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

[He sounds like a soldier who hasn't seen nearly enough battle with that kind of enthusiasm. Although Beatrix supposes she can appreciate a beautiful and well-crafted blade. Instead of calling it excitement over such things, however, she suspects it is more a reverence. There is weight in the name of a sword, its reputation, symbolism, and all that it stands for, every shade between good and evil. She can't determine Alphen's interest in such things, but she suspects that it may not dig so deeply for him.

As he makes note of hilt and scabbard, Beatrix's eye falls onto it thoughtfully. What is Save the Queen crafted of? The sword has not always been hers. It was not specifically crafted with Beatrix in mind. Rather, it is what she might consider a precious artefact of the Alexandros line. She is merely the esteemed vessel who is permitted to carry it. She should think there are no others in Alexandria so befitting of such a fine blade.

She puts some distance between her and Alphen simply so she can carefully withdraw it. Instead of brandishing it as a weapon, however, she demonstrates the balance supporting flat of sword and hilt in her hands.]

I cannot claim to know its history so well. It is a sword passed down in my kingdom. I suspect it has seen days before mine ever came to be. It is however, masterfully crafted. Perhaps one day I shall have the privilege of meeting its craftsman.

A sword with that kind of value must be important to you. I hope someday you'll be able to meet the smith who made such a fine blade.

[ Alphen can sort of understand those sentiments to a degree. The weapons and armor he's using now previously belonged to a Dahnan hero from ancient times. He sometimes wonders what people were thinking when they created these weapons from fire and metal. He's still curiously inspecting Beatrix's blade from where he stands. It's very impressive even to him. They may come from different worlds but conflict seems to exist in other realms across time.

Alphen can't say he's too surprise by that. During his own travels he noticed that battles were a constant thing. Either people were just fighting for their lives or they fought for a better future. Is there something that Beatrix needs to fight for as well? ]

What was your kingdom like? [ She mentioned it before so he'd like to know more. ]

[It is important. Beatrix doesn't indicate either which way, but she knows of its importance. It's not simply what it stands for. Save the Queen has provided her with purpose. It has provided her with meaning and significant. Who would she be without it? She has no way of knowing. She has spent so long in servitude that she cannot imagine what her life would be like, what she would be like without it.

A moment's look over it with a certain reverence, a hair softer, and she sheaths it with care.]

Vibrant and full of life.

[It seems like the simplest way to describe it. There's more to it, of course. Brahne's behaviour was surely something noticed by her own people, as much as Beatrix's behaviour has been. She doesn't doubt for a moment that there are whispers about the both of them and what exactly they're doing. But it doesn't stop her from loving Alexandria with all of her being.]

I have not known many others to compare it to, admittedly.

[Lindblum seems a fine place. And Burmecia... Well. Burmecia was surely a lovely place once upon a time as well.]

This place might not even be similar to your kingdom in that case.

[ A place so vibrant and lively would be a rare sight. Alphen recalls the harshness of Calaglia and the smoldering wastes. It was filled to the brim with rocky cliffs and burning ash. They were people who inhabited the land and it wasn't easy for them to live there. In that regard, he thinks Calaglia might be the polar opposite of the kingdom Beatrix mentioned.]

I've traveled across many realms before. Even then, I don't think there's anything quite like home and familiar lands.

I did not think to presume I would find much here in common with my home.

[True. It hasn't taken her much time in Reverein to note that it's nothing like Alexandria. It's not bustling, for one. There aren't many people. It's a bit sombre. Not completely terrible, and yet somewhat... empty. But maybe that's just her. Maybe that's her perception.]

Would you say this... place is a bit more what you are familiar with?

[The knitting of her brow ensues as she scouts their immediate surroundings.]

Not a chance. Where I come from it's always hot and smoldering with ash. I find the scenery here interesting and new.

[Calaglia wasn't really a bright or vibrant place. The only thing you could see for a while was rocks and cliffs. Alphen knew that there had to be more to life than that. He was always eager to go out and travel.]

Even the air is different. Wouldn't you agree?

I find it...

[All things considered, Beatrix would describe it as alarmingly empty. Sombre. Not at all like Alexandria. She wonders how to put it in a way that doesn't seem as if she's completely shutting down possibility. Although in truth, Beatrix isn't known for an open-minded perspective.

After some additional moments of surveying with a keen eye, she shakes her head.]

Small. Resigned, perhaps. New, without a doubt. Lacking familiarity. It cannot compare to where I came from.

I'm sure you'll become more familiar with the area as we spend more time in this place.

[Alphen nods and speaks with a compassionate tone. He's trying to be more perceptive of the things around him. Beatrix may have a sword with her, but she doesn't look weak either. She can take care of herself. That's the impression that Alphen's getting from her. ]

Want to go take a look around together?

Of that I am certain, whether I wish to be or not.

[She too, resigned. Lovely. She'll fit right in.

His offer encourages her to reassess him. What use does she have for an extra body who is likely only to get in her way? Some more. A terrible way to make a first impression on her part, but what's done is done and Beatrix can worry about how people perceive her later when she's not quickly attempting to acclimate.]

Is that your way of saying you have no one else with whom to travel?

I wouldn't mind traveling with you for the time being. Both of us would benefit from it.

[ Alphen keeps a somewhat stern expression on his face while he speaks. He can sometimes seem a little too serious, but he at least appears to be earnest. ]

I have to look for my friends either way. We'll pull through and come up with something. What will you do next?

["Both of us would benefit from it."

The audacity. Almost immediately she looks annoyed by such an outlandish presumption. Doesn't he know who she is? (No, of course not. He doesn't look the part of any Alexandrian she's ever known. It would be foolish to think all dreamwalkers here are of Gaia, after all.)]

I had simply intended to gather information, something that seems to be less than successful given that the only information so far has been merely echoed.

[In short, Beatrix has not developed a plan B that doesn't involve the use of her sword. And to her understanding, that is a Bad Idea. Although no one's really explained why that may be.]

Isn't surveying the area and getting a better feel for things a part of gathering information? If you think I'm wrong about all this you can just ignore me.

[ He doesn't know who she is. To be completely fair, she doesn't really know who he is either. Alphen held several titles and he was fairly well known in his world. Almost everyone had acted like they've seen him around at some point. Those were all things that he left behind when he came to this realm. Right now he's just a total stranger. A nobody. He's okay with that too. ]

I'd be more than happy to share what I've learned so far.

[He isn't wrong, as much as she'd love to tell him that he is. As such, Beatrix doesn't offer up an immediate protest or rejection of his... kind offer. He sweetens the situation when he offers his own information. That's what she wants, after all, and that does require her to be remotely personable.

She can't just strong-arm her way through things here the way she does back home and she is very quickly coming to understand that. A shame, that. It's so much easier just to intimidate the answers out of others.]

I am all ears.

[Following that, Beatrix motions with a hand, indicating that yes, she's interested. He has her attention.]

Since I've arrived here I've come to understand this is some kind of dream world. I didn't come here alone though. My friends are in this town with me.

[ He looks curiously back at Beatrix. Alphen can be oddly observant of others. ]

Did you find anyone from your world? We can start there.

[The first part she knows. That's what everyone is saying. Dreamworld this, dreamworld that. Sounds stupid, really.

When he says he arrived with others in his town, however, she has to wonder how many. He says 'friends,' which means there's more of them.]

One.

[She answers him, though Zidane is not what she'd consider a friend. He's more like a nuisance. A thorn in her side and one would think someone as prickly as the general would actually enjoy thorns. Although he's been remarkably helpful since her arrival.]

That is all, however. Aside from him, I have seen little that would be coming from our home world.

Just one. Well I guess you aren't completely out here alone.

[ Alphen just hopes it's someone she can rely on. He doesn't want to just leave her like this if it means she'll be alone.]

I'm willing to cooperate with you so that we can keep going and maybe even see what all this fuss is about.

Have you seen a young girl with an owl or a woman covered in armor carrying a shield? If you're searching for anyone you can tell me what they look like.

He is merely someone I know. I would not call him an ally.

[And she doubts very much Zidane would call her one either. It was not so long ago, after all, that she held her sword against him and watched his collective of comrades fall to their knees in the face of her undeniable prowess. They aren't friends. They aren't cohorts. They aren't comrades.

Zidane is, for all intents and purposes, an enemy to her queen and that makes him an enemy to her as well. As Beatrix evidently has not quite chosen to separate herself from her obligation. At what point is she a person and at what point is she merely a living sword?

She's only partially listening when he makes mention of cooperation, and perhaps that's for the best, given that she has no interest in 'teamwork' or other such ideals. But when he asks about owls and shields, Beatrix shakes her head.]

I have seen no one matching either of those descriptions. To this moment, my paths have crossed with the one from my world, a cat who could speak, and the locals. Unless the cat happened to be someone you know, my information at this time is limited and likely impractical.

Hm, I don't think I know someone with that description. Hey, I still appreciate you trying and telling me what you know....so thanks.

[ Alphen makes an appreciative gesture and a brief nod.]

What I know is limited too so we're in the same boat. So far I've only found Shionne, Dohalim, and Law. They're all very good friends of mine. You sure the other person from your world isn't a close ally of yours?

[She shakes her head, waving off his appreciation, as though it means so very little in the grand spectrum of things. To be fair, at the present moment, it doesn't mean much.

He utters out a list of names, all of which are unfamiliar to them. Who names their child 'Law,' anyway. Not that she supposes she can judge much. Beatrix is such an old-fashioned name, though perhaps that's to be expected given that she herself is an old-fashioned individual from an old-fashioned place.]

I doubt very much either of us would consider the other a 'close ally.'

[Perhaps Zidane might be more inclined to do so, but she's not presumptuous enough to think it convincingly. He has every reason to despise her, as do his true allies.]

I would liken him more to 'enemy.' Here, in this place, a 'begrudging companion' when it is necessary.

Not a friend then...but I'd say it's better than being completely on your own. Having someone to talk to can make a difference.

[ Alphen has some concerns and worries. He wonders if she's lonely. It doesn't seem like she has many companions and the way she describes the person from her world makes it look as if they aren't on the best terms.]

Is there anyone you can rely on when you need help?

Not a... friend.

[The f-word awkwardly tumbles out of her mouth, betraying her relative unease with its use or the lack of formality. How personal. Such familiarity tends to be beyond her grasp, when the royal family is not involved. Even when she stands against Steiner, who is, for all intents and purposes, her foil, she would not consider him friend or familiar. Rather, he is merely challenge and opposition.

A laughable man at best.

Alphen's very prying question leaves her uncomfortable.]

I do not require help. I am capable to handle things as I must and as necessity dictates.

[No one is perfect. Beatrix can't even claim to be, regardless of how she may act. And yet, it would be better to live a lie, she thinks, than it would be to present herself as she is. Such softness, wrapped in tandem with her nobility, and strong sense of justice... all these things can easily be used against her.]

I understand. If you can manage on your own then who am I to tell you otherwise?

[ Alphen prefers to leave it at that. He recalls Zephyr's words and remembers how it was important for everyone to walk their own path. Beatrix may just have a different road ahead of her. He isn't too keen on causing arguments for the sake of making a point or doubting others. Doing so only leads to more conflict and possibly war. If Beatrix says she doesn't need help then she doesn't need help. ]

Just be careful out there.

[His response is a sound one. Respectful, even. So he is like a less over-eager version of Zidane and she can appreciate that. Although even Zidane has painted his own valid points of view, though she wouldn't so readily admit that aloud. Regardless, Alphen does not push and that does make her regard him with just a touch more respect.

She doesn't ask for assistance easily, if she does at all, but there is a thought there more important than the others. Whether she asks for it or not, she rests on a healthy suspicion that Alphen may very well be true to his word. If she should need him, then it seems he may be a valuable asset better put to use than an opportunity squandered.

Perhaps when she has settled herself better, she will have an idea as to how to test his practicality.]

I should think it is everything here that ought to be careful around me. [She replies with less arrogance and more... candour.] I am more frightening than anything I shall face here, I would wager. Still, I shall keep your... input in mind.

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

{ test drive #02 - november 2021 }

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