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.

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

[His explanation is almost laughable.] Did it never occur to you that this dream isn't what it seems?

[Everything looks fine now, but he knows how deceptive this place can be. He feels he's on his way to a nightmare already right now.]

[~~he's only been here like a day bro give him a break~~

How long, exactly, has Asogi been stuck here? The furrow in his brow deepens momentarily, further questions and possible answers rising to the surface of his mind. The query that comes out of his mouth, though, is expectant:]

You have some evidence for that, I presume? [Van Zieks won't accept baseless speculation—not in court nor outside of it. And especially not from his own apprentice, not even in a dream.]

Have you seen the state of the town? I'm certain you did. [Gray clouds gather in the area as the sound of thunder can be heard.]

If you want something more direct...I'll be happy to oblige. [Barok has given him an opening, and he really wants to take it. This isn't home after all. Just a small taste, he promise.]

An eclectic fairy-tale village, half abandoned. [A bit more lively than he'd normally imagine, given the strange effects around the other dreamwalkers, but once he'd explored a bit more, he'd gotten the impression it was relatively harmless fantasy. He hadn't seen anything sinister... until now, perhaps. The rumble of a strangely sudden storm draws his attention, but he doesn't take his gaze off of Kazuma.

His eyes narrow. That offer sounded more like a threat, however much benefit of the doubt he'd like to give his apprentice, and his tone makes it clear that he's prepared for whatever the young man might mean to do. (Or so he thinks.)]

Very well.

...So be it. [As if Barok had spoken the secret words, the area is suddenly grasped by a strange dark wisp that spreads, as far as to Barok. The source coming from Kazuma himself. The plants die upon contact and start to burn. Creatures caught in this darkness start to transform into nightmarish hell beast. Birds turn into flaming serpents, insects growing in size, consumed by the flames. One could easily mistaken this to be a dreamscape, but this was just fueled by unchecked emotions.

It's easy to see how, knowing Kazuma was full of hate, hurt, and anger. All these feelings that he held inside, out in the open now that he's confronting the man who sentenced his father to death, away from the anything resembling a court of law. To hell with following the rules. He's got the man where he wants him.] I've been waiting for this moment.

[Kazuma draws his saber, trying and failing to contain the anticipation of what's to come. It was looking a little unhinged himself, his eyes had turned yellow and his hands looked more like claws.] Foolish of you to think you'll have any peace of mind here. [He will not allow this man peace, ever]

[The swift approach of darkness catches Barok's eye quickly, and he's taken aback by the drastic changes enough that he takes his eyes off Kazuma briefly, eyes widening. But all of that withering, the corruption, this great shadow that's been cast over them, is coming from one source—and he turns back to the other man, now clearly on edge.

He doesn't like it, but he draws his own blade. He has no choice if he wants to be certain of his survival; that much is clear thanks to the rage in Kazuma's eyes.]

Asogi. [This is wrong, in a way that he can't comprehend. Before, he knew why this man despised him so much—but now? Perhaps he was a fool to think it would be so easy.] What is this?

[While darkness and heat spreads out from Kazuma, Barok's uneasiness manifests in a slowly rising fog, and a frost spreading over the withered grass around him that doesn't leave the burning patches any better off.]

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

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

[Van Zieks is much less concerned about this world than he is about the man before him—and the apparent demon he's becoming. Although he prepares himself for the attack and his focus narrows in that familiar way, he is, after all, a relatively normal person. However well he might be able to fend off his apprentice in reality has little bearing on the current situation, and his parry is broken through thanks to that augmented strength.

Before Kazuma's blade can hit the man himself, however—an apparition suddenly coalesces from the fog and shadow, an enormous cloaked being wielding a scythe made of solid and heavy ice that it immediately crashes against the incoming saber to knock it away from Barok.]

—?!

[Despite his shock, he takes the opportunity to dash backwards, out of range of Kazuma's attacks. He has no time to marvel at the sudden manifestation of his magic, as the specter immediately disappears once more as if it was never there, just like the Reaper itself. Ultimately Barok's gaze only left the young man for a brief moment.]

Is this what you want? To continue this horrific cycle?!

[For a moment, a smile played across his face when he manages to break through the prosecutor's pitiful defense when-] -?! [The sudden appearance of the specter catches Kazuma off guard, enough to force him to back off to process what just happened. He hadn't expected Barok to be able to conjure something like that when he had only just arrived.]

Tch. [Of course it wouldn't be so simple. Even in this world, this man will prove to be difficult to take down. Deep down, he prefers it this way. Much more satisfying once he defeats him.]

I could care less of the consequences! [His mind was already gone, fixated on taking down the man before him. Dark wisps seeps out from his body. It's faint, but they form some kind of figure behind him, a shadow of what's to come if this continues. He charges forward again, in a similar fashion as his first attempt. He doesn't have enough information on that specter, so he needs to press him again. This time he fakes him out, making him think he's going in with his blade, when he's actually coming in for a kick to the side.]

[Barok certainly wouldn't have been able to create something so strong so quickly under normal circumstances, and it'll take him some time yet to bring it about in any conscious manner. In the meantime, though, he may not be so lucky again, and he's well aware of that. Whatever it was—something he still can't comprehend and has no time to ponder—it was instinct only, which can't be relied on alone.

He can't hide his disappointment after hearing Kazuma's retort.]

I thought better of you.

[But he can't let his uncertainty of the situation split his focus when he's clearly at a disadvantage. Whatever that darkness may be, it's clearly nothing in his favor, and he needs to find a way to knock the man unconscious if he can't be reasoned with. His attention focuses, perhaps foolishly, on the incoming weapon, and he responds appropriately to fend it off with his own. Perhaps he considered Asogi too hot-headed at the current moment for strategy, but it's a judgment he pays for quickly.

Even as the kick sends him stumbling back with a grunt, however, the apparition doesn't reappear.]

I don't care what you think. [Does he really believe he's seeking his approval? His attack manages to make contact with his target. No reaper-like specter spawns to protect him this time. So it's not a guarantee it'll always appear, adds a bit of a challenge to guess if it'll show up or not.]

You should worry about what I'm going to do to you! [He follows up while Barok is down, raising his clawed hand to strike him around the abdomen. Was he...laughing? The madness, the thrill of the battle, it's getting to his head.]

[Although knocked back, van Zieks doesn't let himself remain there to simply take the blow; he rolls out of the way, the claws cutting through his coat and drawing blood but not making so deep a wound it would hamper his movement. As he leaps to his feet again, he aims a slash of his sword at Asogi's arms in the hopes of disabling him somehow, especially to remove the threat of the saber—which would give him an even further advantage on reach than his height already grants him.

He'll have to wonder what in the world has gone wrong with his apprentice later. With the tunneling of his vision, Barok doesn't even notice the sharp shards of ice his movements leave behind.]

[The sword manages to get a cut through his sleeve, hitting flesh. The cut isn't deep, but it's enough to cause an odd change in Kazuma. The wound doesn't seem deter him, in fact, it only seems to push him to further violence. He suddenly lets out a yell, abandoning his saber, retaliating with his claws instead. He breaks off one of the ice shards with his bare hands as he chases after the other, flames melting the ice as he goes. He was acting like an animal pursuing pray. He's gone full feral.

Like a small dagger, he thrust the ice shard forward with one hand and swiping with his other clawed hand. There is no sense of a target, just that he wanted this man to hurt. Cut him, break him.

The shadows start to form like a sort of aura around Kazuma, shaping into some large figure, demonic in nature. It seem to have become an extension of him, for whenever Barok tries to strike back, he'll be met with some resistance when making contact with that shadow.]

[While the strike seems to have accomplished what he was aiming for, it doesn't seem as if they're any closer to a conclusion; Asogi seems content to use his hands over a weapon, like some kind of wild beast. Even the basest of criminals he'd fended off in London had ever fought in such a manner, and while his sword cracks the edge of the ice as he deflects, he feels those claws again at his arm, tearing through his glove before he manages to move.

He sends a metal-heeled kick at Kazuma's stomach to drive him back or knock the wind out of him—whatever he can accomplish to give him space again. The additional force of his soles would usually be a boon, but that darkness surrounding the man-turned-predator buffets the strike in an unexpected and unsettling way.

Barok realizes then that he may not be able to deal with this on his own.]

[With his hands busy trying to cause harm, that kick is a direct hit. The shadows dampens the hit, keeping Kazuma from suffering serious harm from that famous steel heel kick. He doesn't retaliate back this time though, remaining still where he's been knocked back.

The shadows were encroaching him. He could feel it's power surging within him, full of hate, anger, a desire for revenge. He won't ignore those feelings anymore. His entire purpose, the whole reason he sacrificed so much, was standing before him. He'll let all those feelings of resentment he held for all those years fester within him!

The shadows suddenly fully consumes him, growing in size. Once they recede, a far more menacing figure stands where Kazuma once was. The wound he previously suffered, had healed itself. He flexes his hands, feeling the new and yet familiar power coursing through him. His attention then turns back to the prosecutor, those yellow piercing eyes meeting his. Even from a distance, it's clear Barok may no longer have the height advantage as this demon seems have gone through a growth spurt. A wide and unsettling grin forms on his face. He knows, he knows he has the upperhand this time, so much so, that he's walking toward Barok instead of charging at him. Why don't he just play with his food for a little while?]

[His feeling only becomes more certain as he watches Asogi transform into... something else. Some towering, sinister creature, clearly intent on harm. Perhaps not even physical harm alone, if that that slow, measured approach is any indication. As if he's being hunted. Like he's nothing more than prey to a beast...

His first step back is unwilling as a chill runs down his spine, jaw tensing and fog spilling out from around his feet and rising as if to shield him—but it only serves to make the approaching silhouette more ominous.

But with his next, he turns—and he dashes for the ruined trees in the hopes of losing his pursuer, the mist spreading as he moves. His sword is returned to its sheath in a clumsy manner; it's hardly more than dead weight against this unknown threat that can restore itself. Barok isn't at liberty to test the nightmare's capabilities when it's clear he's lost what advantages he had.

Or perhaps he's just a coward.]

[Aw, the mouse has decided to flee.] You can't run forever~ [His pace quickens, but not at a running pace. He feels he has all the time in the world now. Let the mouse think he's got away for a bit. His occasional laughter echoes through the forest, a tree may be seen or heard being toppled over. Someone is clearly just flexing their newfound strength.

In the end, he won't catch the mouse during this encounter, but he's sure he got the message across that this world is anything but peaceful.]

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

{ test drive #02 - november 2021 }

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