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

Only within the bounds of my own realm.

[Though perhaps that isn't entirely true, any longer— that, after all, was the task he had set for himself; once everything was over, he wanted to use Elde Menancia as a model for the rest of Dahna, proof that coexistence was possible.]

Upon my resignation, power has been turned over to the people. Before I found myself here, my plan was to assist in restructuring so that no one person finds themselves in a position of absolute power. Coexistence has not yet been perfected, but progress is being made. My hope is that the citizens there will lead by example, that we may offer our aid to other realms in achieving something similar, but it is far easier said than done. There is a great deal of history involved. That hatred is difficult for many to set aside.

[None of what he says, at least, sounds dismissive or defeatist. It's a situation he has given a great deal of thought, one he considers to be of great import. It is more than a distant dream, but what he feels he owes to the people, regardless of what realm they hail from.]

Lasting change does not happen overnight, even when the hearts of the men and women who would see it done are tirelessly determined.

[What he proposes, rather, what he's already carried out sounds like dangerous foolishness to her. He isn't there, properly, to witness it. He has no idea if his concepts are being upheld or not. There's his guard that he's made mention of before, but... Brahne would never have the confident, at least not within the recent years, to leave such matters of state in the hands of Beatrix.

She shakes her head, unsure of whether she finds him optimistic to a fault or not. In an ideal world, wouldn't it be nice if things worked out so perfectly? The world, his, hers, anyone's, is far from ideal. And if that's not the case, then perhaps it's simply a case that years of exposure have only hardened her to anything other than anticipating and preparing for the worst.]

Hope is not something tangible that one can rely upon. Especially not when the one hosting that hope is not present for such matters.

[But him being here is not his doing. She has the sense to know that much.]

Perhaps your people shall prove me wrong, however. I would welcome such a challenge.

In that, we agree. Hope on its own is not enough. It will take a great deal of effort to see these changes take root and flourish well into the future. Even following my resignation, I had intended to play a part, but...

[He frowns minutely, gesturing to their immediate surroundings with an open palm.]

I have little choice in the matter of my absence, now.

[And for how long, he cannot say. It's the same for all of them.]

I should like to see them prove you wrong, as well, but for the time being, I'm afraid I won't be seeing much of anything to do with Elde Menancia, much to my dismay. If our situation is to be believed, I can only bide my time. We have all been forced to leave responsibilities behind— I know I am hardly unique in that matter.

[Until he should wake, assuming he does. Who's to say that will ever happen? Beatrix isn't particularly interested in optimism or pessimism, but she is interested in realism, whatever that may be.]

I doubt that all of us have had responsibilities left behind. After all, not everyone possesses responsibilities.

[Things one might like to do, yes. Without a doubt. Otherwise, it simply isn't realistic that everyone has responsibilities like him or her, or even anything remotely classified as such.]

Many of us, then, if not all.

[He handles her correction gracefully, at the very least, and offers a reserved and oddly serene smile in response. If he's at all bothered by her curt nature, it certainly doesn't show.]

If not responsibilities, then it may be safer to say we have all been taken from things we care for. Loved ones, or perhaps a cause— I don't believe the 'what' to matter quite so much. Regardless, I doubt we will find many who are pleased by our current circumstances.

Are you intending to go around and inquire as to the reception of our esteemed allies?

[Beatrix shakes her head at him. A foolish notion, that. Noble, perhaps, if one is attempting to 'soften the blow' of their unfortunate circumstance. Foolish, regardless.]

I suspect there are far better uses of your time.

[Or perhaps not, if implications are as said. What's the point of doing anything in a dream world? Especially if it has no bearing on reality? What's the point of any of this?

In her opinion, the only thing she wants to do is wake up. If Dohalim comes up with an idea as to how to tackle that...]

Too lofty a goal even for myself, I think. It would be highly impractical to do so.

[He may be an optimist at heart, but he does have his limits.]

I highly doubt that the inquiries and concerns of one man would do much to soothe those who find themselves troubled by this displacement.

[Proof, perhaps, that he has some practicality to him.]

I am curious to learn of others' experiences, regardless. The journals we were given may be a useful aid in that regard.

[At least they can agree on that, though she suspects their reasons for doing so are likely different. Still impractical, but Beatrix can hardly see the benefit to coming to anyone else's rescue when she is the more important figure. Not because of class. Not because of position. But simply because of Beatrix's desire to focus on self-preservation.

She can't help anyone back home if she can't help herself, after all.

When Dohalim makes mention of the journals, Beatrix looses a sigh as she folds her arms across her chest. It's just one more irritant on top of a pile of preexisting irritants. This dreamworld is full of them, isn't it.]

That they may. Not that I would have any intentions of sharing my personal writings.

[Implying to no one's surprise that Beatrix values her privacy. Evidently her only foray into a world of journals consists of a diary likely hidden somewhere in her personal quarters.]

I do not believe their use to be a requirement, at the very least, so in that, you are safe. Simply a means of communication.

[He imagines he'll be jotting down his poetry and notes elsewhere, with the intention of keeping them to himself.]

From what I've gathered, there are other breaches of privacy we must worry about far more. This business of sharing dreams...

[He closes his eyes a moment, shaking his head as he brings a hand to rest lightly against his chin.]

It is intriguing, certainly, but there is nothing more personal than that.

[Truth be told, Beatrix has hardly even considered what it would be like to be in the situation where dreams would be shared. She's not certain why it didn't occur to her sooner either, but it is what it is. There's some troubling truth in his commentary. There really is nothing more private than a dream.

She'll be the first to say she doesn't dream, but everyone does, even if they don't remember them. And Beatrix's dreams are as private as anyone else's.]

Surely not everyone will have such things bared.

[Unlikely. It will likely be some random happenstance with no rhyme or reason when it comes to the individual selected. She will not be immune to it, much to her great chagrin.]

I doubt that is the sort of thing any of us will be able to control.

[His lips press into a thin line as he lifts his gaze to her once more, considering.]

Dreams often reveal our deepest thoughts and desires, but we rarely have agency within them. In this world, itself made of dreams, it is difficult to imagine it will be any different. I am curious to see how it plays out, regardless.

[Though he is not too keen on the idea of his own dreams being shown, he can't deny that he's interested to see how such things work in practice.]

[She quiets. Their deepest thoughts and desires. That's a concern. Ironically, she has to wonder what hers are. Maybe only to do what she does best—to serve. To go home where she is comfortable. To return to where she belongs. She doubts she longs for anything more and the concept of longing is a foreign one to her. She's used to being in a position of power. As things are, she is powerless. At a disadvantage. Weakened.]

Oft I am filled with prepared retaliation. To something I find inevitable truth, I have little to combat it with. Things are as they are.

[She cannot use her sword to approach all situations.]

You do seem the sort who is prepared to face nearly any situation that may occur— a boon, no doubt, as a soldier.

[But perhaps not quite so helpful in the here and now. None of them are prepared, in this regard, but he imagines some may be far less comfortable with that fact than others, Beatrix among them.

He exhales before he bows to her with his arm just above his waist.]

My apologies. There is little point, I suppose, in discussing such matters until we have seen more with our own eyes— and I fear I have taken up much of your time, as it is.

That is my attempt, yes. Present circumstance notwithstanding.

[She is obviously not at all prepared for a dream world or what that constitutes. Whether he sees that or not, he's had the decency not to say so.

When he bows, her attention turns back onto him thoughtfully.]

We will, in time, see how these things turn out. I do not suppose I be required to bribe you for the information you cross paths with.

[That is, she recognises he has value, even if she isn't the most personable individual. It'd be a shame to lose that connection.]

[He looks mildly surprised as he straightens, raising both of his eyebrows in response. Bribe? He would assume that she was joking, if she seemed the sort to do so. Decidedly, she does not.]

Nothing of the sort. I'll offer it freely, should I encounter anything of note— if it is of benefit to others, I have nothing to gain by keeping it to myself.

[Someone else in such a position might, but he's never been so inclined. Even at his most selfish, it wouldn't have occurred to him to behave in such a way.]

[For several moments, she simply eyes him. A lord—former lord—not keen on holding onto information? She shakes her head slowly and huffs out something that... almost sounds like a laugh. Almost. Maybe a little on the more dry and bitter side. Incredulous, perhaps.]

You would make a terrible informant.

[And a terrible leader, but she knows better than to say it.]

All the same, I shall be taking advantage of that. Out of charity, I will share with you whatever I may find out. When it pleases me to do so.

I'm certain I would.

[If she'd meant to offend him with that observation, she manages no such thing— he only gives a faint smile in response.]

Fortunately, such a career has never appealed to me.

[He tilts his head to one side, just so, and folds his arms in front of him, bringing a hand with one crooked finger to rest against his chin as he regards her thoughtfully.]

I would not take you for the sort of woman who did anything that didn't please you. As you say. Anything you care to offer, I will be grateful for, "charity" or otherwise.

[At least he has the sense not to pursue something he recognises he would not succeed much in, though there is something to be said about having the bravery to face something when the odds stand in opposition. And yet Beatrix understands well enough that she doesn't take on a fight that she can't win. Usually. At least, that would be the preference. When at the whim of others, she supposes success is a requirement itself.

"I would not take you for the sort of woman who did anything that didn't please you."

Beatrix looks away for just some moments as she rests on those words. Yes, she does give that impression, doesn't she. And yet she can count enough times that she has done this or that without a blind devotion. Looking back to him, she regards him quietly before she finds her voice again.]

Likewise. Your information has been... enlightening. I shall be certain to put it to good use where it is applicable.

[Which is as close as she can get to uttering a thank you.]

[He'll recognize it for what it is, easily enough, and offer a polite smile in response before he closes his eyes and offers a bow, his posture becoming composed and formal once more in the process.]

Then I hope whatever I am able to offer in the future will be of service, as well.

[He lifts his chin, smile hitching just the slightest bit wider as he rests his gaze on her once more, followed by a firm nod.]

Until we meet again, Lady Beatrix. Be well.

[With that, he will take his leave, allowing her peace to peruse the dreamboard at her leisure should she so choose.]

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

{ test drive #02 - november 2021 }

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