songerein | { test drive #02

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.

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

[ Okay, maybe candy didn't kill his family, but he sure has some trauma going along with it, it seems. So trick candy like this isn't that unusual here, huh? Making someone breathe fire doesn't seem all that impressive next to candy turning him into a wolf or zombie.

A little crestfallen, Childe lets the hand holding the lollipop drop to his side with a sigh. ]

Wow, really? So you really have been through a lot...

[ And he needs to up his game. ]

Well, the jig is up. This lollipop was going to make you breathe fire, but you weren't supposed to find that out until after you tried it, but I'm in a generous mood today.

I knew it!

[Well, not the fire part specifically, but he knew it wasn't going to be a good time. He almost feels bad that this guy looks so disappointed, but like hell he's going to walk right into another food trap.]

Definitely want to avoid that one. I know someone who wound up breathing fire after drinking something weird a couple of weeks ago, and it was a real pain in the ass.

[He'd rather not.]

I mean, I bet you could get someone else to take it... maybe they'd be into it?

[Should he be encouraging this...?]

[ No, probably not, but Childe won't argue. Instead, he actually appreciates this guy still trying to lend a hand, even if he passed on the candy himself. What an absolute legend. ]

Hey, it's worth a shot! A little fire breath might just be what the next passerby is looking for. Oh - but it's supposed to be joke candy, so we can't tell them before they try it. That okay with you?

[ He hasn't forgotten the original intention of this candy. Seems like it wouldn't be a great test if their subject knows what's going to happen going in. ]

[He might actually feel a little bad about having had such a vehement response...]

Top secret, huh.

[Is it okay with him? It probably shouldn't be, but...

He shrugs fluidly, a motion that comes out overexaggerated thanks to his size.]

Sure. If they trust this stuff, guess it's on them. And it's not like it's going to hurt anybody, right?

[Right?]

[ ... ]

Sure, sure! I mean, there's definitely a chance the confectioners haven't perfected the candy magic and the fire is actually hot, but they assured me it's no worse than eating a spicy pepper!

[ A very, very, very spicy pepper.

Anyway. Another young man comes walking briskly down the sidewalk, very much looking like he has somewhere to be, yet Childe flags him down, waving a hand to grab his attention. ]

Hey there, sir! Pardon our interruption, but my esteemed associate and I have a proposition for you!

[ Yes, they're associates now, apparently. ]

Well... that shouldn't be so bad. Some people like a lot of spice.

[He's partial to it himself, every now and then. If it's just like eating a spicy pepper, then it should be no big deal if people help themselves, yeah?

Balthus is mildly surprised when he gets invited into the pitch, but quickly catches on and proceeds to play his part.]

We're sure you have places to be and things to do, but we'll only take a moment! We're giving out— free samples.

[ What a guy, that Balthus, just stepping right into his part! It's admirable, and Childe just keeps it rolling, nodding to the other man. ]

That's right, my friend! You can take one and be on your way. One lick will liven up your life in ways you can't even imagine. Care to try one?

[ The man, appearing rather bookish, seems reluctant, but after a moment, he shakes his head, trying to step away and excuse himself. They're not going to let him get off the hook that easily, are they?? ]

[For just a moment, Balthus hesitates— I mean, if they guy wants to go on his way, shouldn't they let him? Then again, this is a new product that's looking to get some exposure, so...]

No way, you're gonna walk away from free?

[Prior to today, Balthus couldn't imagine doing such a thing himself!]

What've you got to lose, pal?

[ That's the spirit! The timid man hesitates, because that is a compelling point. It's free...maybe he should just try it. Live a little, and all.

After a moment, he relents with an "oh, alright," and Childe positively beams. ]

You won't regret it, my friend! One lick will sell you on a world of flavors you can only begin to imagine. Since these are only the prototypes, I'll throw in a second one for the road. Give it to your wife, your best friend, or save it for yourself! You deserve it.

[ You know, he would really make a good salesman...or maybe he's just spent too much time playing it up in front of Teucer. Anyway, Childe hands over two red lollipops to the man, who then begins to unwrap one of them somewhat uncertainly. ]

You won't regret it!

[ Maybe. ]

[Balthus looks to the man beside him with something akin to admiration— regardless of what the candy does or doesn't do, this guy definitely has a way with words!]

You've done this kinda gig before, haven't you?

[Of course, he shouldn't be interrupting during the pitch, and he's reminded of the situation at hand when the potential customer takes an experimental lick of his lollipop. Within moments, smoke begins to curl from his nostrils.

Huh.]

So, what's the verdict?

[There's a nervous edge to his voice— if this guy opens his mouth to talk, are they going to get blasted with flame?]

[ Childe offers a nonchalant shrug in return to Balthus' question. What can he say? He's a natural...at least, naturally charismatic, and that goes a long way.

With rapt attention, Childe awaits the man's verdict. It's the moment of truth! Will the lollipop be a hit, or are they all about to get their eyebrows singed off?! It's anyone's guess. The man himself seems...uncertain at first, but not outright disgusted or in pain, so that's good?? Though the smoke is a little alarming...

And sure enough, when he opens his mouth to answer, a burst of fire issues forth, red and flickering just as fire ought to be. It's enough to make Childe duck back, but only then does he realize that...the fire hadn't actually been hot, had it?

Huh. ]

Aha, that's about as good of an answer as we could ask for! All the flavor without any of the scorch!

Whoa—!

[Balthus is quick to duck when fire does burst forth, and expecting the scorching heat that Ferris seems to find herself saddled with when she'd been afflicted by a similar ailment during the dreamshift, he raises an arm to shield himself and his fellow 'salesman' from the heat— except fortunately for all involved, it never comes.

Huh. Neat trick.]

... oh. [He clears his throat, lowering his arm as he straightens back up.] Uh, of course, we expected that to happen.

[They're... professionals.]

[ Wow, this guy was ready to take a hit for him...what a bro. He's known Balthus for like five minutes and already Childe is impressed. Impressed by what? It's hard to say, exactly.

Childe clasps his hands together, quick to pick up where his professional partner left of. ]

That's right! It's just always a little startling to see such realistic flames, that even we get caught off-guard by it! Pretty neat trick, isn't it, my friend?

[ The man, still looking rather dismayed from breathing fire, at last nods and manages a laugh. Alarming as it was, it was entertaining! ]

Tell your family, tell your friends, your boss! We'd love the word to get out to as many people as possible about these and you're our invaluable partner in that mission. Can we count on you?

[ Again, the man nods and agrees, before bidding them farewell and turning to go. Well! That could have gone much, much worse. ]

[Once the man heads on his way, Balthus lets out a long sigh of relief before laughing— he'd almost put his foot in it, reacting the way he had, but Childe had recovered quickly enough for the both of them.]

Well, I definitely feel better knowing nobody who eats these is gonna get burned. Definite step up from the last time I saw people breathing flames around here. You're one hell of a salesman, though. Didn't miss a damn beat!

[This guy must be an actual professional.]

So that's all you're looking for? Seeing if this novelty candy is the real deal?

[ He sure is a professional...something, though acting like the world's greatest toy salesman in front of his little brother certainly helped! Experience he did not expect to put to use anytime soon, and definitely not in this way. ]

That's about the size of it! It might be worthwhile to gather a bit more intel, just to make sure that wasn't a fluke, but I'd say this firebreather lollipop is an absolute success.

[ He does still have quite a few left, though...he lifts a brow and gives Balthus a look that is almost a challenge. ]

Now that you've seen it with your own eyes, are you more willing to try one?

Hm...

[Well, given that he's just seen it in action without any real harm being done, he doesn't have any real reason to say 'no' at this point, does he? He seems to consider it for a long moment before he nods, conceding.

How is he supposed to say no to a challenge? Even one implied by a look.]

Alright, alright! Don't look at me like that, just give it to me—

[He heaves a sigh, but he's definitely grinning.]

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

{ test drive #02 - november 2021 }

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