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

[It isn't until the young lady behind him speaks up that Diluc realizes that there's a line forming behind him while he's stood here arguing in circles with the fairy behind the counter. Huh. Perhaps he should have just cut his losses and left the establishment altogether. There are plenty of other customers who seem to not care about the ways in which the beverages can affect them.

The lady--who isn't quite human at first glance, but Diluc has seen enough strangeness in his few hours here to simply ignore that detail--offers a solution, and he would be remiss to turn his nose up at it.]

That would work.

[The fairy, in turn, smiles at her and shakes their head.

"No need to pay! We don't charge for anything here. Let me get that water, and is there something you'd like?"

They take her order and get to the business of getting the order together, leaving the pair standing together at the counter for a few moments. After a few awkward pauses, Diluc turns to the lady who's helped him.]

May I have your name? So that I can thank you properly.

[ Not charging for anything seems to take Ori by surprise, but it's in that same moment that she realizes that no one's said anything about a currency; she was perfectly ready to hand over a few silver for the drink. (Or maybe gold? This seems like a fancy place.) She requests the Caramel Delight for herself and offers a small smile to the gentleman next to her, relieved that her solution seems to have resolved the situation easily. Now the other fairy-baristas (fairystas, if you will) can tend to the other customers too and get the line moving.

Ori fills the pause as they wait for their order by rummaging around her pack for the aforementioned tea leaves, so it's not awkward on her end at least. It's not until he asks for her name that she looks back up. ]

Oh! Yes, of course. My name is Oriphi, but you can just call me Ori. There's no need for thanks, though - apparently it's all for free anyway!

I meant more for your intervention than the contents of your pockets. I would have still been arguing with the creature if you hadn't spoken up. So thank you, Ori.

[It's only polite that he express his gratitude, after all. He's not the most sociable person in the world, but he knows at least that much.

After a pause, he adds:]

I'm Diluc.

[The fairysta bounces back over with a cup of hot water and a Caramel Delight, which they hand over with a wide smile and an earnest wish that they enjoy. Diluc takes his cup of water, holding it between his hands to warm them, and regards Ori's tea suspiciously.]

You have no issue with the possibility of its effects?

[ As a fellow polite person, Ori naturally understands the need for thanks. Still, though, she laughs lightly and waves her hand dismissively. ]

You're welcome, but please, I'm just happy to help!

[ Ori pulls out a few small pouches from her pack and a small tea infuser just in time to receive her Caramel Delight; she gives the fairy a thankful nod and takes the drink up in her free hand. At Diluc's question, she looks down at her drink and then at him, and hums thoughtfully. ]

Well... the menu told me how it would make me feel, and then I agreed to order it. Feeling warm and wanting to reminisce for a while doesn't sound so bad to me compared to some of the other potions I've come across before.

[ With a shrug and a smile, she holds up the small pouches from her pack up at him. With the way life had been going before arriving here, she and her friends didn't have time for such things like enjoying tea much less for reminiscing, so she's glad for the chance to share what she has even to a stranger. ]

Would you like a black or green tea?

[Diluc doesn't belabor the point further, instead giving a slight nod to once more acknowledge her generosity.

Ori's description of the beverage seems much more harmless than how Diluc imagines it, and he wonders for the briefest moments if maybe his distaste toward it may be a bit overblown. It's a thought he quickly corrects; even if the feelings are pleasant, it's still artificial. Something about that rankles him.

But to each their own, he supposes. No worse than the sorts who come to the Angel's Share to drink their troubles away. Better, actually. She's not running from anything; she merely wants to cozy up for awhile.]

Black, please. Is the tea something you acquired here, or did you just happen to have it on you when you arrived?

[The answer doesn't make any difference as to whether or not he'll accept it. He's merely curious--if she got it here, he'd like to know where.]

[ For Ori's part, the drinks' effects aren't too far off from how certain tea blends can be more 'calming' or 'energizing' and the like, although she's never encountered anything that could inspire such specific feelings like 'nostalgia.' In a way, she's curious because she'd like to see if it really does have that effect or if it's just a more elaborate way of saying 'this warm tea will make you feel warm and fuzzy.'

To his response, she nods and says, ]

Ah, I had these on me. It's all stuff I carry around in my pack when I'm traveling, so...

[ It is her self-given responsibility to make sure she and her friends are comfortable and safe and well-fed when they settle down during the night on an adventure, after all! Plus, having all this stuff makes her pack a decent pillow when she falls asleep, or at least it's better than a rock. ]

Would you mind if we sat down just for a second, Mister Diluc? It'll be easier to prepare the tea that way.

You're awfully prepared.

[He sounds impressed. Good job, Ori!]

And yes, of course.

[Steeping tea while standing in the middle of the café seems like an unnecessary and awkward hassle. There's an empty table nearby, where Diluc leads them to set their respective mugs down before taking a seat.]

We don't have to sit "for just a second," by the way. I'm in no rush to go back outside into the cold.

Oh, um... Thanks!

[ She's not sure if he meant his remark as a good thing or not, but he does sound more impressed than anything else, so she'll have to take it. Regardless, she's never used to receiving compliments, no matter how big or small they are, so she laughs a little. ]

And that... Yes, that sounds like a good idea. It is getting quite cold outside, huh?

[ She sets her drink and the everything else she was holding down onto the table before she carefully takes her pack off and takes a seat opposite Diluc, leaving her pack on the floor beneath her before she goes about carefully dosing tea leaves into her little infuser which she shortly hands over to him. ]

So! One black tea for Mister Diluc. You should let it steep for a few minutes.

[Diluc accepts the tea with a polite nod.]

I will, thank you.

[Mister Diuc instead of Master. It's a sign that his reputation doesn't precede him here, a fact that he finds himself relieved by. His reputation comes with a great deal of baggage, and while there's no relieving himself of it entirely it's nice not to have to carry it so openly.

He stares down into his drink thoughtfully, watching the color start to change, and very nearly smiles.

Courtesy demands that he offer something in exchange for her kindness, especially to a total stranger, but Diluc is almost certain that she would turn it down. She had a hard enough time accepting a simple thank you. So he decides that he'll repay the kindness by forcing himself to be pleasant company despite his distaste for these sorts of small talk situations.]

So you travel a lot back home, I take it? Some sort of adventurer?

[It's a logical enough conclusion, given her pack of supplies.]a

[ In all honesty, Diluc could sit in silence for the rest of the duration of this, however long it may be, and Ori would perhaps feel a little awkward, but not uncomfortable. She certainly can't tell that he's forcing himself to be pleasant company, having only known the man for about five minutes, but she'll likely come away with the impression that he was good company regardless. He let her help out and doesn't seem to be bothered by having to sit with her for a moment, and for now that seems to be enough for her.

But she certainly wouldn't complain about small talk, either, as she's the type to enjoy learning about other people - except just as she's wondering if she should ask something, she finds herself on the receiving end of such questions. ]

Yes, I do. I've never really called myself an adventurer, but I guess that's the best way to describe what I am. Um... what about you? What did you do back home?

[ She's noticed that he's dressed quite nicely, after all, so she's curious to hear what he did. ]

[Diluc doesn't note much about her dancing around the title of 'adventurer,' assuming it's merely a difference in the common usage of the word. Adventurers are common in Teyvat due to the presence of a guild organizing their efforts, but that may not be true for Ori.

At least she's receptive to having a conversation, even going as far as taking an interest in him instead of already knowing the major details. Which, again, is a refreshing change of pace.]

I own a winery. It was my father's before me, and his before him. It's been in the family a long time.

[After a pause, he decides to give her a more complete answer. If they're to be here for a long stretch of time, it's better not to have her be entirely off-guard if the need to fight together should arise.]

I used to be a knight, but I left over idealistic differences. The winery is my full-time endeavor these days.

[The "Darknight Hero" stuff, he'll keep to himself. Not least because then he'd have to admit to people calling him that.]

Oh...

[ She starts to picture a quaint little cottage surrounded by a vineyard in her mind... but as he goes on, the house in that mental image gets larger and larger.

Ori can't help but stare at him a little. Yes, actually, this tracks with how he's dressed and all, doesn't it? Her first instinct is to backtrack and consider how she might be talking to someone of a noble standing - but she recalls a certain friend of hers who actually quite resented his noble lineage and didn't want to be treated as such, so she makes an effort to keep conversing as they have been, for now. ]

It must be a really nice place, if it's been in your family for so long. The grapevines must be really happy and healthy there!

[ She looks down at the drink in her hands. It feels just a little too hot to drink, still, but she pulls her gaze back up at Diluc when he mentions having been a knight. ]

Wow... Is it alright if I ask what those differences were like? I've never really talked with anyone who used to be a knight before.

[ Or at least, not any that weren't also trying to arrest her and her friends... ]

[The effort is appreciated, and even pays off a bit in getting a small, but genuine, smile from him. He has to admit, he didn't expect her reaction to be a comment on the state of his grapevines. There's something charming about that.]

We'd be a terrible winery if they weren't. It's careful work, but worthwhile.

[The smile fades when she asks him to elaborate on his split with the Knights of Favonius, however. That, at least, doesn't come as a surprise. Just about anyone would be curious as to the reasons, he supposes.

He'll keep his elaboration on the surface level. It's not a difficult thing to do, omitting the more painful details when talking about it. He's been doing it for years now.]

The Knights of Favonius is a toothless organization more interested in its own reputation than in effecting any change or defending our homeland in any appreciable way. That's why.

[ The fleeting nature of that small smile doesn't escape her notice; Ori has always been very in tune with people's feelings, and she's always watching for moments like that, always anticipating when she'll say something wrong. At the same time, though, he doesn't shut the conversation off completely, so she'll at least add her own thoughts on the matter, even if it's just to convey that she understands that feeling. ]

Ah... I think I get how that feels. Sometimes people with power just want to make sure they keep it instead of actually helping those that they're sworn to help and protect, right?

[ Her brow furrows as she looks back down at her drink briefly. Right now, some bittersweet memories are popping up, but the drink menu claims that this will have her looking back on happier times - so maybe now would be a good time to try it before she starts thinking too much. She takes the spoon that she had used to portion out Diluc's tea leaves to stir her drink some before she finally takes a tiny sip.

She'd gotten the impression that this is a sore subject for him, so she won't ask him to elaborate any further. After she sets her drink back down, she clears her throat. ]

I, um— I'm really interested to hear more about your winery, actually. What's it like?

Precisely.

[Diluc appreciates not having to elaborate further. It's clear to him that Ori seems to understand it better than she lets on, judging from the way her face falls slightly before she stirs and sips her tea. He allows her the space she needs, taking the opportunity to try his own cup of it. The flavor is quite nice; he'll have to compliment her on it once the mood lightens.

The silence doesn't last for very long, and it seems that Ori is just as eager to stick to more pleasant topics as he is.]

I'd be happy to.

It's called the Dawn Winery, and it's the largest vineyard in Mondstadt. It sits on a cliff overlooking a large lake, and in the background you can see Dragonspine--a large, snow-capped mountain--in the distance.

[ She feels relief as they move on in their conversation, and even more when she sees him take his tea without issue. In a strange new world as they are, Ori would like to make sure that she leaves a good impression on those that she meets— not that she's the type to pick fights, but still. Part of it is that she's never really had a chance to befriend people without there being some kind of looming threat on the horizon or bounties to take care of, but that she'll most certainly keep to herself.

For now, there are far more interesting things to talk about, like Dawn Winery. She tilts her head in curiosity as she listens on - strangely enough, although none of the places he names sound at all familiar, they almost sound like places that could exist in the world she's from, too. And so she closes her eyes for a moment, and easily pictures in her mind a large, sprawling vineyard and a nearby lake, and a towering, snowy mountain in the distance as she continues to drink her tea. ]

It really sounds like quite the place. And I feel like you would never get tired of the views no matter how many times you wake up to it, too. Although... I suppose "Dragonspine" sounds like it might be dangerous.

[Even without the caramel tea, there's something about the conversation that has Diluc feeling a bit nostalgic himself. The talk of home surely is to blame, especially with the growing realization that it's going to be some time before he sees it again--if at all. This whole 'dream self' situation hasn't been well-explained, and he has no idea what to expect of his own future because of it.]

For most of my life, it was all I knew. But you're correct; among many other things, it's very beautiful there.

[And then there's the mountain. Beautiful from afar, but not up close--she's right in that detail.]

Dragonspine is incredibly dangerous. If the creatures who dwell upon it don't kill you, the cold certain can. And will, if one's not careful. Most people avoid it altogether, which is for the best.

["Creatures," by the way, includes the Fatui who have spread across its landscape in search of the mountains secrets. It's fine. He's fine.]

And what of where you're from? What sort of landscapes are found there?

[ Ori gives a soft smile and nods when she hears his affirmation; she's never had any home for very long, so while she doesn't say it out loud, she very much thinks that it must be wonderful to have a beautiful place to call home. ]

Sometimes it feels like the most beautiful places end up being the most dangerous.

[ The tea has, at the very least, certainly done its part in keeping her warm. She wasn't exactly outfitted for the cold of late autumn, early winter, so this has been a welcome beverage, indeed, and if she hadn't already felt a bit nostalgic from their conversation, she certainly feels it all the more from the tea. There's a contemplative look in her visage as she answers, ]

All sorts of landscapes, for sure. We were in an area that sounds a bit like your Dragonspine mountain, but not for very long. There was a frozen city and palace there that was unlike anything I'd ever seen... But we also have rocky islands, jungles, mountains, forests, that kind of thing.

[Diluc would be the first to admit that he took his home for granted for most of his life; it wasn't until he left that he realized what he had there. And even now, much of the time it feels less like a home and more like a base of operations, which suits him fine. Less emotionally complicated that way.

He says none of this to Ori, instead nodding in response to her own observations.]

It doesn't sound that different from the whole of Teyvat beyond the part that I call home. There may even be cities and palaces of ice, for all I know.

[He wouldn't put it past Snezhnaya.]

It remains to be seen if we find any geographic diversity here. I suppose I should be grateful, that it's so similar to what I already know.

—Teyvat? That sounds familiar...

[ There's a puzzled look on her face for a few moments as she contemplates the name in her head, looking for answers as to where she's heard the name before, until it occurs to her that it's not where she's heard it from, but whom she's heard the name from before. ]

Oh, that's right! I've met someone else from Teyvat, here. Maybe you know him? His name is Thoma.

[The surprise that Ori actually knows of Teyvat only shows on Diluc's face for a moment. And really, it shouldn't even be that much of a surprise. He's aware of two other people from there in this place, after all.

(There's a bit of relief when she mentions Thoma by name. Hopefully, she doesn't know the Fatui.)]

I've met Thoma, but only after arriving here. We didn't know each other back home.

[In large part because the man hasn't been in Mondstadt for a very long time. Even so, it's a very 'small world' feeling when he stops to think about it.]

[ (She does indeed to know the Fatui, made all the worse by the fact that she doesn't know what a Fatui is and that she's incredibly likely to end up trying to make sure he doesn't get into too much trouble given the way that he reminds her of some of the chaotically-inclined members of her own troupe of adventurers.)

Granted, she doesn't know anything about Teyvat beyond its name and, now, what Diluc has told her of it. There's a beat as she contemplates what he says - is it more or less likely for people who know each other to get pulled into this realm together, Ori wonders as she takes another drink of her tea. ]

Ah, is that so... he's really nice! He helped me out when we first met.

[That'll be an awkward conversation when they get to it. But not for today.

Today is for warm beverages and getting to know each other. Diluc decides that he rather likes Ori, based on their interaction thus far. And that she clearly likes Thoma is another mark in her favor--Thoma is another person who's impressed him quite a bit during the short time he's been here.]

Same for me. He seems to make it a habit to be as helpful as possible.

[Which is an admirable trait, so long as it doesn't get taken advantage of.

After a pause and a glance down at his drink, he adds:]

Seems like that's a trait the two of you have in common.

[ Ori just nods and smiles at what Diluc says. She's perfectly happy to talk more about what a wonderful impression Thoma made on her, but then he continues on and... oh. Ori never really gets used to people saying nice things about her, especially to her face, no matter how many times it might happen. Even more so when she's likened to someone that she already thinks very highly of.

So she looks down at her drink to hide the warmth that blooms on her cheeks and says, ]

Oh... It's really nothing. I'm just glad you're enjoying the tea.

[ Soon, she'll try as hard as she can to get back to the topic of his vineyard, and later, when their cups are empty, she'll thank him for his company, say that it was very nice to meet him, and hope that they'll cross paths again soon. ]

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

{ test drive #02 - november 2021 }

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