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songerein2021-10-24 11:50 pm
dreamposts) wrote in songerein2021-10-24 11:50 pm
Entry tags:
{ 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.
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.
no subject
[ Alphen immediately dodge rolls out of the danger zone and lands awkwardly on his feet. This creature must be far more powerful than any zeugle on Dahna. He's trying so hard to get away from the sheep but at the same time, it's difficult to help Jude like this. How are they ever going to get out of this mess? ]
Are you still hanging in there?
[ His concern grows by the second. ]
no subject
I just-- need it to get lower, so I can jump back down again. Sorry for disturbing you, I'll be fine...
[And he is for now, as the sheep has opted to simply remain floating in midair while chewing on a mouthful of grass. Jude's managed to climb atop of its fluffy wool instead of clinging onto its neck in the meanwhile, so he's no longer in constant danger of falling down either anymore. They've achieved a precarious peace, temporary as it may be...]
Phew...
no subject
[ Alphen shakes his head but stands firmly where he remains. He's not bothered by the situation at hand. If anything, he feels concern and almost a little bad for Jude. ]
You seem to be managing it the best you can. I'll believe you when you say you're stronger than you look.
[ True strength isn't just about packing muscle or wearing lots of armor. Jude has plenty of strengths in his on way too! He's surviving throughout the ordeal and it's commendable.]
no subject
[He hangs his head in shame briefly, before craning his neck over his "seat" to look back down again.
...It's a steep drop, and the kind stranger looks more like a dot of white from up here...]
I just need to wait for the right timing once it's closer to the ground, so don't let me interrupt you in what you were doing. Hopefully soon...!
[he's not going to think about what if this sheep just decides to float this high up forever. this is fine, just fine...!]
no subject
[ It's the only explanation he can think of really!!! Astral Artes are strong spells that only certain individuals can use. Alphen's home world was full of magic and spirits so he assumes magic is what's causing this phenomenon. ]
Be careful!! I don't want you to get hurt.
no subject
[Apparently bored of just floating around and letting the Boys talk, the sheep is nyooming away again a good dozen feet distance ahead with Jude still stuck on its back. Goodbye Alphen it was nice knowing you... They haven't gone anywhere he can't follow though, just a bit further up ahead. Is the taller protag SURE he wants to follow along...]
no subject
[ He might be taller but he can't fly like a sheep. Goodbye Jude it was nice knowing you...
All Alphen can really do is try jumping for Jude which isn't much. He lands back on his own two feet and his armor clashes together making a heavy metal sound. ]
Are you going to be okay up there?
no subject
[Jude can only stick his neck out from above and offer an apologetic smile, the silliness of his situation more embarrassing than threatening in any measure. The jump right now would be a bit steep even considering his aptitudes, but hm... Maybe it'd be a good opportunity to put into practice the Dreamotion energy he's been explained upon arrival? He's Thinking now...]
no subject
Do you think it's worth trying?
[ Alphen wouldn't mind trying a chime if it means Jude gets down from there. Just look at him. He's being tossed up into the air by sheep. Alphen feels really bad for Jude and he offers a more sympathetic look. ]
It's either that or we're back to square one.
no subject
[He just got here not too long ago and skipped the research, which is a very TERRIBLE and SHAMEFUL rookie mistake for an honours student. Thankfully almost no one knows about that part of him here, so he's spared the brunt of the humiliation
for the time being, because no way is Leia going to ever let him live this down.]Might as well, but do you know if it has to be a specific kind? Chimes make noise, so that should mean there's a specific type of sound it's attracted too. As a living being however, it must eat too. If we can figure either of those two things out...
[Too bad he's not in a great position to do any research, up where he is. Really gonna make sure to not underestimate anything after this, inquire and observe properly before he interacts with the local wildlife again. Sigh, he really jumped the shark this time... Or sheep, in this case specifically!]
no subject
[ To be completely fair Alphen just got here too. He's still trying to figure everything out and he's not even sure how reliable that information is. All he heard was the ramblings of some farmer out in the fields. Needless to say, Alphen has heard of crazier things so he's just taking it at face value.
Back in his world he's known as the Blazing Sword of Orbus Calaglia. Honestly Alphen is almost glad that he's never going to be called by that ridiculous title ever again. He's happy to leave some things behind and just deal with what's in front of him...like those sheep.]
I can't make this up. We're going to have to use candy to lure them down.
no subject
[Alphen's words are credulously repeated back at him. ...Know what? Yeah, Jude's been through enough weirdness to take it a face value, too. He's already getting flung around by a cotton candy sheep capable of jumping ridiculously high and float around as if flight is child's play, that it might be attracted to candy chime? Yeah, doesn't sound crazy at all tbh.]
Where are we supposed to find something like that? Chimes made of candy can't possibly grow on trees.
[...]
...I think.
[speaking of trees, maybe he should just take his chance and try jumping down on one when the sheep happens to soar lower? It'll probably be better than going straight for the ground at his altitude, maybe,]
no subject
[Sorry, Jude. Common sense in a dream world might be asking for too much. Things just sort of happen and sometimes it's a little alarming. Alphen's trying to sort out his thoughts and figure out what the best plan of action would be. Just as he's mulling over his ideas or whatever they may be a pack of sheep come out of nowhere and knock him over. God. ]
....What the hell??? I'm starting to see why you have so much trouble with them. Ugh.
1/3
[Slumping his shoulders, he melts atop the sheep to look a little more smaller from below. He's jumped to conclusions, which is shameful for a scientist, shameful. ...Or can he use that as an excuse instead, actually? On how he can't help but think logically, precisely because he is a Man of Science?]
no subject
That came out of nowhere! Are you okay?
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Yes. Regaining his focus in a heartbeat, Jude's shifting his body to slide back down to the cotton candy sheep's left flank, and once the sheep's descended to about an altitude of fifteen to ten feet, he lets go.
...
And lands crouching on both his feet, posture quite evidently not of someone jumping down from a notable height for the first time in their life. He's braced himself for this, and tried spreading his weight out on both feet to better balance his landing. Seems like it worked out! Just give him one more moment, to recollect himself--]
no subject
[ He doesn't have any injuries and he gets up like it's nothing. The sheep are so fast that Alphen couldn't get out of the way in time. Rip. His armor keeps him in shape and he's glad that he's wearing it for an occasion like this. ]
It looks like you're not doing too bad yourself. [ Jude is now safely on the ground where he should be. ]
no subject
Jude DOES have tact, however, so he doesn't actually ask out loud. But yes, now that he's FINALLY on the ground again, he's very much giving a sigh and slumping his shoulders before plopping himself down to just sit on the ground. Oh solid (dream??) earth, never thought he'd miss THIS so much...]
That herd distracted him, I may still be up there otherwise. Thanks...
[Did the taller man even do anything? No clue, but thanks nevertheless feel like they were well in order.]