{ 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

G'raha Tia | Final Fantasy XIV

[crystalized_hope]

[OOC: Just as a quick note, I do want to warn anyone reading this that he will be coming from the end of Shadowbringers. There will more than likely be spoilers inside between the prompts, icons, and comments. I wanted to be sure that this was clear so I don't accidentally spoil someone.

Mixed Messages, Dreambucks Café, and Let Down Your Hair prompts are fairly spoiler-free.]


Mixed Messages;

[World hopping wasn't particularly new for G'raha, but slipping into a dreamlike world where emotions affected the area around them? That was different. He's seen plenty of types of creatures before, but the tapir was new. Nevertheless, full glad was he that he didn't have to specifically seek out answers right away. In time he would do some investigating on his own, but the basics were good to know right away. The journal resembled what looked like a tomestone. It was certainly familiar enough to him, but he had never actually used one himself. Linkshells were probably the closest thing he had used when it came down to communication. While he was poking around on it, your character might receive what looks like spam on their own journals.]

kjhasdfiu

[Shortly after, another message will come in.]

My apologies. Mayhap I should have actually tested one of these back home sooner...

Crystalline Skies;

[Having founded the Crystarium in the First, arriving in a strange new town has greatly piqued his interest. How big is Reverein? What kind of people called this home? How many different creatures were there here? How did they run the town? Was it governed in any particular way or did it have no acting leader? His guess was the red tapir he'd come across upon arrival, but he wasn't going to run off of assumptions alone.

There were a lot of different creatures here. Some that resembled the pixies in the first and some he didn't recognize. While going around town to take it all in, his tail wagging around was probably the least noticeable thing about him right now.

No. That would be the crystal trail he was leaving behind him as he wandered from place to place, completely unaware of that fact at that current moment. In fact, as a combination of his emotions and the Dreamotion energy that he's not familiar with just yet, there is also a trail of sparkles around him.

It wasn't until he finally turned around to notice those sparkles have given way to what looked to be miniture sized crystals. He's also finally noticed other people looking at them. Sheepishly rubbing the back of his head, ears drooped slightly.]

A-ah... It seems I don't have this "Dreamotion" under control just yet. Sorry about that.

[That's what he's assuming it's related to anyway. He hasn't had a chance to test out the waters on emotions manipulating the environment himself just yet.]

Dreambucks Café;

[After a while, a refreshing drink did sound inviting after exploring Reverein. While most of the pixies kept to Il Mheg, he'd gotten used to Feo Ul's company from time to time. Seeing the staff full of these fairies was a bit surprising, but comforting in a strange kind of way. Paired with a piece of cake, he'd ordered a hazelnut hot chocolate He had a hard time deciding between the different options, but figured he could always come back another time to try the rest of them.

Noticing the decorations on top of it, get couldn't help but smile. It reminded him of home. Mayhap he was simply biased, having taken a particular interest in his study. If anybody is interested in hearing a old man young man speak of his adventures back home, he'd be happy to talk about them. He seems particularly driven to share something at any rate.

Otherwise, people might find him as he offers to help clean the café in gratitude for the free hot chocolate. Feel free to join him.]

Let Down Your Hair;

[Admittedly he didn't have a big sweet tooth, but some sweets here and there couldn't hurt. Too bad he didn't get the memo that this "candy" wasn't any ordinary candy. Sampling one of the pieces, he wasn't expecting to nearly trip on his hair.]

Uh...

[Picking up his hair to move off to the side, what was he supposed to do with this? How long was it going to last? Hopefully not long. Anyone is free to witness him attempting to braid his very long hair now to get it out of the way.]

Feeling a Bit Stiff;

[It seemed like it would be advantageous for him to learn about dreamscapes and dreamwalking, so taking a sit in one of the empty hammocks, he allowed himself to focus on the tapirs' instructions. Soon enough, he found himself in the dollhouse. Did everything seem bigger or was it just him? Looking at his hands, it didn't take long for him to notice the changes to his anatomy. Reaching for his plastic cheek, he felt the bumps of the crystal.]

... Great.

[Maneuvering around the dollhouse like this was going to be a bit of a challenge; especially when you were only a few feet tall. He was just relieved that his path didn't lead through one of the uncanny staircases, because that might take a while to traverse. Going into one room to suddenly lose his balance as he floated in the air though...]

Can I get a little help?

Wildcard;

[OOC: As I mentioned at the top, G'raha will be coming from the end of Shadowbringers. I will be doing my best to avoid too many spoilers for anyone who wants to tag him but is still playing through. Please do let me know if you'd rather refrain from spoilers or want to opt out of tagging, and I will 100% respect your wishes. If you'd like anything else with him besides what's here, feel free to poke me on Plurk at byefelicia.]

Crystalline Skies

[welcome_home]

Ooooh! They're so pretty!

[ Nanako hadn't realized anything different was going on in town yet today, so she's surprised when she comes across a trail of pretty sparkles along one of the roads as she was headed to the shops.

Stopping, the little girl bends forward slightly to poke at one of the pretty floating blue crystals. ]

Did you make these, mister?

[crystalized_hope]

[Offering her a small chuckle and a smile, there was no point in denying it was more than likely coming from him.]

More than likely. I do tend to have a certain affinity for crystals, after all.

[welcome_home]

Do you?

[ her head tips to the side, curious. ]

What does that mean?

[crystalized_hope]

[Hm... Mayhap he should have considered where he was going with this? She was but a child after all.]

Where I'm from, there's a tower made out of crystal. I'm rather fond of it.

[He can go into details if she really wants to know more about it, but he doesn't want to confuse her.]

it's the best boy! 🥺 let down your hair

[starshower]

[Tifa is no stranger to having long hair. It can be a hassle some mornings, which is why she typically opts for tying it back to keep it out of the way, but... she's never had to deal with something quite like what this poor man is experiencing. She does watch him for a moment as he attempts to pull his hair into braids, but he looks like he could use a little bit of help...

With her smile turning apologetic, she wanders up and gestures to... all of it.]

Need some help?

[She really hopes that this isn't how it always is...]

:'D

[crystalized_hope]

[It wasn't as if he hadn't braided his hair before, though his normal braid was... much shorter than this. In due time, he'd more than likely be able to get it all figured out, but the offer for help is very much welcome.]

Ah, yes... It seems I may need the assistance. I suppose this is a lesson to watch what I eat.

[starshower]

[Ah. The realization dawns across Tifa's face, clear as day.]

Another case of the cursed food, I see.

[Clearly, this isn't the first time that this has happened, if her expression is any indication of that, or the way she casually laughs it off as Just Another Day Ending in Y. With his permission, she moves beside him and begins to scoop up some of the hair that's cascading across the ground into her arms, sighing under a breath about how heavy it actually is. She's careful not to tug or pull too much, but it might start to prove difficult the more she picks up.]

My last experience with the food was candy and it turned me into a dog. What was it this time?

mixed messages!

[ruinheaded]

Everything okay there? You've been putting out a lot of garbled nonsense?

[ fittingly for an adventurer, Sorey's own journal took the form of a weathered notebook that he'd initially been filling with his observations of this place, not realizing it was sending those notes to everyone else. so chances are everyone had seen his excitement at finding ruins outside the town. ]

SCREECHES

[crystalized_hope]

Admittedly I have never used one of these myself. Not much call to do so, I'm afraid. Although, these do function differently from the tomestones back home.

[Lower tech more than likely, but get the point across.]

[ruinheaded]

We don't have anything remotely like this where I come from! Yeah, there's sending letters, but this is instant!

[ to tell the truth, he's very excited to hear more about this guy's world, given he's caught on by now everyone here has come from somewhere different. places unimaginable to him, unlike anything he'd ever heard of.

he just hopes the magical nature of the journals doesn't put that across TOO much. ]

Café

[songbird_slayer]

[The caramel was warm and smooth, a delight and a surprise alongside the spices and piping hot water. Before she knew it, she was sinking into a squishy seat and wondering why she hadn't brought a blanket. Instead, as her mind floated off into a cozy, comfy haze she did herself a spot of people watching.

Right now, there was a bright red figure doing a bit of tidying, and clearly wasn't one of the fae who worked here. She recalled offers of volunteer work if they simply must pay their hosts back for the cake and drinks and thought to do a little herself.

She was distracted, however: She'd seen this guy before, hadn't she? So many faces blurred in her head, but while figuring out her current predicament, any information she'd gathered was regrettably falling out of her skull. But voices... voices were clear as day for her. Let's hear him a little, but not bother him too much.]

That's terribly kind of you, Ser. Would that more of the dreamers would follow your example.

[crystalized_hope]

[Turning to the voice, admittedly he hadn't outright recognized her. A lot had happened during the fight against Emet-Selch and he would be lying to say he wasn't slightly dazed from it all while it was happening. 'Twas a wonder that he was even standing, let alone summoning champions from beyond the rift. Even so, the company was nice.]

It's the least I can do after the faeries graciously serve a warm drink to me without thought of monetary reward in return. I am not wont to repay my debts.

[Not that the faeries probably minded either way.]

[songbird_slayer]

[She mulled that over a bit, bounced it around in her mind. Her dreams never seemed to lie to her- just be particularly, helpfully vague at times and revert to symbols- but to give him the 20 questions was just going to be rude. Besides, her mind couldn't help but float happily back to her first time biting into her own handmade buuz.

When she drained the last of her cup and stood, her mind was all made up.]

You know what- [A quick turn to their hosts and a wave.]

I'll wipe down the display cases, I think.

[She moved for the counter and accepted a pair of rags in exchange for her cup and saucer. A simple solution in water would do. But she reached into a pocket and went over a few small but recognizable job stones. She brushed her thumb over the opal.]

Doesn't feel right to sit around like a lump while you scrub around me.

mixed messages!

[goodfaiths]

It's okay! I was wondering if something bad happened, but I'm glad you were just testing things out.

Do you need help figuring out how to use these? I'm still learning, too, but I think I've figured it out, mostly!

[crystalized_hope]

I am quite alright. No need to worry.

That would be helpful, actually. I would be most grateful for your assistance on the matter.

[goodfaiths]

Yeah, I can help you!

Um... I don't know how else to explain this other than you just write on the pages with the quill. I've never used a quill before, but I think it's easy enough to learn how!

mixed messages, sender: aioba

[aioba]

It's okay! I was wondering what the blank books were for and now they make sense!

Hey, actually writing is kind of old school, isn't it? Well, thinking.

....!
Not that thinking is... something I don't do! I mean, uh...
Thinkingwriting???

Oh man...

I guess this is like a BBS? It's so old. And new. If thinking replaced typing...

Ah! Sorry! I mean to say, it's okay!

[crystalized_hope]

[G'raha could only assume this is mostly just... writing out loud? Muttering? Either way, he's not entirely sure what BBS is or even what he's referring to. Either he hasn't used a tomestone really and that explains why he's lost or he really is getting too old (mentally) for this. He's not entirely sure of what to make of this, but the last bit at least makes sense.]

Thank goodness. I confess I have no experience with these prior to this, though I probably could have had I used a tomestone myself.

[Did he want to ask?]

What exactly is BBS?

[aioba]

[If he had any idea the previous was funnytalk to G'raha, he'd be so sorry for the following. But he doesn't. So!]

A BBS? It's short for bulletin board system, which is basically a dedicated server which users can log into from terminals. They're really neat! Pretty much, the point of them is to upload and download data and exchange messages!

It's kind of oldtech now that VR based systems are accessible by everyone with an internet connection, but there's a kind of charm to them. It's not as intense, and you don't have to do things like create an avatar. And users can form their own rooms as well!

[Again, he would be so sorry.]

Hey, what's a tomestone?

/kicks down door GRANDPA WHERE YOU AT

[guardbun]

[ Having spent a good bit of time herself wandering about the town, Lyna found herself with more than enough matters to dwell upon. And there was no better way to organize her thoughts than over something warm and soothing, be it a drink or meal. Fortunately she had found her way into the cafe. Soon enough, upon the faerie's suggestion of a caramel delight to warm the spirit, the viera was standing a bit awkwardly to the side, picking up the drink once it was ready.

When the sound of a familiar tone reach her ears Lyna found herself frozen in place before she could take the first sip. Her hands were wrapped tightly around the warm mug as she stood still. Her eyes searched the facility and all too quickly did her sight fall upon the familiar -albeit younger?- looking mystel. Gone were the strands of white hair and the patches of blue crystal. Yet there was no mistaking who it was sitting there.

It had not been very long since they had parted ways. Yet seeing the one person she had truly called family before her gripped at her heart. She had visited the Crystal Tower that day when the Warrior of Darkness brought it all to a close and found him- standing there, all crystal and determination. Their conversation hardly a bell before that had been their last.

This is really, truly, a dream after all.

That would be the only possible method for her to be reunited with her family like this.

Slowly she approached the scene, making sure not to disturb any of the other patrons as she passed them by. It was not until she was close enough to see him clearly did she stop and grip her drink. Finally, after one beat, then two, she took a small breath, a quiet smile tugging at the corners of her lips. ]

You seem to finally be getting some proper rest, my lord.

Can we not cause a ruckus in a dream world, bun child?

[crystalized_hope]

[Today was certainly a day of surprises. Though his body was younger, he was still an old man at heart. An old man who hadn't stopped thinking about everyone back at the Crystarium since leaving. He hadn't noticed the familiar Viera just yet.

'My lord'... It was an all too familiar title that he'd grown accustomed to. Something he never thought he'd hear again. Dropping whatever conversation or activity he may have been in the middle of at that current moment, he snapped his gaze to the source standing next to him.

At first, he said nothing. Lyna. She was really here. This was a dream, after all, so anything went here he could imagine. Of everyone he'd miss back in the First, the one person he yearned to see the most once more was really standing in front of him. Maybe it was his old age getting to him? It took a lot of effort not to get too emotional.

And of course she had to open up with that line. Finally moving from his seat, he stood up to give her his full attention.]

Have you come all this way just to nag me again? [He jests, but he's relieved all the same.] It is so good to see you again. It's been too long.

[G'raha, it hasn't been that long.]

let down your hair!

[likescaves]

[ Oh well that is just adorable. No doubt the result of whatever this nonsense candy is. Not that Merisia has much room to talk; she ate something that turned her hair a bright, neon pink. Pulling up her hood doesn't really do much to mitigate it, either. ]

I've got a knife if you'd rather chop all that off.

[ No way in hell is she going to offer to do someone else's hair. Not a stranger, at least. But she can't exactly stand by and let someone suffer like that, either. She's pretty sure she heard stories of a voidsent with hair that long, but fortunately this doesn't exactly look like the one. ]

Oh hello~

[crystalized_hope]

[He noticed that bright neon pink, but decidedly thought nothing of it. Mayhap it was simply how she liked her hair? Despite wearing the hood, she looked like she could be an Elezen. Another person from Hydaelyn perhaps? It was not a face he recognized, but it was comforting, all the same, to know he wasn't the only one from their star here.]

My thanks, but I would think that it will simply wear off in time. [He hopes...] If I braid it, it should become more manageable for the time being.

[But that aside...]

My apologies if I seem nosy, but are you perhaps from Eorzea?

hi hi :D

[likescaves]

[ Merisia may not show it, but she appreciates his lack of commentary on her unfortunate hair color. ]

Just don't go tripping over it in the meantime.

[ She cares. Honest.

The mention of Eorzea does make her perk up a little bit. In such a place where all other worlds seem to intersect, it's always nice to see a fellow Eorzean. It's not going to make her less wary of strangers, but a sense of familiarity is always welcome. At least this guy seems friendly enough, too, but one can never be sure. ]

Yeah. Grew up in Thanalan. [ She folds her arms. ] Why? Am I the only one you've seen all day?