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

I'll look forward to it, then.

[Oh, right. They were cleaning. Reaching for his own, he set about working on the next table. Chuckling lightly in response..]

'Tis a title that has been given to me upon founding the Crystarium. I felt no reason to correct them. [That and... maybe if he just gave them his name that would have helped.] The Crystal Tower is hardly a castle, but I could see how it could be regarded as one in some ways.

[For one... it was massive. But in the midst of his cleaning, he did notice that slight gesture. A touchy subject, mayhap? Alas, it was none of his business nor did he intend to interrogate someone he just met. Maybe in time, it would become clear?]

[Whatever the gesture was, it was gone. She even scrubbed extra hard to mask it, and eased back into her routine.]

Towers, castles... fancy, pointy buildings that royals lived in. What lords need with so much space is anybody's guess.

[Another aero spell, and another clean surface. The case looked nearly invisible!]

Do you miss it, then, your Crystal Tower? I'm sure a little place like this probably comes off as a little boring. Even Mor Dhona had its grandiosity to it.

My occupancy in the Tower was more for necessity as the Tower's guardian. I couldn't possibly let anybody misuse it.

[We're not going to talk about Elidibus. That's a whole different story. Moving on to cleaning the chairs off after wiping down the table, he paused for a moment upon hearing her question before starting once more.]

Mmmm... Sometimes. It's easy to take aether for granted when you don't have infinite amounts of it at your disposal. What I miss is not so much the Tower as much as the people. [People like Lyna for example.] Having lived in the First for so long, it's strange to think I'll likely never have the chance to go back.

This place isn't so bad, though. If anything, it's like a brand new adventure waiting for me to explore it. It may not be the journey I was hoping for, but I will take it in stride nonetheless.

[Somehow, it just wasn't the same without the Warrior of Light to walk beside.]

Edited 2021-10-28 04:40 (UTC)

[She didn't recall the Crystal Tower having anything in it other than monsters and... clones, was it? Sometimes you needed to smile, nod and slap a few clones. That was a strange bundle of weeks, but the researchers at the Find seemed pleased as punch for the chance at digging around unmolested. But she'd heard tales of other worlds, bits and bobs of a "First"... that was where that dreadful wall of shadow lurked.]

Silver linings! That's the ticket. But... what sort of adventure were you hoping for?

[They stood in a literal dream world. Anything was possible. How could this world be left wanting?]

[He knew what kind of adventure he wanted, but had nothing to do with the adventure and more to do with whom would be with him. His admiration for the Warrior of Light was a secret to... basically nobody. He couldn't have been any more transparent about it even if he tried; and wicked white he did.

To admit that out loud though... It had him feel a little bit silly.]

I... had hoped a dear friend would be by my side. There is much and more I have yet to see for myself, but it's the company that makes it much more special.

[Giving her a sheepish, apologetic smile.]

Pray don't misinterpret my words though. There is much to experience here and I for one am ready to see what this world has in store for us.

[Her chin propped on a hand, she smirked.]

...Especially if that special company were to, say, link fingers with yours as you overlook a mountain you climbed together. Just two chums watching the sun rise...

[Oh she will misinterpret the hell out of those words, kittycat.]

Either way, this just sounds like you'll have some stories to tell them once we all wake up, or... however the circumstances specifically spirited us here.

[She lowered that hand, and gathered up that little mote of light she'd conjured earlier. Enclosed in her fingers, she crushed it into a sparkling dust before dusting off her palms.]

And it's better than sitting around and awaiting news from Sharlayan. Idle hands, as they say.

[Gods. He's just going to focus his gaze on cleaning whatever it was he was on now. A chair, wasn't it? He's been admittedly distracted by this conversation, so his progress had slowed.]

That I will. I'm certain they would be quite interested in the tales. When news for Shaylayan finally arrives, we'll have our hands busy. Best to take the time we have now to prepare for the worst. [And just take a break.]

[Uh-huh. That didn't pass her notice. He's got it bad. But he seemed flustered enough, and she wasn't here to push people out the door.]

Those "lunar primals" crawling around, the burning visions... whatever's coming will be a real kicker.

[She pocketed the job stone, and relinquished her role. In a flash she changed back and stepped back to admire her handiwork with the case. Shiny as ever... until one of the faerie hosts started admiring their reflection in the glass so much that they made a face smudge upon kissing themselves.]

[Burning visions...? Disregarding his flushed cheeks, he turned around to look to her curiously.]

Could you also be blessed with Her gift?

[Not that the Echo was exclusive to one person.]

Edited 2021-10-29 21:49 (UTC)

[Sincerest apologies for the critical hit to the vitals, G'raha. She may circle back to that sometime, but the talk of 'Her gifts' left her feeling warm and toasty inside. Or maybe it was the caramel tea.]

You know of Her?! She grants me odd dreams sometimes. I wish they made more sense, but I suppose my test is to interpret them.

For example, your voice was loud and clear, but the way you looked was... was...

[She gestured vaguely.]

You were a blue light wrapped in tattered red and black cloth. Like something who'd been heavily wounded and barely hanging on. So I reached out and accepted the call; I'd put the hurt on whoever caused that. The black beast that arose when I arrived--... ah...

[She paused, realized she'd really been running on and on.]

I... don't talk about this, clearly. Nobody asks, but you're not looking at me as if trying to size me up, throw a burlap sack over me and haul me off to the nearest group of chirurgeons.

[So it was true. He'd been around enough people gifted with Her blessing to know. Mentions of burning visions were not normal to the average person. And the way she described him... it made him feel a little bad. 'Tis true that he was not in any shape to fight by that time, but to also worry those around him...

He was silent as he listened, wondering how to respond. He gave her a faint, sympathetic smile that he had hoped would be calming enough.]

That you answered my summons is enough. I cannot express my gratitude enough for you and all the others who heeded my call. 'Tis true that the Warrior of Light [Or the Warrior of Darkness in the case of the First] was the main key to success, I doubt we would have gotten far without the help that had been provided to us.

That is to say... Our victory is not mine alone.

[Shaking his head lightly]

You are in good hands. I know plenty of people with the sameself gift, though they vary from person to person. I have seen enough to not discredit your claims. Know that you are not alone.

[She blinked at him, trying to read his face. He was an expressive sort, especially once he wasn't looking right at someone. This was a rather shy man, or perhaps someone who didn't really have lengthy experience speaking to others without some sort of barrier between he and they. Some kept their faces directed into their work as they spoke, feeling more comfortable with a focus. Others preferred hats or hoods. But which was he...?

Her shoulders relaxed a little.]

Thank you. If... if there's anything more you know about the gift, I would hear of them. ...Sometime. I shouldn't take your entire afternoon.

[He would be lying if he said he didn't miss his cowl. After so long, it had become something of a security blanket. Once anything gave him away or made him feel awkward, hiding behind a hood became much more convenient than acknowledging it. He felt bare at times now that it wasn't on his person, but that was for the better. He'd promised to live for himself this time. No more hiding in the shadows and no more keeping secrets if he could avoid it.]

I confess that I don't have many answers about it, but I would be happy to share with you the kinds of Echo that my friends possess. Mayhap they may have similarities to your own? Time seems to be of no concern while we're here, so feel free to ask whenever.

[It's not like he had anything planned right now.]

Echo...

[There was a name for it? She could call it something, and not be considered mad for it. It seemed a number of people had the gift, and that made the whole thing feel a little less...

Lonely.

Madhuri pushed that aside and made a show of putting her hand to her chin, rubbing away.]

Well, the dreams are the big one, really. Shapes and colors. I try to interpret them and only seldomly do I puzzle them out in a fashion that I can spring awake and warn somebody. She only seems to show me things while I'm sleeping...

[She smirked and the hand instead propped her chin.]

...Which is terribly inconvenient when I bounce screaming out of bed in my private lacies to warn someone not to touch their soup or something.

I see... Two of my friends are able to look into memories of people, although it's usually done while they're still awake; One of them nearly gives me a heart attack every time due to what happens when they slip into one.

[Luckily he's getting used to it now, not having as much time around it as the others have. He was following along well enough, but the extra detail was hardly necessary. Either she was normally like this, or she was just trying to get a rise out of him. Either way, it was working, so he'll just clear his throat awkwardly and move past that comment.]

The woman who speaks to you is called Hydaelyn. [You know, like the star...] I have never personally heard Her voice, but I've heard enough about it.

[Waking epiphanies, and through the memories of others? Interesting. Would that she had that sort of ability, because how fun would it be to learn where Magnai's desired Nhaama hides, but dangle the information over his massively thick, empty head, watch him squirm?

In a corner of her mind there was a very dark chuckle. What a dream that would be.

Outwardly, Madhuri blinked in her feigned innocence. He seemed a little flustered about something. Whatever could it be?

Her expression faltered, however, with a name.]

Hydaelyn? The Mother-Crystal?

[The massive stone nestled in a sea of stars. She wagered it was just a pretty image, because she'd seen enough frescoes to know what the Dusk Mother looked like. But she'd never seen Her, nor had Madhuri reached out to call her.

...Was she wrong the entire time? Her heart rather sank.]

Is... it always Hydaelyn, these Echo cases? None of your Twelve, or... who else, again? The kami?

[Atta girl. It is a mystery.]

From what I understand of it, it's Hydaelyn who grants the gift of the Echo to Her champions.

[Never mind that she's really a primal... That prompted more questions than answers.]

The Echo also grants the host resistance to tempering from primals. In the case of the Warrior of Light, they had been able to absorb the primordial light that once plagued Norvrandt. Any normal person who attempts to slay a light warden ended up transforming into one themselves to take its place, but the Warrior of Light was resistant to the change.

[At least not when they had the light of all 5 to combat.]

[She'd heard tales of the First, of sin eaters and lightwardens. The details were fuzzy on the Warrior taking in all that aether, but she'd seen what can happen a-plenty when it tipped too far in one direction with someone: Like tempering...]

I always thought it passing strange that no enrapturing breath from the false idols seemed to turn my horns... 'tis what had an invitation into the Crystal Braves sent my way in the first place.

...Before that revolution happened, anyway.

[She shook her head.]

I'd always thought it was the Dusk Mother, Nhaama. But none of the others experienced Her grace in the way I had. I suppose I have my answer why, then.

[Her lantern, dangling at her hip, flickered. For just a moment it bloomed, opening a 'bubble', an incidental daydream that played in tandem in her mind's eye:

She'd dressed up as best as she could, heart racing. Countless beads and glimmering, coin-shaped adornments jingled as she entered a deep bow, face flushed at the sight of a towering, imposing figure with curved and steel-tipped horns, his hair a shadowy blaze that bled into brightest gold. His yellow eyes bored into hers, face stony as he examined her...

"...Nothing. Get her out of my sight. This was a waste of my time."

Madhuri took a breath and closed her eyes, and in her hands mimicked rolling something into a ball and tossing it into her mouth. The motion only took a second or two. Then she breathed a sigh and was fully composed again, chin in a hand and eyebrows knit. She hadn't noticed her lantern, now gleaming as usual, in the slightest.]

That's... awful. Though I suppose, considering what we know of the voidsent...

That Warrior's a reckless bastard, though. If they weren't resistant to it... gods, that can't be a peaceful change.

[Ah, so she was a part of the Crystal Braves. At the very least, she didn't seem to be one of the bad ones mixed in. Hearing about Nhaama had him silent for a moment, thinking a bit to himself. He didn't know much about the Auri cultures out there or their way of life, but to have possibly ruined something that may have been important to her with his answers... He couldn't help but feel a little bad.

The daydream did not escape his notice, frowning at its contents. He had never had the chance to see the Far East himself, but judging by the short daydream that played out, he's assuming she has been through plenty of hardships. He couldn't change the past -- hers or his own -- but he could at least try to make her time here more pleasant. And he had plenty of practice with how much he frets over the Warrior of Light. As someone who was a culinarian, he couldn't even consider his own cooking as anything decent, but he would try nonetheless to make sure she was taking care of herself properly.

And then her last comment hit him. She could be referring to the resistance to tempering, but if she meant the light instead... Well, the thought of the Warrior of Light being unable to hold all of the light and turning into a lightwarden themselves... It made his chest tighten, letting out an anxious sigh.]

Things have worked out in the end, but it... was not an easy road.

[Did it get darker in here suddenly? Just this area of the cafe? Oh, good to know.]

[He'd been privy to what could have been a true nightmare. If they'd answered his call and it ended up in the worst way... she could see G'raha as the type to blame himself entirely, even if circumstances couldn't always be predicted to the number.

Her work finished, she was free to settle in and go about mending her business... especially if that business was accidentally creating some form of anxiety.]

I'm sure it wasn't. You did a hell of a lot of good, G'raha. After everything I'd heard, I...

[The Warrior wouldn't have known and the Eighth Umbral Calamity would have occurred. Millions dead. A risky summoning, a difficult road and hope restored...? Really, this man here was-]

...Thank you. I'll just have to make your welcome treat a very, very good one. Fit for a hero.

[Why was he even trying to clean now when he was too caught up in his head and this conversation. That was the real question here. He'd spent so much time trying to change the fate of his home and friends. And yet even after these many years, he couldn't even consider that his role important or meaningful enough. Not compared to the Warrior of Light.

Her words hit hard. It was just like the feeling of having his name called out for the first time in forever. To be acknowledged for his hard work. Fit for a hero. It was probably a good thing that he wasn't currently facing her because his emotions were getting the better of him. Too bad that wasn't enough in a place like this.

What to say?]

That's... very kind of you.

[Her tail fell. The room had definitely gotten a little darker and she wasn't sure what she could do. It seemed to lift some, but as she was watching his frame she saw some familiarity. It was one that had something rumbling in that old, dark corner of her mind.

But she shook her head, even if he couldn't see it.]

It's the least I can do. I hope we can be good friends, hero.

[She smiled and looked aside.]

But I should probably get going, though, before the Wildlands get too dark...

[Once getting his emotions in check he finally turned to her with a soft smile.]

I would love nothing more.

[He could definitely use more friends.]

The Wildlands? [It did seem a little late for that but...] Travel safely.

Oh, I will. It's the things I intend to hunt and gather that need all the luck they can get.

In the meantime, chin up, alright?

[Those eyes could be so bright and vibrant, but they could also be so... sad. She waved a farewell and set off on her way, and tried not to think on that too much. She needed to focus.]

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

{ test drive #02 - november 2021 }

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