dreamposts (![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png)
dreamposts) wrote in ![[community profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/community.png)
songerein2021-10-24 11:50 pm
dreamposts) wrote in songerein2021-10-24 11:50 pm
Entry tags:
{ test drive #02 - november 2021 }
✵ TEST DRIVE MEME: NOVEMBER ✵
Reminder that our Test Drive Memes double as an Intro Log and threads can be carried over in-game. They are also required for samples. Note: the TDM timeframe is the start of November, after the Halloween events. Refer to the Game Info for general information and feel free to toss any TDM related questions here. Reserves are open and Applications will open on November 1st. The next application cycle won't be until March, 2022.
I. WELCOME TO SONGEREIN
Upon "arriving" into Songerein, everyone is understandably confused. The first thought would be they must be in a dream, which makes sense since the last thing they might remember doing is falling asleep or losing some form of consciousness or awareness before opening their eyes and finding themselves in the Plaza of some strange town they've never seen before. But there are a lot of other people around, some that may look familiar but others so strange that it would be impossible for their own imagination to dream up. And they're all just as confused. Fortunately, a red tapir-like creature appears and introduces itself as Solei, one of the "keepers" of this place. It offers some explanation before letting everyone explore their new "home." [Reminder: Other people aside from the characters will also appear to act as filler NPCs. Players are also free to be creative and come up with any kind of creature or animal their characters might encounter. The only limitations are they must be small to medium in size and not be overly aggressive.]A. Magic Journals. Everyone will find a journal stylized just for them on their person somewhere and it's the primary means of communication with everyone. The only limitation is that it's text only, but images can be magically imprinted on the page from the writer's mind. Might as well give it a whirl and see who all is out there.
B. Dreamotion Abilities. Although everyone maintains most of their original abilities while in Songerein, they are also capable of using special abilities based on dreamotion energy. From having their emotions affecting the environment to utilizing new abilities entirely, it's probably something that they should start familiarizing fairly quickly. Especially since all the emotional surprise and confusion may already be affecting things, such as random glass shattering or cracks forming at one's feet.
C. Exploring Town. The town of Reverein is small but still sizable, so walking around and to see what all there is might be a good idea. The town has filled in a bit, but it's still larger than the current population and there are a few small fae and small wild critters who have made a few nests so just watch your step—or head. Some could venture out to the farmlands and beyond...just be careful.
D. Dreambucks Café. There is a certain quaint little café back in the Plaza that is known for its refreshing and unique teas and drinks. Called Dreambucks, it's staffed by friendly tea fairies and primarily serves tea and small cakes. Their teas and foods are quite special as the flavor will influence one's emotions and dreams—but in a good way! There are no harmful side effects and they are usually positive. Bolstering one's spirit; calming or relaxing nerves. The tea fairies want everyone to enjoy their time. Anyone can pick whichever table they want to take a break and meet some people. Or take a peek at what someone might be dreaming thanks to the teas.
There are three different types of teas available:
Caramel Delight. A caramel flavored tea with a few spices to add a little warmth to the taste. Just a few sips will make anyone want to find the nearest fireplace, grab a blanket, and settle in as they reminisce on happier moments.
Cranberry Cheer. A strong, flavorful cold juice that will renew one's vigor by leaps and bounds. ...And also make one leap and bound away through their day. Drinking this will inspire one to spread good tidings and festive feelings, be it left over from Halloween or some other seasonal festivity they may be familiar with. General good will to all is also an option.
Hazelnut Hot Chocolate. This warm drink can be topped with moon and star shaped marshmallows and is a perfect alternative for those who may prefer a more mellow drink. A drink of this will develop a want to share stories from nostalgic memories to riveting adventures to chilling horrors—whatever may be on their one or feel creative to make up.
Cranberry Cheer. A strong, flavorful cold juice that will renew one's vigor by leaps and bounds. ...And also make one leap and bound away through their day. Drinking this will inspire one to spread good tidings and festive feelings, be it left over from Halloween or some other seasonal festivity they may be familiar with. General good will to all is also an option.
Hazelnut Hot Chocolate. This warm drink can be topped with moon and star shaped marshmallows and is a perfect alternative for those who may prefer a more mellow drink. A drink of this will develop a want to share stories from nostalgic memories to riveting adventures to chilling horrors—whatever may be on their one or feel creative to make up.
Although it doesn't always happen, sometimes the drinks will be a strong enough influence that it will make the drinker daydream for a bit. Anyone nearby may notice their dream crystal lantern flicker and catch a brief glimpse of the daydream on it. Or perhaps those who want to try out their dream crystal lanterns are deliberately trying to see if their dreams are captured. Only daydreams influenced by the tea can be caught and even then it's just a brief glimpse, but it's still an interesting way to see how the dream crystal lanterns work.
Note: There is no currency in the world and everything served is free at this time. However it might not be immediately obvious and the fairies won't mind if customers repay in some way, be it helping out via cleaning and serving, giving gifts such as flowers or fruits, or something else.
II. CANDY CHAOS
Despite the dramatic events that occurred during the dreamscape and the after effects still waiting to be seen, some good things happened as a result of the Halloween festivities. Looking ahead to other holidays, a few people are trying their hand in making candies. After all, they all can't rely on the fae for everything and with new resources at their disposal, there's no excuse now.
A. Candy Mining. One morning a few friendly gnomes that dwell beneath the town pop up and announce that one of the caves has changed from normal rock crystals to candy rock crystals. More strangely, once mined they change color and flavor depending on the person's emotions or their last dream is at the time the candy rock crystal is removed. Ready to create something new, various candy makers send out requests for various "flavors" to experiment. People are welcome to try and create their own kind of candy or other crafts with the new candy rock crystals as well. However, the gnomes will warn that the candy rock crystals may explode if anyone who had strong nightmares or extreme emotions touch them, even after they are extracted. So take care!
B. Cotton Candy Sheep. A new type of sheep has been discovered (or introduced? Who is to say—) roaming just outside of the farmlands and it appears their wool is made out of cotton candy. While one might be wary of eating straight off the animal, it is said the wool is not only delicious, but could actually be used in clothing if processed correctly. Of course, that still needs to be tested so who knows if it's true. For now, some would like to herd them to the corrals, however they are fast and flighty creatures, capable of hopping several tens of feet into the air and float away. The best way to lure them is to create hard candy wind chimes as they are not only attracted to the sound, but also the taste. The sweeter and crunchier, the better. 
C. Trick Candy. Halloween may be over, but the idea of using candy for silly pranks is eternal. One day there will be full "joke" shops around, but for now candy will be the focus. A contest is being held for anyone to not only learn how to make candy, but devise ways for them to turn into fun pranks. Turning one's tongue a different color is too basic, how about something that could change the entire body? Or hair if that's too difficult. Those not part of the creative process will also be exposed to the end products—and failures. Some taffy rope that's decided to slither around and tie people together, a giant jawbreaker expanding to the size of a large boulder rolling down the streets, people taste testing bubble gum now floating in the air—the possibilities are endless.
III. DREAMSCAPE TUTORIAL: HAUNTED TOY HOUSE
To help everyone understand their dreamwalking abilities, the tapirs will ask anyone who is willing to gather around the Dream Swings in the Central Plaza. There anyone is invited to sit in the chairs or hammocks and focus on their dream crystal lanterns to enter a special dreamscape made just for them. Those watching might find the sight of everyone suddenly turning into a colorful ball of light and disappearing alarming, but that's just the normal process of entering a dream. When someone leaves the dream, they will briefly reappear as that light before returning to their original form. The theme for this dreamscape is Haunted Toy House with everyone stuck in a life sized doll house filled with cursed toys.
A. Feeling a bit stiff. Upon entering the dreamscape, some dreamwalkers may find themselves looking a bit like a cursed toy, so hopefully no one mistakes them as an enemy. The form can vary from a wooden doll to a plush toy and always with some kind of corruption or missing piece. A truly ghastly appearance that would scare any child and spawn nightmares. While in this form, dreamwalkers may find their abilities a bit altered to fit the form.
B. House Traps. There are numerous rooms in this strange house, and some might even feel they are in a piece of Escher artwork instead with stairs going here and there and upside down. With it being a dreamscape, the concept of gravity is certainly otherworldly here. While some rooms are harmless, others are filled with traps. Spikes shooting down from ceilings; doors sealed shut as the walls close in; floors turning into black goop or disappearing completely. It's a giant maze and one has to wonder if that giant exit sign is real or another trap (it's another trap). Best way to disarm the traps and obstacles is using one's imagination and test out those dreamotion abilities.
C. Corrupt Toys. Inhabiting the house are several toys ready to pounce on their new "visitors." Fortunately they can be beaten back easily and can be "purified" to return to their original state. All it requires is a nice "injection" of positive dreamotion energy, though how that can happen varies. A healing spell, a smack from a weapon created from positive feelings, encouraging words—the toys just feel lonely and abandoned. Playing with them may also help turn them into allies. The more toys "purified," the less corrupt the house will be in turn. However, if more become corrupted instead, things will turn into even more of a dangerous nightmare and noctaere may start appearing.
no subject
Dream of candy... it occurs to me that Rinwell would likely be exceptional at this.
[But since she's not here, they'll have to make due between the two of them. Really, how hard can it be? Focusing ones thoughts and energy and making them manifest is the same basic principle behind astral artes.
He closes his eyes as he holds a hand out in front of him, fingers spread, focused. After a moment, a few pieces of hard candy appear in his hand— most cylindrical, all of them green, and a few shaped like leaves.
He might have gotten distracted.]
Hm.
no subject
[ He nods agreeing with Dohalim's comment. Alphen's trying his best to conjure up candy himself. His looked a little more strange in shape and size. His personal tastes have always been strange and it's reflected in the candies he has. They look large and maybe they're even glowing a little. Um. He pauses and tries to look at what they've come up with.]
Those look kinda like grass. Have you been thinking about Menancia?
[ Elde Menancia is the land of green. ]
no subject
[He quirks his head to one side for a moment, considering. He often is, if he's being honest; there's a great deal of work left for him there, and though he is no longer lord of the realm, it undeniably has a hold of his heart.]
I don't think it's quite that abstract, however. When I'm conjuring things using astral artes, it's most often using earth astral energy.
[The idea of conjuring something else had, perhaps, gotten a bit muddled in the middle.]
Vines, leaves, tremors— candy is admittedly quite new.
no subject
[ When Dohalim speaks Alphen looks at him with a firm gaze. He understands that their world back home isn't the same as the place here. This is a strange dream world where seemingly anything can happen...and they just made candies appear by thinking about it.
Alphen has seen stranger things in his time so he shrugs and attempts to do it again. The results seem a little better this time. They look like candy and have colorful wrappers. The flavor might be wrong though. ]
Are you able to use your abilities in this world too?
no subject
[The theory of astral artes has always been of interest to him.]
While the energy in the atmosphere here isn't the same as the astral energy of Rena and Dahna, it is still quite potent. As such, it can likely be channeled and catalyzed in the same way, so long as the caster is willing to adapt as necessary.
[Short answer: his spells will probably work just fine, with some tweaking.]
What of yours, Alphen?
[His friend's abilities were a bit more complex, given the nature of who he is.]
no subject
[ Shionne's here so maybe their powers can still manifest in the same way it had before? Who knows. Alphen's identity is a complication all in itself. For a long time, he suffered under the affliction of amnesia and didn't even know his own name. Everyone just called him Iron Mask like it was normal. To top that off, he didn't even know where he came from or what he was doing before. Some things still don't really make sense to him, but he figures that's another matter entirely and one best saved for later. ]
We'll find out soon enough I guess. Regrouping with the others should be our first priority. Have you seen anyone else from back home?
no subject
[His eyebrows do raise, slightly, at that bit of information Alphen slips in at the end.]
So far, I've only run into you, though I'm glad to hear Shionne made it safely as well. Have you run into any of the others?
[Alphen has a way about him; people seem to be drawn to his good nature, including their companions.]
Hello there are late game spoilers here doot doot
[ It's not like he's got anything to hide anymore. Alphen knows he can trust Dohalim because they've been on the same journey for a while now. ]
I've only seen you and Shionne.
[ He makes a short nod and folds his arms together while taking a firm stand. Shionne's here and so are her thorns. That would be his next thought but that's not something he says out loud. The way he sighs and furrows his brow suggests something really bothering him.]
also some vague spoilers in here
[He can't help but look just a touch disappointed, and he frowns a bit as he folds his arms in front of him, tapping a finger thoughtfully against his chin. He's glad to see any of his companions, but he dislikes that this world has seen fit to scatter them.]
I can only assume the others must be somewhere. Every time we've stepped through a portal, we've remained in one another's company. I don't see why this place should be so different— though the other planes we've visited have been uninhabited by anyone other than creatures resembling zeugles.
no subject
[ There's a lot of uncertainty when other worlds and times come into question. Nobody can say anything for sure. The only thing that Alphen knows is that he's seen both Shionne and Dohalim. He also promised before that he would help Shionne and be there by her side. At least he can explore things and hopefully they'll find the rest of their companions.]
Are you hurt anywhere Dohalim? I can't really tell just by looking at you.
no subject
[Fortunately, that was unnecessary, and he offers Alphen a reserved but warm smile in response. Kind of him to be worried in the first place— usually, it was Shionne and himself looking after the others in such a way, given the range of healing artes between them.]
I hope you can say the same? If you do have any injuries that need tending, all you need do is say so, though no doubt Shionne will have beaten me to it if you've already seen one another.
no subject
[ Alphen nods and smiles back in response. He can feel pain so he'd know when he gets hurt unlike before when he couldn't even do that much. His sense of pain returning along with his memories changed a lot of things. Maybe he's stronger now for enduring many trials, but who can say for sure? They always have room to grow and improve themselves. ]
If I need healing I'll speak up. Don't be afraid to call me for anything if you need help.
no subject
[Which is to say that Dohalim knows Alphen can be neglectful of his own needs, even with his ability to feel pain having been restored to him. He does tend to barrel through— but between both Shionne and Dohalim himself, he'll be under watchful eyes, as he has for some time now.]
Likewise— I will be glad to assist. In the meantime, shall we see what we can do about these sheep?
[At least some of the candy he conjured should be usable for windchimes— nature-themed, at that.]
no subject
[ Alphen's always too eager to look after others and sometimes that means he fails to take care of his own basic needs. Without the support of his friends like Dohalim he may be worse off. He's truly thankful for having companions that care in the way that they do. ]
....Do you think this is going to work?
if you want to fade this one out soon we can! make room for other stuff c:
[He musters a smile despite his concern about the larger picture their situation paints for him. It feels strange to be blithely spending an afternoon in a field with cotton candy sheep, but what else are they to do?]
Let's see if we can conjure a bit more. We may need a few.
That works!!
[ Alphen feels like they've made some considerable progress so he's more than willing to continue. He doesn't think it's weird to use dreamotion energy. A few more candies appear, but they look pink this time. He had been thinking about their friends, and that produced the best result so far. ]
How's it looking on your end?
no subject
Well enough, I believe— we have enough between us to put to good use. Let's get to work, shall we?
[He's determined to spend as much time and effort as they need to get a handle on this and get the job done, so as long as Alphen chooses to remain dedicated to the task at hand, Dohalim will remain alongside him to assist.]
no subject
[ They're both improving and the results are good! Alphen looks really happy about it. He doesn't even think it's weird that they can create unique effects from the energies in this world. He'll attempt to put together a chime with candy.]
Dohalim, do you want to try testing the chime once we're done?
going to tie it off here!
[An unnecessarily extra answer, but so very Dohalim. Regardless, he will gladly spend the next stretch of the afternoon alongside his friend, herding sheep. May it never be said that he's unwilling to learn something new.]