songerein | { test drive #02

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{ test drive #02 - november 2021 }

✵ TEST DRIVE MEME: NOVEMBER ✵
Reminder that our Test Drive Memes double as an Intro Log and threads can be carried over in-game. They are also required for samples. Note: the TDM timeframe is the start of November, after the Halloween events. Refer to the Game Info for general information and feel free to toss any TDM related questions here. Reserves are open and Applications will open on November 1st. The next application cycle won't be until March, 2022.

I. WELCOME TO SONGEREIN

Upon "arriving" into Songerein, everyone is understandably confused. The first thought would be they must be in a dream, which makes sense since the last thing they might remember doing is falling asleep or losing some form of consciousness or awareness before opening their eyes and finding themselves in the Plaza of some strange town they've never seen before. But there are a lot of other people around, some that may look familiar but others so strange that it would be impossible for their own imagination to dream up. And they're all just as confused. Fortunately, a red tapir-like creature appears and introduces itself as Solei, one of the "keepers" of this place. It offers some explanation before letting everyone explore their new "home." [Reminder: Other people aside from the characters will also appear to act as filler NPCs. Players are also free to be creative and come up with any kind of creature or animal their characters might encounter. The only limitations are they must be small to medium in size and not be overly aggressive.]

A. Magic Journals. Everyone will find a journal stylized just for them on their person somewhere and it's the primary means of communication with everyone. The only limitation is that it's text only, but images can be magically imprinted on the page from the writer's mind. Might as well give it a whirl and see who all is out there.

B. Dreamotion Abilities. Although everyone maintains most of their original abilities while in Songerein, they are also capable of using special abilities based on dreamotion energy. From having their emotions affecting the environment to utilizing new abilities entirely, it's probably something that they should start familiarizing fairly quickly. Especially since all the emotional surprise and confusion may already be affecting things, such as random glass shattering or cracks forming at one's feet.

C. Exploring Town. The town of Reverein is small but still sizable, so walking around and to see what all there is might be a good idea. The town has filled in a bit, but it's still larger than the current population and there are a few small fae and small wild critters who have made a few nests so just watch your step—or head. Some could venture out to the farmlands and beyond...just be careful.

D. Dreambucks Café. There is a certain quaint little café back in the Plaza that is known for its refreshing and unique teas and drinks. Called Dreambucks, it's staffed by friendly tea fairies and primarily serves tea and small cakes. Their teas and foods are quite special as the flavor will influence one's emotions and dreams—but in a good way! There are no harmful side effects and they are usually positive. Bolstering one's spirit; calming or relaxing nerves. The tea fairies want everyone to enjoy their time. Anyone can pick whichever table they want to take a break and meet some people. Or take a peek at what someone might be dreaming thanks to the teas.

There are three different types of teas available:

Caramel Delight. A caramel flavored tea with a few spices to add a little warmth to the taste. Just a few sips will make anyone want to find the nearest fireplace, grab a blanket, and settle in as they reminisce on happier moments.

Cranberry Cheer. A strong, flavorful cold juice that will renew one's vigor by leaps and bounds. ...And also make one leap and bound away through their day. Drinking this will inspire one to spread good tidings and festive feelings, be it left over from Halloween or some other seasonal festivity they may be familiar with. General good will to all is also an option.

Hazelnut Hot Chocolate. This warm drink can be topped with moon and star shaped marshmallows and is a perfect alternative for those who may prefer a more mellow drink. A drink of this will develop a want to share stories from nostalgic memories to riveting adventures to chilling horrors—whatever may be on their one or feel creative to make up.

Although it doesn't always happen, sometimes the drinks will be a strong enough influence that it will make the drinker daydream for a bit. Anyone nearby may notice their dream crystal lantern flicker and catch a brief glimpse of the daydream on it. Or perhaps those who want to try out their dream crystal lanterns are deliberately trying to see if their dreams are captured. Only daydreams influenced by the tea can be caught and even then it's just a brief glimpse, but it's still an interesting way to see how the dream crystal lanterns work.

Note: There is no currency in the world and everything served is free at this time. However it might not be immediately obvious and the fairies won't mind if customers repay in some way, be it helping out via cleaning and serving, giving gifts such as flowers or fruits, or something else.

II. CANDY CHAOS

Despite the dramatic events that occurred during the dreamscape and the after effects still waiting to be seen, some good things happened as a result of the Halloween festivities. Looking ahead to other holidays, a few people are trying their hand in making candies. After all, they all can't rely on the fae for everything and with new resources at their disposal, there's no excuse now.

A. Candy Mining. One morning a few friendly gnomes that dwell beneath the town pop up and announce that one of the caves has changed from normal rock crystals to candy rock crystals. More strangely, once mined they change color and flavor depending on the person's emotions or their last dream is at the time the candy rock crystal is removed. Ready to create something new, various candy makers send out requests for various "flavors" to experiment. People are welcome to try and create their own kind of candy or other crafts with the new candy rock crystals as well. However, the gnomes will warn that the candy rock crystals may explode if anyone who had strong nightmares or extreme emotions touch them, even after they are extracted. So take care!

B. Cotton Candy Sheep. A new type of sheep has been discovered (or introduced? Who is to say—) roaming just outside of the farmlands and it appears their wool is made out of cotton candy. While one might be wary of eating straight off the animal, it is said the wool is not only delicious, but could actually be used in clothing if processed correctly. Of course, that still needs to be tested so who knows if it's true. For now, some would like to herd them to the corrals, however they are fast and flighty creatures, capable of hopping several tens of feet into the air and float away. The best way to lure them is to create hard candy wind chimes as they are not only attracted to the sound, but also the taste. The sweeter and crunchier, the better.

C. Trick Candy. Halloween may be over, but the idea of using candy for silly pranks is eternal. One day there will be full "joke" shops around, but for now candy will be the focus. A contest is being held for anyone to not only learn how to make candy, but devise ways for them to turn into fun pranks. Turning one's tongue a different color is too basic, how about something that could change the entire body? Or hair if that's too difficult. Those not part of the creative process will also be exposed to the end products—and failures. Some taffy rope that's decided to slither around and tie people together, a giant jawbreaker expanding to the size of a large boulder rolling down the streets, people taste testing bubble gum now floating in the air—the possibilities are endless.

III. DREAMSCAPE TUTORIAL: HAUNTED TOY HOUSE

To help everyone understand their dreamwalking abilities, the tapirs will ask anyone who is willing to gather around the Dream Swings in the Central Plaza. There anyone is invited to sit in the chairs or hammocks and focus on their dream crystal lanterns to enter a special dreamscape made just for them. Those watching might find the sight of everyone suddenly turning into a colorful ball of light and disappearing alarming, but that's just the normal process of entering a dream. When someone leaves the dream, they will briefly reappear as that light before returning to their original form. The theme for this dreamscape is Haunted Toy House with everyone stuck in a life sized doll house filled with cursed toys.

A. Feeling a bit stiff. Upon entering the dreamscape, some dreamwalkers may find themselves looking a bit like a cursed toy, so hopefully no one mistakes them as an enemy. The form can vary from a wooden doll to a plush toy and always with some kind of corruption or missing piece. A truly ghastly appearance that would scare any child and spawn nightmares. While in this form, dreamwalkers may find their abilities a bit altered to fit the form.

B. House Traps. There are numerous rooms in this strange house, and some might even feel they are in a piece of Escher artwork instead with stairs going here and there and upside down. With it being a dreamscape, the concept of gravity is certainly otherworldly here. While some rooms are harmless, others are filled with traps. Spikes shooting down from ceilings; doors sealed shut as the walls close in; floors turning into black goop or disappearing completely. It's a giant maze and one has to wonder if that giant exit sign is real or another trap (it's another trap). Best way to disarm the traps and obstacles is using one's imagination and test out those dreamotion abilities.

C. Corrupt Toys. Inhabiting the house are several toys ready to pounce on their new "visitors." Fortunately they can be beaten back easily and can be "purified" to return to their original state. All it requires is a nice "injection" of positive dreamotion energy, though how that can happen varies. A healing spell, a smack from a weapon created from positive feelings, encouraging words—the toys just feel lonely and abandoned. Playing with them may also help turn them into allies. The more toys "purified," the less corrupt the house will be in turn. However, if more become corrupted instead, things will turn into even more of a dangerous nightmare and noctaere may start appearing.

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[She rubs her temple, realising very well that she's approaching that point where she's tolerated enough. Just enough to leave her on the verge of being permanently irate. How simple and easy it would be in the face of adversity to turn a blind eye to it all. Hasn't that been what she's essentially done with the queen she's familiar with?

He's giving her a lot more to think about than she wants. That's assuming she hasn't already been thinking about it to begin with and knowing someone like Beatrix, she's probably overthought it.]

Hm.

[Her initial response isn't particularly verbose, but then she usually isn't. Likely comes with the territory of operating mostly under command. Brahne's never paid Beatrix for her opinion, after all.]

I wasn't much familiar with him. It is not as though we had any extensive conversations. I am not familiar with any such place known as 'Terra' either. You understand how all of this sounds.

It's probably better that way. However he made Brahne believe him, he probably would've tried something on you. But knowing him too, he probably thought that was enough since Alexandria's army has been known to be loyal to their kingdom and Queen that he didn't have to bother.

[Even if that didn't work, Kuja always had some other plan. Zidane's worked out his issues with him, sure, but he was still such a jackass going about them.]

Oh yeah, I know. And I didn't even mention that Terra's another planet. I get how crazy this all sounds, but we saw it all - we went to Terra and it still sounds weird talking about it.

[Is that a jab? It's hard for Beatrix not to be offended by it, even if what Zidane says holds at the very least a sliver of truth. In likelihood, he's probably right on the gil, but she doesn't want to admit to that either. Failure isn't really an option now, is it?]

Such an assumption would not be unfounded.

[And that's the closest she'll come to even remotely agreeing with him, much to her great chagrin.

She isn't sure which she likes talking about less. Kuja or this Terra business, which sounds like a poor imitation of Lord Avon's work.]

You understand that I am finding it minutely difficult to believe you.

[Only minutely because he's obviously able to show her things that imply to the contrary. A future her. Future decisions she'll make. It's all very hard for Beatrix to swallow and she knows she'll need time to properly digest it all. There's also just the notion that she doesn't actually want to believe him.]

Not that I don't. One has to admit the tale is tall, at best.

Don't mean any offense, but he's like that.

[If he was trying to explain this to Steiner (but c'mon, having to explain to him???), all the offense meant if he'd forgotten everything they'd been through. That... that would hurt a lot more than just trying to explain this to Beatrix.]

Nah, it sounds like something out of a book and I'm giving a pretty terrible summary. Acting it out would be way better, but I can't say I got the cast for that either.

[But on some level, she believes him and that's enough.]

Edited 2021-10-27 04:56 (UTC)

I am not wholly certain acting it out would be any more convincing. It sounds like a fever dream.

[Beatrix takes several moments to simply sit on his words and mull them over in her head. If she didn't already have her doubts planted in her head based on what's brought her here to the current moment, it's entirely likely that she would be far more difficult to sway. To say she is persuaded to completion would also be false. She holds onto a healthy amount of scepticism, almost as difficult to divide from her as her sword would be.

Her hand taps anxiously on the hilt of her sword and for once, it isn't because she's considering unsheathing it.]

To revisit your... explanation from before, the others are not here. [She's asking for his confirmation without actually asking for it.] Meaning that, at this current time, it is you and me only. And we are here until...

[Further notice? Until they wake? What determines if they should wake? She has so many questions and not nearly enough fortitude to begin diving into all of them at once.]

I think it would be fun to try, but it would also be a lot of props.

[Not to mention the sets, and special effects... people would have to play more roles than one or two. Of course, he shouldn't be thinking about that right now, and focus on the moment. There was still a matter about this world unlike Terra to explain.]

Yeah. I mean, I haven't run into them or seen them writing in the journal so far. This place isn't massive so I would've encountered them by now. [And if they'd gone into the Wasteland... but he doubts they would've done that. Most people have more sense than him.] Until we fall asleep here and wake up back home. It's weird, but it's not like we're completely here. It's more like... when you're dreaming, but you know you're dreaming and you can mess with things in it.

... I hope this doesn't make me sleepwalk.

[Naturally that is where his mind goes. Beatrix can't even be completely surprised, though as ever, she feels slightly out of the loop where Tantalus is involved. Thieves masquerading as actors...? It's an impressive cover, though the likelihood is more that it's not a masquerade and more that those employed with Tantalus are actually both.

One day, perhaps she'll find it worthwhile to ask Zidane of. Today, however, does not appear to yet be that day.

She shakes her head slowly as she listens, knowing very well that she's still finding it very difficult to believe any of it. It's the same thing she keeps hearing and if he's saying it, it must have some sliver of truth in it. Zidane, as much as Beatrix would like to say otherwise, obviously isn't a complete idiot.]

I cannot claim to have remembered most of my dreams or to have had particularly lucid ones.

[Not wholly true. Beatrix dreams a great deal about various things. Usually the more unpleasant. If one wishes to call them dreams at all.]

I should think the possibilities of you sleepwalking ought to be the least of your concerns. Suppose we should never wake again.

[Maybe one day they would be friends, but right now, it's about keeping the fur on his tail and making sure the General doesn't go getting in fights with some of the more volatile folks around. No one knows what 'Alexandria' is, that she's the General, or her reputation. Which, those things might be good and bad.]

Really? Huh, but I guess you've got a lot on your mind normally.

[So, he's not going to push it. The problem would be what she dreams of normally might become more tangible here so eventually...]

If that happens, something's up here and it might mean trouble back home too. Better to deal with it before it becomes reality.

At the very least.

[It's a soft and subtle confirmation that says far more with its implications than straight forward information, perhaps something to be expected from a woman like herself. Zidane couldn't be more on point, however. There is never a moment in which Beatrix is not thinking. Not... overthinking, as it were.

Wisely, he doesn't dig any deeper for more. It's not as though he would understand the weight of expectations atop her shoulders, after all. And she doesn't want his sympathy or empathy or whatever he might seek to give her. If he gave her anything at all—something he has no reason to do.

Uncomfortable with the notion he presents, Beatrix shifts her weight between her boots and she draws her gaze off of him momentarily. Clearly, she's in agreement.]

I shall plan for that when it is appropriate to do so. Until then, there is no sense to be burdening ourselves with the unnecessary.

[He's tried overthinking... and decided he didn't like it and has decided to avoid it again if possible. Right now, talking about what else might be on Beatrix's mind coupled with being in a new world/realm would be a bad and befuddling thing.]

[So, he'll just nod in agreement, glad they're on some common ground. Though, that last part... yeaaah...]

Er, what would you deem 'unnecessary'?

[Because he might already be doing that.]

Anything that does not have the potential to affect survivability rates.

[Her answer is direct and straightforward. It stands to reason that her greatest interest is the safety of her own person and that ought to be expected. There's nobility in sacrifice, but given her role of protection dedicated to others, it's a little difficult to do that should she let something happen to herself.

Beatrix doesn't explain this, thinking Zidane is too heroic to properly understand. She's not interested in converting him to her way of thinking anyway.]

Are you going to take issue with that? I am not interested in playing 'hero.'

[Her answer is almost expected - so much that he ends up placing his hands on his waist and tapping a foot. Behind him, his tail swishes. He... guesses he kind of gets it from her side, but not completely. Still, her services are to Alexandria, not exactly... elsewhere.]

[And at her question, he shakes his head.]

It's not about playing 'hero', it's about helping people that need it. If they call me a 'hero', that's on them.

[In much the way he expects her response, she mirrors the same. Regardless, it seems he has no expectations of her. If he does, he's wisely made certain to keep it to himself.]

I have little care over what you do. Help others if you please.

[Truthfully, it's a noble undertaking. Beatrix can recognise that for what it is even if she isn't willing to follow in suit. It's less that she isn't willing and more that other people are not her immediate concern. It would be foolish for that to be the case.]

As long as you do expect me to do the same, we can coexist in a marginally peaceful manner.

Uuuh-huh... that's why the comment.

[But he does have to wonder what she's going to do. Her life was practically only about being a soldier... Was she going to be okay here? Eh, he'll keep an eye on her until she figures things out.]

Sure... but, if you need help, you can ask.

[She can never resist inserting an unnecessary remark, evidently. It's a wonder she manages to bite her tongue the second time around. What good will biting at him really do, however? Especially when he makes the offer that he does.

Her reaction comes up so quickly that she doesn't have the time to hide it. Really. Her, ask for help. Maybe if she was someone else.]

I do not see how you would benefit from assisting me, or what you could do that would provide me assistance.

[And in a world where she could have outright said that in a plethora of unkind ways, it's probably one of the nicest things she's conveyed.]

[His tilts his head and places his hands on his waist.]

I don't want anything out of it. Also, head's up, most of the other people you'll meet here are friendly enough. Try not to intimidate them too much.

[He's not going to comment on how he's helping her right now because she might not believe he's doing that either. Geez, it's weird talking to the General almost like a normal person and not someone that could've killed him several times.]

["I don't want anything out of it."

What a... plainly Zidane remark, or so the kind of remark she expects out of someone like him. She eyes him warily, wondering at what point it seemed even remotely acceptable for him to offer his assistance to someone who is an enemy in the loosest terms.

She does utter out something that is... almost like a laugh.]

Acting personable is not a forte of mine. I tend to leave that to Captain Steiner.

[But he's right. Again. Anyone else she's met has been suspiciously nice, which seems to do little more than leave her on edge.]

The art of intimidation is a valid form of information gathering.

Guess that'll something we can work on while you're here!

[Don't even try convincing him otherwise, it's now a goal, General. So... that'll be something happening. Also, Steiner being personable... not immediately, but they did get there.]

Hey, I can agree to that, but intimidation's not gonna be a good go-to for everyone.

You must be teasing me.

[Could she be anymore incredulous? In what world does he think she's capable of being personable? Well, rather, capability has nothing to do with it. Beatrix can be perfectly charming and kind when she wants to be. She would never dare say it, but the brutal exterior is a necessity, not necessarily because that's what she genuinely wants. But at the same time, there's a certain vulnerability that accompanies personable demeanour and Beatrix, of all things, doesn't want to be vulnerable in any form of the word.

If she can help it.

She shakes her head slowly. Let him think what he wants. He can't make her do anything she doesn't want to do.]

What I am really hearing is that I simply ought to pick my targets for intimidation with care rather than using it as a cure-all.

No... yes... a little, but you're the one that admitted it!

[He shakes his head and manages a smile. There's a value to maybe having that cold demeanor as default, but being able to drop it for something else? There were advantages to that too. Maybe if he could put it that way then she could try being more personable. Have one face for the battlefield and another for downtime.]

[He sighs.]

Yeah, sure. Just don't pick on the actual kids here, okay?

I believe had I not acknowledged myself for who I am, you may have seen fit to correct or otherwise remind me.

[Flaws, some might call it. Imperfections. Beatrix is who Beatrix is. A complex individual, not too different from most others in her opinion.

As he continues, she eyes him a little more closely. She could say outright that she would never, but when she thinks about Burmecia, that's not really true, is it? And 'picking on' is a very understated way to describe what exactly she was responsible for there. For just a moment, she frowns.]

I should think I have been on plenty good behaviour since my arrival. I do understand the value of diplomacy when it is required. I am capable of using more than my sword to speak, regardless of how it may seem.

Probably indirectly.

[He shrugs. What can he say? He's done it to Amarant plenty.]

[Yeah, he's not even going to bring up Burmecia. Right here and now, it's about those kids.]

I'm sure you have, and are. [Nudging him earlier aside.] We'll say being here will give them a chance to develop further.

[There is some kind of lingering implied promise in his words. The concept of being here any longer than necessary leaves her as agitated as she was to begin with. Agitation is mere that, however, and hostile though she has been, outright aggression is quite something different. She may not be acclimating well, but she could be doing so in a far worse way. She has to be satisfied with that at the very least.

Betraying her annoyance with the situation, the predicament, current company, and so on, she pinches the bridge of her nose.]

May it be so that I need not be here as if it were some extended leave of absence from my duties. I can think of several other things that would benefit more from my presence than a gaggle of speaking creatures in a dream world.

[So far it's only a slightly rough start, but she'll probably find way (in her own way) to get along with others so... it should be fine. Again, not going to stop him from looking out just in case she got in over her head somehow. It wouldn't do well for Garnet's General and Rusty's fellow companion to somehow be hurt while he's around.]

That's true, but it'll be okay until we're back permanently. Dagger's pretty strong on her own, and Rusty's not that bad

I would not contest the strength of the princess.

[Although she still isn't particularly fond of Zidane's name for her. Even Beatrix understands that she can't be using her real name. That would be far too dangerous for her. Many would see fit to hold Garnet for ransom and given Brahne's... questionable actions, Beatrix isn't certain how likely she might have seen fit to rescue her.

Her attention turns onto Zidane after some moments of thought.]

Rusty. Is that your name for Captain Steiner?

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tantailizing - 2022-01-01 07:38 (UTC) - Expand

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