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

['No' happens to be Ryner's favourite word, unfortunately it rarely ever works out for him. He tiredly lumbers in looking half asleep already, his hair a disheveled mess, his eyes a level of exhaustion incapable of being properly put into words.

Quietly, he shuffles past an overly cheery girl that has no business being this cheery at any time of the day. He doesn't even look at her, he walks right past her, tiredly (in case that wasn't clear) muttering.]

Unless it has the power to will everyone out of existence so I can get some decent shut-eye, I'm not interested.

[And he unceremoniously plops onto a chair at the adjacent table. Surely, Ferris won't come here looking for him. Not when he so cleverly gave her the slip earlier and headed in the opposite direction. Man, if she catches him, he will surly die. Best to nap while he can.]

[ ...... D, Did he just curl up and go to sleep in public? Bold moves, to be honest, but Susato's not necessarily deterred. In fact, she finds herself staring after the man, as if to say "what's his problem?" ]

...No, sorry, I don't think they serve poison here.

[ (Though that depends on who you ask.) ]

[Ah, okay, that rouses him almost immediately. He picks his head up and shoots her an incredulous look. She's... just a kid, what kind of kid even says stuff like that??]

P-Poison?! The hell is wrong with you?? I'm not trying to kill people!

[He just wants people to leave him alone... forever? What is with all the scary girls in this place and, more importantly, why does he keep finding them all. Is he cursed?]

Edited 2021-11-08 06:49 (UTC)

[ Hmpth. She may be a kid, but she can already tell she is way more mature than you are, pal. ]

You were the one who wanted a way to "will everyone out of existence," correct?

[ What is wrong with you? ]

Could you not have simply stayed home, were that the case?

Edited 2021-11-08 18:37 (UTC)

[So many people here are just insane??? If there's anyone he wants to kill, it's Sion, because that bastard has it coming. Everyone else can just mind their own damn business. Really. If they did, he'd have all the naps he could possibly want.]

That absolutely does not mean killing them! Besides, I live with a terrible demon that will stop at nothing to torment me until I die. [there's true fear in his voice.] Finding even a moment's peace is all I can do just to get by...

[Look, she doesn't know his plight. The truly awful things he endures at the hands of this demon. Why, he's lucky to be alive at all. Every day he draws closer to death the longer this demon lurks about him. His torment is endless. He knows nothing but pain.]

[ Woe is Ryner. Give her a moment and she will call Mr. Sholmes so that he may play him his tiniest violin.

...As a matter of fact, his ramblings remind her of Mr. Natsume's. Though Mr. Natsume did tend to cry a bit more...

......

Alright. She'll bite. ]

And why, pray, would a demon ever want to torment you?

[Ah, even gathering the energy to speak is far too much for him. He slumps back against the chair, a haunted look in his half-lidded eyes that have seen far too many days pass without sleep. Countless hours, countless days, months... His torment is unending, his pain far too great. He can no longer remember the last time he got to just... relax.

Or when he ever will again.

But he decides to answer her question, in the hopes that her own soul might be spared, should the demon come for her too, once he's been used up. If he can save but one person, then perhaps this constant battle will be worth it.

With his tone as tired as the expression upon his face, he finally answers her.]

Because that's what demons do... They prey on poor, innocent people, fueling their wicked desires, devouring their life force until their victims are completely sucked dry. I used to be a productive member of society, but then this demon came along and worked me to the bone, forcing me to do its immoral bidding. All the cruel, unspeakable things I've endured at the hands of this vile creature are far too numerous to recall. Now... I can barely stay awake for any amount of time. It won't be long now before my body breaks down completely.

[ ???

???? What... no, seriously, what is she supposed to make of this? Susato looks legitimately concerned, but she can't tell whether he's just pulling her leg or not. She's been taught a healthy sense of skepticism from a young age, and the stranger-danger is strong with this one. She should just back away slowly, but... she is morbidly curious?? ]

Oh... s-surely not? [ She moves over get a better look at him... but he doesn't look like he's decomposing... ] Um...... If you aren't interested in the tea, may I at least get you some water?

[One thing Ryner has learned about this place is that emotions do weird things. Dreams are weird too. For someone that seems like all they do is waste away napping, he's pretty observant. And he's aware that the tea here is also bothersome. So, yeah, he'll pass on that. Which is a shame, because he could've gone for some tea.

Well. Either way, seems like this girl bought his story. Which, as far as he's concerned, is absolutely no lie. In fact, every bit of it is true. Just, usually, no one believes him for some reason.]

Ah, sure. Water is fine.

[This girl seems calmer and more normal than other people he's met here. And maybe a little naive. Hm. Could he use that to his advantage at all?]

[ It's the young age. She has one of those faces that screams gullible, but make no mistake, she is sharp as a tack and healthily skeptical about everything to boot. She was brought up this way.

...She just doesn't see the harm in bringing this guy some water. His rambling must have him dehyrated, if nothing else.

She excuses herself and flags down one of those tea faeries, and returns with a chilled bottle of water. She hands it to him. ]

I... don't believe I got your name.

[A healthy amount of skepticism is good, like how Ryner never believes a word out of that vicious demon's mouth. In fact, considering his life, he'd say it's probably best to just be skeptical of everything. Because no matter what anyone says, it's never going to be just one all-nighter of paperwork, it's never going to be just twenty dango shops they're going to drag you to, and no matter how much you embarrass yourself by launching into hysterics, the people closest to you will stop at nothing to torment you.

... Ah, this isn't about him, is it?

Well, she's young. Best she learn now that life is a huge disappointment.

He accepts the water, giving a small nod.]

Thanks. I'm Ryner. And you are...?

Edited 2021-11-19 16:37 (UTC)

[ There's a measured pause, but Susato isn't about to refuse her name after asking his. It is common courtesy. She nods, taking note of how he seems almost saner now. Maybe the water did help. ]

You're quite welcome. I am Susato.

[ ... ]

Feeling a little more awake, I suppose...? Perhaps coffee would have been more appropriate.

['Feeling awake' is something Ryner has never felt even once in his entire life. He's not even sure such a thing is possible to achieve, it might as well be as legendary as the very relics him and Ferris are searching for. Or some fairy tale altogether. No. He's sure such a thing doesn't exist. He can't wrap his head around such a phenomenon.]

Uh, no, still tired. [yawns.] I could sleep for at least seventy hours a day, if I was allowed. [nevermind that impossibility, he moves right along.] Mm, anyway, you sound like you're new here, so I'll give you some advice: don't trust anything this place gives you to eat or drink. All of it's drugged.

[Perhaps he should've lead with that advice?]

[ Susato is more than prepared to explain the impossibility of sleeping 70 hours a day, but then she remembers exaggeration is a thing and that he is probably doing that. Moving right along indeed--

What? ]

Drugged?! But... with what? I, I felt wonderful after I drank it.

[The poor girl. He nods, knowingly. She did seem a little too cheerful, even when she was mentioning the possibility of poisoning people. Clearly, she's already a victim.]

Yeah, that's probably the tea. It's impossible for anyone to feel that good, normally. The cold, hard reality is that life is a miserable existence. But the creatures here put all kinds of crap into the food just to entertain themselves. Like, some will make you happy, or force you to talk about things you don't want to, then there are drinks that can make you hallucinate, or turn you into an animal. It's pretty messed up.

[And yet, for as ridiculous as his advice sounds, he's actually right. He's seen the results of the welcoming feast, he's been into this cafe a few times, and witnessed things taking place at other festivities.

On a more pressing note, there are things he doesn't want to share about himself, things that would be detrimental were they to get out, and so he takes things, like potential invasions of privacy, seriously.]

[ Susato's gaze wanders to the side as she processes his words, at the same time, falling downcast to the floor. She has lived a sheltered life until recently, which is possibly the one reason she still had that youthful enthusiasm about the world. She doesn't want to believe it, but she knows what he's said lines up perfectly with other murmurs she has heard.

Surely they can't all be lying? ]

How can you live like that?

[ There's no aggression to her voice, she doesn't question what he's saying. It's just... a genuine question. ]

That is... Surely there must be a some misunderstanding. We can't just be mere acts in a play, for them. And I don't want to become an animal. [ or any of those other things. ]

[He chooses to ignore the personal question directed at him. When you've lived a life like he has and, more recently, been subjected to a demon's every whim, what other outlook should he possess?]

Hm. Can't say I've bothered to figure out the specifics, given my current situation. But, to be on the safe side, I'd just be careful ingesting anything from these shops. The food you get from the farms and market are safe, though. At least, for now they are.

[What he means to say is that he doesn't care enough. He's too busy trying to plan his naps and escape the clutches of this bully demon. It's a lot of hard work, and just makes him want to nap more. Like a neverending cycle of exhaustion.

Though, should he be drinking this water? The last time he was here he analyzed it and it was fine, but things change. If he stops now, that should be okay.]

[ Susato doesn't notice when he stops drinking the water. She just frowns, allowing his words to sink in. She hasn't exactly had time to go shopping, or had even thought about where "safe" food would come from. ]

It appears I have a lot of exploring to do, in that case.

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

{ test drive #02 - november 2021 }

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