{ test drive #02 - november 2021 }

[dreamposts]

✵ 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.

Comments

[luciing]

[ The armor's form seems to redouble the effort to resist the collapsing walls and ceiing, sabatons digging into the ground so much so that a small crater forms about the heels. Dust scatters down from the ceiling, and the hideous scraping and cracking noises continue.

Like distant thunder, his voice rumbles out from within the suit.

Delaying with get them nowhere. Instead of answering her question, he bids, ]

Search for a counter-mechanism, a hidden lever to reverse this.

[multidisciplinary]

[ Zelda takes a step back and waits while Ori casts her spell.

And waits.

Oh. If procelain eyebrows could furrow, they would right now. ]

Is this the first time you've tried your magic since you arrived?

[disdelusioned]

[Diluc pauses, then sighs, and then figures why not. This is all a dream inside of a dream. The worst that could happen is that the results are disastrous enough to jostle him awake. Which, frankly, is also the best case scenario at this point.

He draws his sword and takes a battle stance, focusing on the air ahead of him and imagining... some sort of magical force... flowing through him.

It'll have to do.

With a sudden burst of movement, Diluc goes on the attack and swings his claymore in several wide swings. At first, it feels as though he's swinging at nothing--because he is. But suddenly there seems to be an impact, and his final swing seems to tear through the fabric of the dream itself. Impossibly, illogically, there's now what looks like a portal to the void hanging in the air in front of them.]

...the hells?

[judicialassistant]

[ Susato's gaze wanders to the side as she processes his words, at the same time, falling downcast to the floor. She has lived a sheltered life until recently, which is possibly the one reason she still had that youthful enthusiasm about the world. She doesn't want to believe it, but she knows what he's said lines up perfectly with other murmurs she has heard.

Surely they can't all be lying? ]

How can you live like that?

[ There's no aggression to her voice, she doesn't question what he's saying. It's just... a genuine question. ]

That is... Surely there must be a some misunderstanding. We can't just be mere acts in a play, for them. And I don't want to become an animal. [ or any of those other things. ]

my tags are stealthy... like the night!!!! it snuck through the cracks

[lethechained]

[ It seems like the sort of thing that should trouble him, no matter his words, but Naminé elects not to assume she has the right of that. It doesn't feel as though she knows him as well as she ought to after having lost so much of her memory. ]

I know.

[ She's appropriately shame-faced, although it doesn't carry over well through written text - even if her writing might be just a little smaller. ]

But there was never any proof of what happened to them afterwards.

[ Not that she heard about, in any case. The girl sits with that feeling a moment, perks when she notices another message from Lalli. ]

My treehouse.

[ That's not very descriptive of where, though. A beat, then, ]

I can meet you.

[hearthwarming]

[ She blinks up at him, just... still going back and forth on her curiosity about what's going on with this suit of armor. ]

Right...! Come to think of it, I imagine it would be really unpleasant to be changed against your will. I hope... it doesn't happen to you, either?

[hearthwarming]

[ The ends of her felt arms, where her hands would have been, cover her face in a mix of confusion and embarrassment. ]

I... I had, and it seemed to work alright up until I... came into this dream-in-a-dream...

[lethechained]

[ As powerful as the strange fellow seems to be able to resist such force in the first place, Naminé still flinches as the floor begins to crack as well, one hand coming up to cover her mouth in muted horror. Fortunately, neither he nor the foundation give completely, and the girl seems to comprehend the urgency of the situation with her, ]

Right--!

[ Perhaps a month or so ago she might have hesitated longer, had to think harder about what to do. But this time around Naminé has made it a point to get accustomed to the new form the dream has given her, and it doesn't take more than a few moments' thought before she's holding both arms out, jointed fingers splaying with her palms facing the floor.

The dangling chains that have been dragging after her spring to life, rolling out alongside the lifting of her limbs. Frowning, she directs them toward the nearest of the cracks in the walls on either side and they slither toward them like disconcerting snakes, seeming to feed out longer and longer as Naminé extends her reach. Perhaps in another dream world, the influences of her power wouldn't be so obvious; here, the tendrils of it have a more physical presence.

But that only does so much good when she doesn't quite know where to look. Though the chains creep their way through the walls and the mechanisms beyond, their exploration has yet to bear fruit as Naminé's expression grows increasingly concerned. ]

I'm not-- sure exactly how it works...!

[ Which makes finding a shutoff switch somewhat more challenging. ]

[marmoris]

[ What, is that not a universal dream across all worlds?? Colored him surprised. ]

You know, a dream where your favorite food tries to take a bite out of you instead of the reverse? You've really never had one like that?

[ Then again, his dreams do tend to be pretty violent... ]

[marmoris]

[ Hey, Childe can't blame it. Even if it is just a toy, it's pretty cute, and now that he knows he's better off not smashing them up, he can lean into it. Given his younger siblings, this is hardly the first time he's had to play with toys.

While Thoma busies himself with the dog, Childe picks up an action figure that's missing an arm, and weighs it between his hands like its a precious, invaluable thing. ]

Wow! You know, I had one a lot like this when I was a kid. A hand-painted posable Fatui agent...

[ He gives the toy a little high-five before turning back to the others. ]

Maybe he'd like to take a ride on your pup! A steed fit for a knight. What do you say?

[marmoris]

[ He can't help a small chuckle at her reaction to his name, even if it's subtle. There are several reasons he chose it as an alias, not the least of which is because the reactions he gets are very amusing.

After all, one wouldn't really compare someone who was just about ready to thrown down with a goose to a child... ]

Ori it is, then! It's a pleasure. And yes, you could say I'm something of a wanderer, really! I don't tend to stay in one place for too long. How can I, when the world offers so much for me to see?

[ Also, his work takes him all over the place, but even when that's not the case, he's basically nomadic. ]

That's something you can connect with, I take it?

[marmoris]

[ He sure is a professional...something, though acting like the world's greatest toy salesman in front of his little brother certainly helped! Experience he did not expect to put to use anytime soon, and definitely not in this way. ]

That's about the size of it! It might be worthwhile to gather a bit more intel, just to make sure that wasn't a fluke, but I'd say this firebreather lollipop is an absolute success.

[ He does still have quite a few left, though...he lifts a brow and gives Balthus a look that is almost a challenge. ]

Now that you've seen it with your own eyes, are you more willing to try one?

[silentends]

Dreamotion. It's kinda like magic I guess??? You can even use it to make red wine if you want.

[Nier doesn't have too much trouble with it because he had plenty of time to grow accustomed to magic back in his world. The concept of using dreamotion abilities isn't strange to him either.]

Does it sound crazy?

this seems like a good place to wrap up!!! let me know if that works!

[silentends]

You're really nice for noticing that too.

[He makes a polite gesture and then gives Susato a friendly handshake followed by a smile.]

I'm happy we can work together and hope for good things to come.

[refire]

Is this some kind of magic? I..don't know what to say.

[ It feels like the entire world decided to turn itself upside down. Alphen just takes in a deep breath and easily accepts it as a fact. He's trying to remain calm even with these strange circumstances.]

What are you taking away from all this?

[crystalized_hope]

I have personally dealt with far worse situations back home. Though, I suppose it is not for everyone.

[But he's also not trying to discredit her feelings about the whole thing either.]

What was Verens like?

[crystalized_hope]

[And the two of them talked about more memories of home before going their own ways.]

It's OK. I'm half a month late to reply

[crystalized_hope]

[For someone who has manipulated time to travel to the first, he was still very new to the concept of how time worked here. Anything dealing with time had always a little wonky.]

Indeed. Everyone returned safely home, whole and hearty. [Aside from feeling sluggish anyway.] Myself included.

[His own integrity was the most questionable of them all, but he was otherwise fine.]

[crystalized_hope]

[Being bound by fate often made you restless for something new and exciting. This was just his first chance to act on it without more important duties or titles holding him back.]

I would be most glad to see what it's like.

[Is it anything like the one he knows of? Rather... has heard about. He hasn't actually seen it for himself yet.]

[oathkeeper]

[Maybe too easy? But Sora is curious when he looks up to see her reaching for the strangely coloured book.]

Maybe it is!

[But maybe they shouldn't be reaching out for any odd thing in this strange haunted toy house. Because there is suddenly a clicking noise...]

Wait, what's that?!

[The ceiling opens up and a set of metal spikes comes dropping down! Sora is so fast to leap at Susato to tackle her out of the way!! They'll come crashing down to the ground together! Whump!]

[heseesonlyher]

Teach them how to stab their meat real good with a fork.

[That's a joke. He's already questioning his parenting skills. He doubts he needs to be giving himself a reason to lose even more sleep over it.

His attention turns, however, and rather quickly. Yeah. It doesn't surprise him at all to hear that it's easier. For her. Kainé hasn't had the easiest time of things. In a place like this, no one knows her, no one knows her past, no one knows anything she doesn't want to tell them. She can start blank here. They all can, honestly.

The only person judging either of them is... well. Them.

He begins to bring himself back to the present when she makes mention of dinner and he finds himself eyeing the sheep. Hopefully she doesn't mean by eating any of whatever they've got going on, because a mountain of cotton candy wool is not what he thinks of when he thinks dinner.]

That sounds like a dangerous wager. I didn't know either of us could actually cook anything, but I guess what doesn't kill us just makes us stronger.

[heseesonlyher]

If there was, no one told me.

[If there was, would he have done things any differently? Killing Kainé was never an option. Surely, there's a version of him somewhere, out there, in some other existence who did do it that way. Nier doubts he could have lived properly with himself if he had. And he doesn't know how he would have explained that to anyone else either.

No. He firmly decides in the here and the now that the way he did it is the only way he would have handled things.

Nier's question garners him an old man's sombre expression.]

I gave my life for hers. That's all there is to it. I thought she was worth it and I knew I could leave Yonah in her hands. I was told no one back home would remember me, so they never lost anything, but they did regain Kainé.

[At least, that seems to be how he's understood it. Who knows if he really understands what he did or the repercussions it came with.]

[judicialassistant]

[ Susato had just started to tune in to the clicking noise as Sora questioned it. When the ceiling opens up, it doesn't matter how brave she is--she finds herself mid-scream when Sora tackles her, rolling just once when they crash down to the ground together.

Where they had just been, there's now the previously mentioned metal spikes, having fallen from the ceiling haphazardly like ice shards melting and losing their grip. It's hard to tell, but there are also spikes protruding from the ground, which look only slightly more organized.

Susato can barely catch her breath before processing the half of this. ]

Th, That was a trap. I think.

[ 'I think??' ]

Are you alright?

[ He is still on top of her, but she doesn't want to move him around too much, in case he's injured. ]

[roseofmay]

...No.

[That obvious, is it? Beatrix isn't even sure she went to anything of that sort when she was a child herself. Or her idea of a 'play park' is probably something akin to the courtyard of the castle, watching the knights and soldiers train and spar. Beatrix never was a normal person, even in her youth.

She's still examining what awaits them below, trying to establish how soft or hard the landing might be. Tifa can't hold her forever, after all, and honestly, Beatrix doesn't want her to. She can't tell from where she's hanging, however. No way to tell without testing first and foremost.

With her free hand, she begins to settle a hand atop her sword. She could cut her way through another situation, but it seems that her sword does very little good here.]

I have seen far more terrifying things than whatever that mess is down there. Somehow I do believe I shall manage.

[roseofmay]

[The first part she knows. That's what everyone is saying. Dreamworld this, dreamworld that. Sounds stupid, really.

When he says he arrived with others in his town, however, she has to wonder how many. He says 'friends,' which means there's more of them.]

One.

[She answers him, though Zidane is not what she'd consider a friend. He's more like a nuisance. A thorn in her side and one would think someone as prickly as the general would actually enjoy thorns. Although he's been remarkably helpful since her arrival.]

That is all, however. Aside from him, I have seen little that would be coming from our home world.