She is not scared of a lantern!! In fact, just to show it who's boss, she will stare at it and concentrate, just the way she was told. At first it is cloudy, which she finds kind of fascinating in the way it swirls...

But then she blinks.

She feels jostled, like the contents of her stomach were just shaken up like a soda can. She disappears in a ball of light...

and wakes up in a pile of unicorns.

Literally. Stuffed ones.

Please, please be right behind her, as you say-- ]

[ Adjusting himself like that, the creaky nature of it, and how he has to peer down at her— really, it's a toss up if he reminds her of Hastur or Jack. ]

Such a thought hadn't struck me. [ Her tone implies she thinks him clever for it, but perhaps that's condescending of her. Slightly embarrassed by how easily she'd been impressed, Michiko inclines her head in a friendly bow, as if to say hello. ]

And may it be presumed you've experience with these dreaming stars you mention?

[ Oops. She would've given you a refill if you asked, dad, but she'll just enjoy your dad...ness.

Which fortunately includes the concern with which he asks that question. ]

Oh, not long, I don't think. I've woken up maybe... a couple hours ago? [ A total guess, really. Albeit a somewhat educated one. ]

What about you?

[ For a moment, she is struck at once by Grace's kindness and viciousness. It is a beautiful, complex conundrum she experiences, the contrast of her; like the surface of the water is beautiful but it's depths are home to some of the most capable predators on earth. To herself, Michiko smiles at it. There is no "Michiko" for Miles to find, in truth, that life more of a shadow than anything. She is the waking nightmare now, but Grace is fresh. Sweet, almost, like the flesh of halibut. ]

Thank you, Grace.
I believe I have heard about that man. The one in robes, is that not so? I suppose you both will expect to agree to these terms as well. He's clever for that, I'll say as much... Though one must wonder what information he truly had with him.

[ After all, she would relish the opportunity to turn the tables on her own torturers.

But it is the assertion to not play with Toge that Michiko finds most sweet from this one. She knows better than to prod, but she cannot help herself. For safety reasons, Mama Michiko will do no more than agree, but she smiles to herself. As if a mother watching her young prevail, that is. ]

Rice ball ingredients? Goodness, me. I'll certainly keep my distance from your prey, miss. But may I ask, why not simply hunt together....?

[ Okay, she's not above teasing. ]

[ Susato sits down nearby, eager to join the nice stranger who's given her the time of day. ]

Oh, it is really nice, I promise you! I don't know the secret, exactly, but the way it's blended together is just perfect. Not too sweet, but not too strong, either.

I think they call it "cranberry cheer"?

[ That wry smile and the raise of his head, the way the shadows shift on his expression— she berates herself for momentarily thinking she's back in Yomawari merely entertaining a customer in that split second. It's a skin she's sloughed off decades ago, now, and though she matches his smile, reflecting it back at him... the meaning behind her own is unsaid. ]

Biding one's time and waiting is always a valid strategy, sir. You're very right...

Of course— by way of making the most of time whilst we're here, I must ask... [ She laughs, leaning back, and simply tapping the space between them with her fan. ] You don't intend to make me call you Mr. Driftwood for the entire of our acquaintance, do you? [ A short beat later, and she taps once more, as if summoning his new nickname. ] Mr. Driftwood.

[ She's joking. Mostly! Mostly. ]

[ Far be it from Michiko to claim she's a changed woman simply because she's ripped from the games. When Susato, the young miss, disappears in what looks to Michiko's eyes like the spray of color peeking out over the horizon during the sunrise, she follows suit. The opportunity presents itself when she sees the girl from the back, popping out of a bunch of toys like daisies blooming during the beginning of spring. Michiko cannot help but think of how distinctive her nihongami is.

And then, suddenly, she snaps forward at the waist, dipping so that her face comes into view from Susato's side without warning. ]

Are you quite well, young miss?

[ She beams. She'd ask for forgiveness, but it is the hunter's instinct to want for a fright. ]

A drink with a pleasant taste would be more than welcome! I'll try some.

[ Nier looks at the menu and picks out the drink that Susato mentioned. It's Cranberry Cheer. He takes a sip from it and his expression changes into a smile. ]

You're right! This is amazing!! I've never tried anything like it before and it's hard to describe but I enjoy the flavor.

[Unfortunately, Yujin is not as good at reading people as he would like, and a layer of Noh make-up only complicates matters further. For that reason, he takes her smile for what it is; a smile. And quite frankly, he's relieved he got her to smile at all. In fact, she's already another step ahead to teasing, which is truly the mark of someone who seems to have put their worries aside for now. He chuckles quietly.]

I don't think there'll be any need for that, no. I apologize for not introducing myself sooner. My name is Yujin Mikotoba. In my waking moments, I am a professor of forensic science at Yumei university in Tokyo. [He reaches into the sleeve of his haori jacket and takes out a small paper fan of his own. It's the sort of thing he always carries around with him, even when the weather is colder. Either way, now he can tap the bench as well.] And you are?

Th-Three-

[He did expect that it must've been a while, but three whole years? Kazuma is three years older? It depends whether dream selves age, perhaps, but that is hardly the point.]

Good gracious, that is... a long while, indeed.

[He looks absolutely pleased as punch that someone bothered to notice and is also giving him praise. Like she probably made his day...week...year...decade.

One could call it Ichiban's growth during the events that happened to him lately. Or maybe just his usual luck manifesting into this spell and his inability to do it with much more complicated ones. Mind over matter. Sizz over Sizzle.]

Haha thanks! I've been working on it since I got here.

[Which for the record, not a long time ago, but he is obsessed with getting this right. It's like going out and hunting your first slime, after all.] I guess I had a mind for it. I just have to think like a video game and it sort of happened. [A pause.] I did burn a little bit of my hair the first time it worked.

[What, and have his daughter serve as his personal waitress? Never! He'll get his own drink when he wants one.]

Oh? We might very well have arrived at the same moment, then. Such timing sounds far too deliberate to be a coincidence.

[ Ori finds herself watching Thoma as he introduces himself with a sheepish smile on her face; she wishes she had that kind of charisma at times, but especially at a time like this. She sighs in relief at the florist's response; Ori didn't know what to expect, really, but she always tends to err on the side of "everything sucks and it's my fault."

So at Thoma's suggestion, she nods enthusiastically. ]

Yes, right! We can definitely help. I'm actually really great with plants, so I'll be happy to assist however I can!

[He's here, and he's ready to have ten different jobs, earn a hundred degrees, own another company and get to learn every single Dragon Quest spell that ever existed. Maybe. Probably. Thwack works like maybe 5% of the time.

He turns around, nearly setting his sleeve on fire as he just holds up his thumb up to showcase what he's done. Like would you look at this thumb (that is on fire).]

Zhao! This place couldn't have stopped me even if it tried.

[That's not how it works. That's not how any of this works.]

I won't need a lighter after this!

[It's the little things in life, really.]

[He might not be the best at details... but he's also just getting started!]

He was this very theatrical guy. Kinda like a "gentleman thief" character type, with his own calling card and everything. When the the day came that he was finally caught, it turned out that he was apparently this really meek and jumpy guy named Delite. And the guy who cuffed him was that so-called "ace detective", Luke Atmey. But that was just the beginning of the whole thing!

[She feels bad when the taffy goes limp, but at least they're free... and they could probably go talk to whoever enchanted it.]

... Maybe we should ask around about the candy?

[When did they become pals anyway?] I wouldn't do that to you, nor ignore a mess like this. [This man sure is down about himself, huh.]

Finding cleaning supplies may prove difficult in this world. Maybe we can imagine some.

Hm? [He looks between him and the taffy, frowning.] Do you doubt my skill with a blade?

[He's very confident he can slice them free, with torn sleeves as the only casualty.]

..........

YAAAAAAAAAAGH!

[Vigil finds himself twisting his arms around his head because WHY DOES THE REAPER KNOW WHO HE IS. Is it some sort of power he has being the Reaper of the Bailey?! The ability to see crime and prosecute no matter the situation he's in?! How does he even know his name?!]

[Gumshoe scratches at his head uncertainly.]

Y'know... It doesn't really hit you 'til you sing it out loud as an adult and pay attention to the lyrics...

[With a burst of renewed energy-]

That's fine! I got something better up my sleeve! This ain't over yet!

[ Thoma is truly at a loss for words for a moment – if not for the body language, he’d assume that this guy was really hungry. Normally Thoma would be happy to oblige and whip up some sushi or fried fish, but inside a haunted dollhouse doesn’t really seem like the place. He doesn’t have any ingredients on him anyway.

At least the thumbs-up is a universal symbol. ]

Salmon, sa… oh, you’re okay? That’s good.

[ The rest gets lost on him for a while, as evidenced by his blank stare until the pointing registers. ]

Me? Um, I’m fine, thank you for… asking? [ Did he even ask tho? ] Um, I can just ask you yes or no questions if that’s easier. Is it the dream realm that’s making you talk like that?

[...What were those words? It sounded like something his father would say, like a mantra of sorts. Suddenly, rather than draw out Karuma, she pulls at the pommel on the hilt, an action that clearly confuses him.]

What...? [He blinks, and then he sees it. Something had been stuffed inside the hilt of the sword. He comes closer, forgetting his manners and personal space for a moment to get a better look.]

Parchment? [Has that always been in there???]

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Page 39 of 92

{ test drive #02 - november 2021 }

Rose | Tales of Zestiria (Empatheias CRAU)

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Sorry for the late reply!

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Hello friendo

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