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

Oh, sure! That sounds really nice, actually. And it would be nice to sit inside for a bit once we find a place too, too.

[ She looks around and hums, racking her brain for the places she's already wandered about and trying to remember if she'd come across anywhere that serves tea along the way. ]

Hmmm... I don't think I've come across anywhere with tea yet, now that I think about it. Should we just pick a random direction and go?

That sounds good to me! It'll give us the chance to get the lay of the land.

[ Thoma likes knowing where everything is and who everyone is. Starting from scratch is going to be quite the undertaking, but if he's done it once, he can do it again!

With all that said, he just picks a random direction and goes. ]

Can I ask you a question, Ori? You don't have to answer if you don't want to, of course, but I've never seen anyone who looks quite like you so... are you... a youkai?

[ And follow along, Ori shall. She glances over at him when he starts to ask her a question, though, tilting her head a little. She actually starts to worry a little when he keeps going and starts to trail off, but then... ]

A... youkai? No, um, I don't know what that is.

[ She recalls hearing that people come from different 'worlds,' which is definitely something she's still grappling with. Still, knowing that the words might not mean much to him, she elaborates. ]

I'm a tiefling. Most of us look like this.

Youkai are supernatural beings in Inazuma - oh, that’s where I came here from! They can be demons or ghosts or all sorts of things in between. I’ve always wanted to meet one.

[ Tiefling though… Thoma turns the word over in his head a couple of times before attempting it out loud. ]

Tiefling. That’s so neat! Are there a lot of tieflings where you come from?

[ Ori, too, has to take a moment to process 'youkai' and its meaning in her head, and now she's wondering if 'all sorts of things in between' would also encompass infernal beings and such, in which case maybe she would technically count as a youkai...? ]

Oh, um, yeah! I think so? I honestly haven't met very many, myself, but... we're a race of beings just like humans and elves and gnomes and such.

Anyway, youkai... they sound so interesting! Actually, we tieflings are kind of... descendants of devils from a long time ago, so maybe you'd call us youkai in your world? I'm not really sure!

[ She casually says it, but now that she's heard herself say it, she realizes how off-putting that might be to someone from another world where tieflings don't exist?? ]

Oh! … Sorry, what are elves and gnomes? Your world sounds really interesting!

[ He does mean that genuinely, at least. He’s been interested in the supernatural elements of his own world for some time, but it’s just occurring to him that learning about whole new worlds can be fascinating too.

Contrary to what Ori might fear, when she mentions she might qualify as a youkai, Thoma’s expression lights up. ]

Really? That’s awesome! Can you do any magic? Or change your shape?

[ Can youkai shapeshift? Who knows, but he’s interested to learn! ]

[ She has to spare a moment for a few slow blinks as she realizes that Thoma seems genuinely curious about her and where she came from, having expected some kind of negative reaction from her remark about having infernal blood running through her veins. It's been some time since she last met someone who really wanted to know more about her. ]

Elves and gnomes are, well— elves are a bit similar to humans, really, but they live for a long, long time and a lot of them are really good at magic. Gnomes are similar, too, but they are smaller beings.

[ She gestures with her hand to indicate her vague estimation of gnomes' average height. She seems pleasantly surprised when he has even more questions, too, but far be it from her to shy away from such enthusiasm, and she finds herself swept into it as well. When it comes to describing herself and what her abilities are, though... ]

Yes, I can do magic. Mostly just things to do with plants and healing, and um... yes, I can change shapes too, to animals. Just little critters and stuff.

[ ...she can't help but downplay it all. She's never though of herself to be particularly remarkable, after all. Even though she could literally turn into a dinosaur if she wanted to. ]

[ Ah, he does note the way that she looks at him with a bewildered expression and he really has to wonder if it's so unusual for her to have someone express a genuine interest in getting to know her. That strikes rather close to home in a way he doesn't quite expect, and he gives her the most reassuring smile he can muster. ]

Oh, I think we have a race kind of like elves back in Teyvat. I'm not sure about gnomes, though.

[ He's pondering on that a bit when she mentions her magical abilities and Thoma's train of thought is well and truly derailed. A single long-legged stride puts him in front of her as he turns excitedly to face her. ]

Wait, really? That's amazing! What kinds of animals can you turn into? Can you turn into a dog?

[ Because clearly that's the most important thing here. ]

[ That reassuring smile goes a very long way to make Ori feel more at ease talking about herself; with the company she's kept, it's been hard not to feel - especially in the tumultuous times they were having before she found herself in this dream world - like they'd be better off if she wasn't tagging along. (This is, naturally, entirely a product of Ori's warped sense of self.)

All to say, she finds herself likewise smiling at his reaction, even when she's startled by the way he surges forward and suddenly finds him in front of her. ]

Oh! Yes, I can turn into a dog, though I haven't done that very much, um... I usually end up turning into a mouse or a cat or a bird. You must like dogs a lot!

[ Thoma knows very little about Ori so far, but he would call her wonderful company. She’s been easy to talk to, and he finds the things he is learning about her to be absolutely fascinating. He’s glad he chanced to meet her.

He does manage to reel in his enthusiasm a bit, looking a bit sheepish for getting in her space so suddenly. ]

Ah, what can I say? I have a big soft spot for cute, fluffy animals.

[ She chuckles a little when he reels himself in. Far be it for her to feel put-off by someone who's just really enthusiastic about animals; actually, she finds that quite refreshing and endearing. Not that she's had a bad impression of Thoma by any means— if anything, with the way he's already helped her out in this strange new place, and how friendly he's been since then, she's quite sure that she'd also like to get to know him more, despite how little time it's been so far. ]

It's okay - I love animals, too!

[ She hums thoughtfully for a moment. ]

...Would you want to see?

[ Wait, is that weird?! As soon as she makes the suggestion, she bites down on her lip. She's never really gone into a wild shape just because. Usually she shifts into an animal to get a lay of the land, or to avoid attention, or travel longer distances, or to protect others in combat... ]

[ As much as Thoma has started to see bits of himself in Ori, she also reminds him a bit of Lady Ayaka - at least insofar as being unsure of expressing herself. The more they talk, the more his heart goes out to her. ]

Of course I want to see!

[ His response is no less genuine, no less truly excited, regardless of his opinion of her. Thoma isn't one to indulge in pity - he doesn't expect it from others and neither does he hand it out. ]

Pretty please?

[ Well, seeing as he's asking so politely, Oriphi really can't find a reason to refuse. She rarely gets to feel excited about what she can do, and she's finding herself more welcoming of this opportunity than she thinks she would have been if Thoma weren't so ecstatic and friendly. ]

Of course..! Let me just move over here a little bit...

[ Slowly, she takes a step back and takes a deep breath. Truth be told, she's mostly only seen stray mutts in towns and then wolves in the forests, but she does recall seeing a very striking dog one time while she had been passing through a small mountainside town...

Light envelops her form for a moment and then it shifts, taking the shape of a very large dog. When the light fades, what Thoma finds before him is a very happy, fluffy dog with her ears perked up and her tail wagging happily. ]

[ He moves away a bit as well, if only because he has no idea what to expect or how much space she needs. The transformation itself turns out to be pretty straightforward, but the result… ]

Ah, how cute!

[ It comes out before he can think to stop it, and his brain continues on autopilot, driving him a couple steps forward where he buries his fingers in Ori’s fur to pet her neck and scratch behind her ears. He really can’t help himself when it comes to cute animals!!

Except this isn’t a cute animal, logic reminds him a moment later - a moment too late. This is Ori. He snatches his hands back and tries to step back so quickly he falls right on his rear. ]

Oh-! Oh gods, I’m so sorry, I couldn’t help myself!

[ Thoma might have been spared his embarrassment if this had been a polymorph spell and Ori truly turned into a dog; but unfortunately for the both of them, she's merely temporarily dog-shaped and has her full wits about her. Still, though, when he pets the fluff around her neck she can't help but sit down and kick one of her hind legs reflexively. She definitely isn't used to getting this kind of attention and honestly, it feels kind of nice—?

No sooner than their collective situational awareness returns does she also think wait, is this weird? and she likewise stands and takes a step back. Her ears pull back and she gives a little whine when he falls, too, because that must have hurt!

To save them both from any further embarrassment, Ori quickly shifts back into her tiefling form and takes a step towards him with a hand reaching out, tucking her hair back shyly with the other; all the while, the flowers woven into her hair seem to perk up, and a new bud or three sprouts forth, too. She can't help the warmth that flushes across her face even as she tries to reassure him, ]

Hey, um— it's alright! I'm sorry that you fell, Thoma. Can I help you up?

Edited (:') don't mind me i'm just making things worse) 2021-11-13 05:00 (UTC)

[ The moment between man and dog-shaped-druid is over quite abruptly, but it's probably for the best. Thoma has made enough of a fool of himself between falling over and, oh yeah, petting her. Better to stop before it gets worse.

Famous last words.

Ori resumes her usual shape and, he's not sure if it's the light or the angle or the color that blooms on her cheeks or the flowers quite literally blooming in her hair, but Thoma's heart does a flip in his chest. He thinks suddenly, briefly, Oh. He hadn't really noticed before with all the other stuff going on, but now he's struck with the realization that Ori is really quite pretty.

That somehow makes the fact that he'd forgotten himself and dove right in to give her scritches even worse. ]

I'm okay! Not even a bruise, haha!

[ His face is on fire fore sure, but he still reaches up to accept her hand up. The second he's on his feet, however, he turns away to brush himself off and regain his bearings. ]

I'm really sorry. I get so carried away when I see a cute animal, especially a dog or cat. I hope I didn't offend you.

[ Oh gods, she notices that he's blushing, too, and that just makes her blush all the more as she pulls him up, but soon enough he turns away and it gives her a moment to pause and try and find her composure with a drawn out breath.

His repeated apology, though, has her waving her hands dismissively as she huffs a little laugh in an attempt to disperse the awkwardness in the air. ]

It's really okay! It's good to meet someone who loves animals, too. I promise that I'm not offended at all. Actually, it felt—

[ — really nice, but by the blessing of some higher power, Ori just barely manages to save herself from complete humiliation by not finishing that sentence. Instead, she covers her mouth with a hand with a muffled noise, something almost sounds like a barely-contained internal scream.

She knows that he was referring very much to her appearance as a dog, but given the atmosphere, Ori can't help but feel bashful at the way he'd said "cute," which is honestly so silly of her, she thinks. She shakes her head at herself silently and, if she manages to catch Thoma's gaze again, she'll try her best at a reassuring smile despite still feeling so embarrassed. ]

A-Anyway... My friends had gotten really used to me turning into animals, so I've forgotten how startling it can be for people who've never seen a druid use Wild Shape before. So that's on me!

[ Thoma wouldn’t have held it against her if she’d mentioned she liked it – he figures all dogs like being petted, even dogs who are actually pretty girls. But in the end, it’s probably for the best that she holds her tongue. The both of them can only stand so much embarrassment in one sitting. ]

Oh, no, it’s not your fault at all. I just need better impulse control.

I’d say I’d treat you to lunch to make up for it, but I don’t think they really have money here? Oh, maybe I can cook you something sometime!

[ It feels— refreshing in a strange way, for Ori to come away from a socially devastating moment not feeling like she needs to run away into the woods and hide for a few days. She would have been so worried that Thoma wouldn't want to have tea together or anything after this snafu, however brief it was - she's just so used to feeling like her company is expendable - but then he's offering to treat her to lunch— no, to cook for her, and...?

Ori can't help but tilt her head in confusion. ]

You want to cook something for me...?

[ After a few slow blinks, she nods her head. ] I mean— sure! I would really like that. Do you like cooking?

[ There's another one of those little moments, that brief look of confusion, that leads Thoma to believe that maybe Ori didn't come from the best of circumstances - or perhaps she's the type of person to look out for everyone at the expense of herself. Maybe both. Who can really say?

At least she comes around, and he practically beams in response. ]

It's one of my favorite things to do. I think it's even better when I can cook a meal to share with someone.

[ Definitely a little bit of Column A and a little bit of Column B.

There's something about what he says and his smile and the way he's treated her, a stranger, that keeps bringing the word refreshing to Ori's mind. He's just been so nice, when so many of her recent acquaintances back in her waking world have treated her or her group with contempt. She can hardly blame people, given the circumstances, but this is... so incredibly pleasant in comparison, awkwardness and all, and she finds herself giving him a smile in turn. ]

That's a really nice sentiment. I think cooking for others and sharing a meal with them is something really special, too.

[ Then, an idea strikes her. ] Oh! What if we made a meal for the lady at the florist shop one of these days?

[ He would certainly consider Ori a friend by now - perhaps not a close one, but they definitely have a rapport going. He'd like to spend more time with her and get to know her more - and, perhaps, get her to open up a bit. ]

Haha, I had the same thought actually! We should get together sometime before we go in to whip something up.

[ It certainly has been quite some time since Ori has met and made a friend in circumstances that weren't dire, and she can't say she's not welcoming of this change in pace. Sure, this might be a dream realm, but... it's real in some fashion, isn't it?

She nods enthusiastically to his suggestion and claps her hands together. ]

Yes, that sounds like a great plan! Wow, it's so nice to meet somebody with similar interests.

[ Right, before the whole Wild Shape Whoopsie, she had been answering his questions about tieflings and whatnot - maybe if they still get tea together, she'll get a chance to ask him more questions too! After a beat, she asks, ]

Shall we keep going to find a place to talk over tea?

It really is.

[ Thoma likewise doesn't have many friends in Inazuma who... okay, he doesn't have many friends in Inazuma in general, despite his extensive array of contacts, but he certainly doesn't have many friends who share his interests, either.

It's pretty nice, indeed. ]

Yeah! I think there's some shops over this way. Maybe we'll find another cafe.

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

{ test drive #02 - november 2021 }

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