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

[ Susato sits down nearby, eager to join the nice stranger who's given her the time of day. ]

Oh, it is really nice, I promise you! I don't know the secret, exactly, but the way it's blended together is just perfect. Not too sweet, but not too strong, either.

I think they call it "cranberry cheer"?

A drink with a pleasant taste would be more than welcome! I'll try some.

[ Nier looks at the menu and picks out the drink that Susato mentioned. It's Cranberry Cheer. He takes a sip from it and his expression changes into a smile. ]

You're right! This is amazing!! I've never tried anything like it before and it's hard to describe but I enjoy the flavor.

Right?! Doesn't it make you want to just... just stand up and tell the whole world?

[ Susato gets a little too excited with her wild gesturing, but she's good at calming herself down quickly at least. She coughs, making herself very small. ]

I mean... at least, only the ones who are... open to such suggestions. Ahem.

That's exactly it! I want to share this drink with everyone so they can experience it.

[ He practically beams up with enthusiasm. Nier's the type of person with an honest to good attitude so maybe the drink is taking it up a notch. He's certainly in bright spirits.]

Can I ask for your name? I'm Nier! It's nice to meet you.

[ His bright spirits seem to be rubbing off on her, if the drink wasn't already doing it. Either way, it's definitely a relief to see some friendly faces in such a strange place. ]

Oh, of course! My name is Susato. Thanks for joining me, Nier.

Likewise! The drink you recommended was perfect, Susato.

[ He gives her a nod and then smiles. ]

Do you think they have refills? I wouldn't mind having some more. What about you? Do you want another glass?

[ Susato feigns leaning back, as if she isn't going anywhere for a while. ]

Mm, I could drink it forever, I think. You really wouldn't mind?

[ If he's going anywway... ]

A refill coming right up!

[Nier passes Susato a full glass, but he's careful to not spill anything because that would be a waste. He honestly can't remember that time he had a drink that made him feel this great. There's something special about it.]

Are you doing okay here? There's a lot of things going on and it'd be nice to talk!

[ She takes the glass happily, enjoying the feeling of being completely content while it lasts. ]

Well, it is rather jarring. I was on a steamship before I woke up here.

[ Should they compare? ]

... How about you?

You were on a steamship? Wow! I understand what you mean when you say it's a little jarring.

[ Anything more advanced with technology is confusing to him. Of course, other machinery exists in his world but nobody really knows what it's used for or how it got there. It's been forgotten by time itself. ]

I come from a small village with waterwheels. There's a tavern and sometimes you can even hear people sing!

Let's see, I've been staying here for two months or so. Maybe I can help with questions you might have.

[ Susato can practically imagine the cheer and all-around good atmosphere. She smiles with interest. ]

Oh, that sounds lovely! Although two months is a long time. My voyage was going to be almost as long.

[ Questions though, hmm... ]

I... don't suppose you know why we're here?

It can feel long, you're right. Sometimes it's hard to be away from home.

[He hopes that Susato will be okay and maybe she won't feel too homesick. ]

I think we're supposed to help people and make this world a better place. Have you seen the Tapir? Solei offers explanations sometimes if you ask nicely.

[ It helps when you're travelling home! But he is right. Thinking back on it, those first few weeks in Britain were tough, especially on her partner, Ryunosuke. They really hit the ground running.

... ]

Oh! [ spoken as if she'd nearly forgotten-- ] Yes. I did, actually, but there was rather a lot going on, I think. It seemed more focused on keeping everyone from panicking.

[ And she was one of the calmer ones, so... ]

I guess it's only normal for everyone to worry when they're tossed into a new world.

[Nier can understand why people felt nervous and uneasy. He experienced those feelings for himself the first time he came to this world. Even now, sometimes he's still surprised by everything and it's always shocking. ]

I'm still scared every now and then. How about you?

[ It seems like one of those places where you can always find something new, which should be terribly exciting to Susato. Even so, she finds herself nodding. ]

Once the shock wears off and I must spend my first night here... it will hit me quite hard, I think.

...What was it like for you, the first time?

I didn't know what I was doing or where I should go. I thought I was alone until I found one of my friends.

[ Kainé is here so he ended up managing alright after that. It was still difficult for him to adjust to everything going on. ]

It's easier to face challenges with someone you know well. I hope you're in good company too, Susato.

[ Susato doesn't know it yet, but she has quite an amazing support system here. Either way, she has to believe things will turn out alright, and Nier's story helps. ]

I hope so, too. I am usually the one finding our way out of trouble, so... hopefully with a little luck, my story turns out like yours. [ A success. ]

You'll be okay! The people are really nice. I've met some new friends along the way so it doesn't feel that bad.

[Having good company just makes it easier.]

Do you like exploring? There's a lot of places to look at and I haven't seen everything for myself yet.

[ She smiles at the reassurance, but has to pause to consider the question. ]

I do. [ Sort of. ] Well, I love discovering new things, but I'm afraid I never spent much time outdoors as a child. All my time was spent studying, so I never had much of a chance for things like hiking and adventuring.

There's going to be a lot of opportunities for you to see things outside. You sounded really busy back then. [Studying all the time seems rough. ]

I can't say I was one for studying myself. I feel out of practice with the pen. [He carries around giant blades more than pens. ]

...I, It's an acquired skill, from a young age, I think. It didn't always go smoothly, but I was training to become a legal aid, so there were many laws and terms that I had to memorize.

Not only that, but because I was expected to go overseas, I had to learn English as well. And their laws... [ Very busy indeed. She'd have more fun with a giant blade :c ]

I have no idea how you manage to memorize so many things, Susato. You're really smart!!

[ He's not just saying that to be polite. Nier really thinks Susato is highly intelligent and quite capable. She still seems fairly young so that makes it even more impressive..! ]

There might be a lot of places where you could work. Training to be a legal aid doesn't sound easy.

Th-Thank you. [ Susato beams. She has always been bad at taking compliments... never really sure what to say, but one thing is for sure, she would have to keep busy. ]

Well... I have no idea if there is a legal system in place here, so if I go to work, I may have to pick something different.

...Then again, there is quite the population here.

[ People, crime... there must be something, surely? ]

Well, I think you would be a good teacher. Is that something you'd be interested in doing?

[Susato kind of reminds Nier of Popola. Popola would always be up in the library reading books and it seemed like she just knew everything. He's making that kind of comparison in his head. ]

Now I can't claim I know anything about legal work or complicated laws. I'm sure you'll find whats best for you here.

[ She would be charmed at such a comparison; but unfortunately, at his question, she show any definitive answer. This is the first time in her life she's ever considered doing something else. ]

I... suppose I don't really know. Maybe it wouldn't be so different. I would just... be talking in front of a whole class, instead of giving advice to one person.

[ ...No. No that's. That's really very different. ]

{ test drive #02 - november 2021 }

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this seems like a good place to wrap up!!! let me know if that works!