TEST DRIVE MEME ⚔️️ 9

[avalonmods]

✨ Greet new players on the OOC intro while apps are processed HERE! ✨

{ QUICK NAV } Premise ⚔️️ Rules ⚔️️ FAQ ⚔️️ Taken ⚔️️ Reserves ⚔️️ Apply ⚔️️ Locations ⚔️️ Bestiary ⚔️️ Top-Levels Only ⚔️️ SUMMARY: New arrivals drop into the lake and have to climb up a cliff to the Rent a Ride, where they are given their device and some headphones and can retrieve their personal materials. There is a small earthquake during this (shaking, some things may fall off of shelves, but no structural damage) that upsets the normal arrival creatures, limiting cliff-falling rescues and sliming the water. They travel to Camelot, which is a multiple day journey, so they stop at the Red Springs along the way and stay at an inn there. A ⦿ Soaking in Your Arrival KERPLUNK, SPLASH! Regardless of what you were in the middle of, you and your familiar have been magically pulled into the world of Avalon just above the Bay's waters. After a brief plunge into the Bay, the rush of water filling your ears and soaking up into every creak and crevice of your body, you may need to cough to clear your airways when you rise above the surface. It's still chilly, but not enough that you can't manage on your own. The Lady of the Lake is swimming around under the water, helping to rescue any wayward travelers who look like they're struggling in the water. This month's helpers are giant pillow jellies, a species of jellyfish that is capable of ballooning itself at the surface to create bouncy pads for characters to hop across to the shore, should they choose or not be able to swim. They come in a variety of bioluminescent colors, but do not seem to be very talkative even to animal magic users. Those who try may find themselves being ignored, even if they hear the jellies talking amongst themselves about this and that. In the middle of the new arrivals, there is a small earthquake that shakes the island and makes the waters choppy. The jellyfish are startled and release a glow-in-the-dark slime that may dye your characters' hair and skin until they can get a proper bath. The Lady of the Lake seems disquieted by the earthquake, but there isn't much to be done about it where they are now besides make sure that everyone is outside of the water as quickly as possible. If anyone tries to ask the Lady of the Lake for directions, she will direct you to Archimedes at the Rent-a-Ride. The shores themselves are littered with new arrivals complaining their way up a staircase carved into the walls of the White Cliffs. There is no railing, so be careful, as the earthquake has scared the cliff beast into hiding, meaning for July's arrivals, there is no safety net. They may need some serious help if a fall occurs! *Reminder: Your character's familiar may or may not be with your character in their initial plunge. If the familiar isn't partial to water, it may meet your character on the beach or sit atop their head while they swim. Or if they are, they might splash about and swim alongside your character. Familiars have different personalities and body specs and we leave those up to the players. B ⦿ The Caravan to Camelot Once everyone is wrangled up to the top of the White Cliffs, the handsome owner of the Rent-a-Ride, Archimedes, will distribute smart phones, sunscreen, a pair of sunglasses, and a pair of ear buds and tell them to "Check the Shit Box." The "Shit Box" refers to wardrobe more formally known as the Wardrobe of Finding, a hammerspace-like wardrobe that opens to each person's items and pets when the person touches the handle. It was enchanted by Merlin to prevent people from having to fish their waterlogged possessions and pets out of the water with them. From there, Archimedes directs everyone to settle in groups into modernized carriages pulled by horses and gives them a basic explanation of why and how they've been brought to Avalon: The rest of the universe is frozen in time and your character has been brought here by a familiar that was able to bond with them. They'll have to learn magic to help save their own world from destruction, but first they've got to get them to Camelot. It is here that you have the first opportunity to decide who they will be in their new home. You'll have about an hour to wander around here, meet and greet, and pet the horses before it's time to go. These carriages use fae technology that combats weight, so your character will be able to get in regardless of whether they're light as a feather or weigh two tons. The carts have air conditioning when it's hot, heating when it's cold, and a mystical shield to protect from bugs. There is also a mini-bar that pops out of the console with nip bottles. Characters can use their smartphones to connect to Camelot's internet service, avalononline (AOL), to chat with other characters, watch dumb videos, learn about the world, contact Camelot Support (they'll answer any questions they can for you, from how to use a smart phone to where to find quests and resources to learn more about your magic). Be careful if you decide to use your phones while in the caravan-- if you don't use those earbuds and start forcing everyone to listen to your nonsense, Archimedes may make you walk. C ⦿ The Red Spring The journey from the White Cliffs to the City of Camelot is a long one, and the first evening you arrive you'll end up spending at the Red Spring, a booming resort town. Because of the volume of new arrivals and vacationers, inn rooms are assigned two-to-a-room. The rooms have two twin beds, a bathroom, a mini-fridge and microwave, and a TV equipped with a couple of entertaining video games and a few free movies. If you don't want to relax in the room, try taking a dip in the spring for another chance to meet your fellow travelers. The waters have restorative properties that help horses and travelers recover quickly when drunk. It is known to relieve stress, improve energy levels, and mildly accelerate healing. It may be a little chilly when you get out though, so make sure you don't slip rushing back indoors when you get out! The springs are also home to a large training grounds just outside town limits, where there are teachers who will teach basic magic safety and help you discover what kind of magic you have together with other new arrivals. Try target practice, obstacle courses, meditation circles, and other ways to try to figure out just what you can do... if you didn't already have an accidental discovery on the ride there. SUMMARY: Camelot throws a carnival to combat the warming up weather featuring "cool" foods and contests, Queen Elphame sent gifts of aquatic mounts to practice in gratitude for the offering and peacemaking with Celliwig, and the clean-up for the carnival goes haywire as cleaning implements magically seek to clean everything. Thankfully, not every minute of Avalon is adventure and trials and rituals. There are moments of respite, and moments to have fun. This July, for example, locals have decided to invite everyone to what they're calling the "Cool Down Carnival"! A ⦿ Cool Carnival, Bruh Vendors of all kinds have taken to selling cooling goods throughout the carnival grounds. Shaved ice, frozen yogurt, gelato, ice cream, iced tea and boba drinks are everywhere, and each and every vendor is vying for the attention of customers. Whether it's coupons for free snacks if they fill out a punch card for all three days of the carnival, or trying out their new, more magical recipes of frozen slush that make you temporarily behave like a penguin and try belly-sliding down a slip-n-slide that's been set up to occupy the unfortunate victims of that slush (It wears off, don't worry.) Perhaps most notably is the Margaritaville Pair Challenge. If you and an acquaintance can down a giant schooner of frozen margarita in less than a minute together, you'll both get a free happy hour item once a day for the next month from the restaurant and they'll do you a solid and teach you (Recipe) Hangover Moveover, a recipe that instantly cures hangovers. The brain freeze caused by downing that much frozen drink is yours to deal with, unfortunately... B ⦿ Surf New Turf In the evening, the fae folk of the carnival crew lead the way to uproot the party off toward the docks near Camelot. The Elphame Traders came back this past month with good tidings from Queen Elphame, who was impressed both with the gift of a ship and the winning over of Celliwig's people. To this end, a second ship was sent with the Elphame Traders to provide a means of transportation to the faery Kingdom of Elphame without passing through the Forest of the Felled: aquatic mounts. However, they aren't exactly easy for anyone who isn't an animal mage and will require practice before anyone can set out. You'll need at least one person to steer and one person to act as a combatant, as the lake north of the arrival point is more than a little treacherous but that will be a journey for another day. (Maybe the 20th? Stuff seems to coincidentally always happen around then, huh... Weird.) For now, the fae who stayed behind from the Elphame Traders this month are sticking around to help you find a partner and an aquatic mount that gets along with the two of you. Most of the creatures who have agreed to be mounts are hanging out alongside he beach near the old docks, so you can go around and check out the different kinds of available mounts: Alpacapies: Cousin to the much more violent water horse fae the Kelpies, Alpacapies have been mistaken for baby loch ness monsters on more than one occasion given their penchant for sitting with just their hump and long neck above the waterline. They can be ridden in the water and tend to bond with people who are polite to them upon greeting. They will assist in combat by spitting water at their enemies or kicking with front legs, but they may shake you off if they need to deep dive to gain speed for an attack. They do not have back legs, only a dolphin-like fin. For some reason, they're really impossible to take photographs of. Mossatees: You're familiar with the mossatee already. A special breed of manatee that grows flowers and moss on its back like a miniature garden. They blossom in the spring, and their backs can be very comfortable. They're a little clumsy and tend to run into things, both accidentally and on purpose, so it may be a bit of a derpy ride if you and your partner choose a mossatee. They also just had a lot of children, so part of riding with them will mean protecting their young on the journey. They're not good in combat and will prioritize defense. Deinosuchus: A Cretaceous crocodile that gets up to about 10 meters long. It's huge and carnivorous and very well could eat you if you piss it off. It is fast, but has to take a lot of breaks. It will also terrorize in a fight. The fae recommend bringing it a goat or some other similarly sized meal to get it on your side if you want to go for this one. This pack is the only one left, transported by fairies to Avalon long, long ago, so you'd better not let them down. Once you've found a mount that seems right, try to practice balancing on its back. They don't much like saddles so that may be a challenge, but if you hold onto your partner it might be easier! Once you're settled, try racing against another pair or going through a Survivor-esque obstacle course with your mounts. C ⦿ Clean Up Chaos As people head out for the second day of practice with their mounts or recover from a crazy carnival experience, things around town... seem a little off. It seems like someone tried some experimental magic after competing in the Margaritaville challenge feeling particularly benevolent. All around Camelot, cleaning utensils have taken on a life of their own. Brooms are sweeping customers right out of restaurants, sponges are scrubbing up dishes and chasing down patrons for the most public sponge baths of their life, and the local woodland creatures are assisting in picking up and taking away anything that touches the floor that ought not to be there. Some are even hopping up on residents to do their hair! Whatever the source is, the only solution is to either destroy or scare the cleaning supplies off to the woods before they take over the whole town! A little magic should help, so why not test out the magic you've been working on since arriving in Avalon? SUMMARY: The earthquake busted some of the Land of Rot wards and zombies are attacking Camelot's farmland. Save the farm, restore the wards, fight a giant worm, and then find a mysterious marsh before getting transported back home just as mysteriously. The earthquake on arrival day was a little frightening, but ultimately didn't seem to cause too much trouble around New Camelot. That is, until a few days later when the farmlands seem to be under attack.. by the undead!? It seems like the wards surrounding the Lands of Rot were disrupted by the earthquake near Camelot's northeast farmland. ' A ⦿ The Farming Dead Step one is to fight the hoard of zombies spilling out into the farm and stop them before they contaminate Camelot's food source. Use whatever means you can to dispense of the undead, keeping the following in mind: death mages are going to be the most effective combatants against the undead, but anyone can follow the basic rules of zombies to clear a path. Loud noises attract their attention, they shamble during the day and can move more quickly during the night, they don't feel pain so if you hurt the they won't be deterred-- you have to kill them, and always double-tap if you aren't sure. Just be careful not to set them on fire. Flaming zombies can spread fires to buildings and other surroundings and are just generally worse than regular zombies! Once the zombies are cleared out, farmworkers will bring out gifts of fresh lemonade and some extra mixed herb seeds they gathered throughout the year. They're still good, please take them as a thanks for helping save the farm! B ⦿ Of Wards and Worms After searching the perimeter of the Land of Rot, sources have found that the wards were damaged on the west side, so the zombies haven't fully penetrated any areas but the farm. Pair up with another person to draw the attention of the zombies away from wards while the other person resets the wards. While doing this, you'll find the earth is rumbling again-- a little heavier this time since you're much closer than back in the Bay of Avalon. Rather suddenly, a huge sinkhole opens up in the desert landscape of the Land of Rot nearby... and out leaps a thousand-toothed worm, flying through the air and diving back toward the ground teeth-first... with your character right in its target location! Maybe you're lucky and get out of the way only to get knocked down by another huge tremor, or maybe you've just been swallowed whole by a giant worm and really, really need to find a way out for you and your partner! Maybe you'll find something interesting while you think... Is that a broken boat in here? Hopefully you find your way out (or.. if you don't, you find someone to resurrect you, but that would really suck if you just arrived!) C ⦿ Wake Me Up Before You're Go-Gone First zombies, then a giant worm... today's been exhausting! And now you're.. somewhere in the middle of the Land of Rot and you seem to have run into some kind of marsh that you don't remember passing on your way in. The water itself is murky and the only creatures around seem to be bugs, bats, snakes, and frogs. Everything seems sickly, rotting, and is pretty awfully stinky. But none of it is quite as terrifying as when you and whoever you wandered into the Land with stumble upon what appears to be some kind of old hag. What happens next? Who knows. She screams and both you and whoever you're with pass out and wake up snuggling in an inn room. You were definitely in that marsh though, because your pants are still sopping from trudging through it... Well, enjoy the panic, maybe interrogate your neighbors, and try to find out where in the Land of Rot you were! It sure doesn't seem to be on the map... What a mystery! MOD NOTES: • All test drive prompts are open to anyone in the game at any time to create your own logs with, but this post should have top-levels by potential new characters only. Current characters may reply to any threads, but should not top-level comment on this post. • If your application is accepted, you may accept TDM threads as game canon as long as both players consent. Characters may begin threading as soon as their journal is accepted to the communities. •If nothing here tickles your fancy, try one of this month's Quests for your TDM prompt. • The first "Arrival" prompts are present on every TDM, but contain seasonal tweaks for flavor. All other prompts will change monthly. • Questions about this TDM's content? Comment here! If you have a question about the game at-large, please head over to the FAQ.

Comments

[floatsaway]

[Giggling, Ochako goes to retrieve her dropped bag, never really letting Eri go in the process, and shouldering it all over again. Of course the girl would ask about her two heroes first - the ones who saved her. Aizawa was only third because, well, he was get guardian now, more or less. It was actually quite cute, seeing the cool and stoic Eraserhead be so gentle and sweet toward Eri. Aizawa really was such an incredible person and teacher...Ochako really and truly missed him terribly. All the teachers at UA were important and special to her, but...Aizawa was their teacher. The class of 1-A. He was special to them all.]

I haven't seen Tog--eh, I mean...Lemillion, or Eraserhead here, but Deku-kun is here!! Kirishima--eh...I mean, Red Riot is here, and Froppy, too!! I think you meant the others, but there's also Momo-chan, Jirou-chan, Tokoyami-kun, Kaminari-kun, and Bakugou-kun. Those are just from our class, ehehe. There's also Shinsou-kun from another part of the school, too! But he's trying really hard to be a hero, too, so treat him well, Eri-chan...okay?

[Ochako smiles, knowing that Eri won't be the real issue here. Shinsou, either, he's a good person, even if he acts a bit closed off and kind of stoic. Ochako is sure he'll treat Eri kindly - he has the heart of a hero, even if he doesn't really know it himself, yet.]

[candyapplechild]

[ SO MANY NAMES... but she recognizes them all for the most part, and she's sure she'll recognize them when she sees them. The only exception to this is, of course, Shinsou... but if Ochako says that they're nice, she'll believe her. Especially if he's trying hard to be a hero!

It's a little sad that Lemillion isn't here... he was pretty much always with her whenever he had free time, after all. Still, with all the people here, she's sure everything will be fine! ]

Mm!

[ With that bit of affirmation, Eri will stay clinging to Ochako until they get to... the springs is what Ochako called them, right? It sounded nice... and getting this stuff washed off of her face is definitely a priority. ]

[floatsaway]

[Shinsou is...a bit distant, but Ochako genuinely likes him, quite a lot. He's the furthest in the timeline right now, so he's a little cold to everyone, but she knows the sort of person he will be. The young man is strong, and incredibly brave, and he has the heart of a hero, she's sure of it. Ochako has seen how his quirk can help people in need - she's experienced it firsthand, after all - and she truly believes he'll be amazing, just like everyone else, reaching out toward their dreams... She has the utmost faith.

As Ochako collects her things, she takes Eri with her to the front counter to let the staff know they'll be making use of the facilities here. Ochako knows where to go to get to the changing room, and she even gets a room to deposit their things (free, because she's not even staying a full day, just a few hours) beforehand. She and Eri will share a private bath (that Ochako had to pay for) because the girl doesn't have a bathing suit, and Ochako's not really okay with a shared bath, even if it is other females only. Best to not overwhelm the little thing. Spending more for her comfort is fine. And they get some nice, fluffy towels and a bath robe!! Eri's will be like a tent in her but...it's fine!]

Eri-chan, is the water too hot for you? [Ochako will test it with a foot, and while it's nice and warm, it's not overly hot for her...] Make sure to rinse off first, then I'll scrub your face and hair, ne?

this is really cute, but... cw for small allusions to past abuse via scars

[candyapplechild]

Uwaah...

[ Ochako, it should be known to all that you are the absolute best. The idea that there would be others around her was the main thing that Eri had been worried about as they approached the front counter, the thought having occurred to her then. The private bath pretty much relieved that worry completely, because she was perfectly comfortable with Ochako after all.

Plus LOOK AT HOW FLUFFY THESE TOWELS AND ROBES ARE!! It's her first time at a place like this, obviously, and the towels are definitely softer than the regular ones back at UA. That much is, of course, a given for a place like this.

Seeing Ochako dip her foot in the water to test it, Eri copies her and does the same. Her smile only gets wider. ]

It's warm... it's alright!

[ She gives her confirmation that the water temperature is fine before nodding her head. ]

Mm, okay!

[ She'll then run off to find where she can rinse off before getting inside, happily running (but not too quickly, just a little pep to her step) to the showerhead over at the wall and reaching up to turn the faucet. It's slightly higher up than Eri's own height, but she can still reach it.

Now that they're here in their own private area, though, it might be worth mentioning that... there are scars on her arms and legs. Not any scars that are particularly noticeable on their own, mind you... but they are numerous, and on top of that, shaped... well, "unnatural" is the best way to describe them, as the majority of what Eri went through would typically get fixed whenever she was reassembled. The Overhaul quirk seldom left any physical marks on anyone who is disassembled and then reassembled by it, but when it happens enough... again and again... hundreds upon hundreds of times...

Well, those bandages weren't there just for show. ]

Ah, cold!

[ Fortunately, it... doesn't look like seeing them bothers her too much, or maybe she's just not paying them much attention to them as she turns on the showerhead to rinse herself off, not realizing that the water from it wouldn't be heated like what she just dipped her foot into, and letting out a yelp in surprise because of it.

She's healed a lot to get to this point... plus, the fun of being at a private hot spring bath with Ochako is taking a bit more precedence in her mind. ]

[floatsaway]

[Ochako is well aware of the scars on Eri's arms and legs, and though she's known about then for some time, and how they came to be, she pushed down the feelings of anger and hatred towards Overhaul and the other yakuza of the Shie Hassaikai who thought to use this sweet girl as some sort of weapon against Heroes and people with quirks altogether. Eri's quirk, like so many quirks in general, was dangerous, but...it could be wonderful and useful for so, so many things, with proper application and training. Much like Bakugou's and even Ochako's quirks...they're dangerous, but used to help people, instead of hurt them. A powerful and 'destructive' quirk does not make a person out to be one way or another. It's how the person uses that quirk - to help or to hurt.

Ochako is used to scars. She has never once said anything ill about Izuku's scars, or Todoroki's. Eri is the same. Ochako doesn't comment on them, and instead just chuckles and smiles at the silly antics of the little girl taking a bath in their private little bath. It's outside, but walled and covered by a thatch roofing to set the ambiance and atmosphere.]

Careful, Eri-chan.

[Just a little blanket concern - Ochako knows she'll be fine, but there's still the concern for her to not rush and take it easy. They have all the time in the world, after all. Going over, Ochako yelps a bit as she gets under the cold spray of the showerhead and shakes off her hair, taking some of the offered bath products and lathering up a bit of soap into her hand. She kneels down and holds it out to Eri gently.]

Close your eyes please, Eri-chan...I'm going to wash your face and this might sting if it gets in your eyes. Then after we'll wash your hair and we can soak in the warm water - that'll be much nicer than this cold spray, ne?

[candyapplechild]

[ Honestly, that's for the best. She doesn't need a verbal reminder of them, after all. Especially when she's happy like this. I mean, look at this place! It was walled and private, but it felt outdoors! Plus, the ambience and atmosphere was nice and calming...

She giggles a bit as Ochako yelps from the cold water just like she did. Seeing the soap in her hands, Eri nods. ]

Mm, okay...

[ She'll do as she's told and close her eyes tight, facing Ochako so that she can wash her face. It's good that she's got her eyes tightly closed, since the stuff on her face is gonna have to be pretty thoroughly rubbed out. ]

[floatsaway]

[It sure is, and as Ochako realizes that her just her hand isn't going to work, she lathers up a small face towel with warm water and soap and goes to work. She's gentle, as much as she can be, but there is a second or two where she has to put in some elbow grease a bit as well. The stain is definitely pretty stubborn, like getting permanent ink on you, and only being able to get off the majority. There's probably still going to be a blueish hue around her face for a day or two.]

I think that's the most of it. Keep your eyes shut, I'm going to rinse you off now.

[With a scoop of that nice, warm water from a little wooden basin. Dumped right over Eri's head as Ochako giggles and washes her hair as well. Once they're both clean, it's into the hot spring proper!! A bit deep for Eri, but there's a step on the outer edge of it that she can stand on to keep herself up and out of the deeper parts. And where Ochako can sit and soak happily. So nice...]

[candyapplechild]

[ She lets out a humming noise as Ochako rubs away the stain, her voice cutely increasing in volume whenever Ochako puts a bit more effort into the stain. It doesn't hurt, though, so it's alright! The fact that Ochako is doing her best for her is already enough, and she doesn't mind there being a faint blue hue for another day or so. It's mostly gone, after all.

She giggles when Ochako dumps the warm water over her head... something that feels incredibly nice, especially when she's been under the cold shower water. Still, now it's time for the hot spring! Yay! ]

Uwaah... it's so warm...

[ Following Ochako, she'll hop up onto the edge of the bath and sink slowly into the hot spring water, sighing contently. She sits at the step, her head just staying above the water... and to be honest, it's slightly reminiscent of certain individual. Not to the same extent, of course, since he's the only one capable of pulling that off... but you get the idea. ]

[floatsaway]

[It is warm, and Ochako is just sighing blissfully as she keeps a close watch on Eri. She had wanted to workout a bit today, but...well. Plans certainly do have a way of changing rapidly. Not that it's bad, though - Ochako can just jog around the neighborhood later tonight, a few hours before or after dinner. Maybe she'll pick up takeout instead of cooking tonight, just to save herself the hassle and time.

All those thoughts bubble in her head as she closes her eyes a bit, only opening then when she hears a tiny splash and she sees Eri--

...]

PFFFFFTTT!! HAHAHA!! It's just like senpai!!

[candyapplechild]

Ehehe!

[ Eri giggled, it was like him, wasn't it? She hadn't gotten to see him actually float down a river, but there were plenty of times where Mirio would find some way to stick something—usually his face—out of something to surprise her.

Still, it'd be a bit hard to relax like this, at least for an extended amount of time. She could already feel the back of her neck craning. Hopefully Ochako wouldn't mind, but... she slowly starts to make her way over to Ochako on the outer step in the hot springs, her head halfway under the water (but her nose still above so that she can breathe) as she reaches her to sit on Uravity-san's lap. ]

Thanks, Uravity-san...

[ She found her and helped her out, bringing her here and making her feel safe again after she arrived here. Plus, if she was letting her sit on her lap, it was all the more reason. ]

[floatsaway]

[It makes plenty of sense, really - Mirio was always like that. He liked to make people laugh and smile, and once Eri knew how again...it would be fitting for him to try and make her keep doing it. She has a very wonderful smile, after all. Th-Though Ochako would hope he'd have the forethought to do any of that in his costume other wise she might have to sock him in the mouth at least twice.

And Ochako barely batts an eye when Eri comes to sit on her lap. In fact, she just smiles affectionately and wraps the girl up in her arms to give her a loving little hug. It's...not going to be easy for Eri here, she knows that, and Ochako really does wish there was a teacher or an adult who'd be better suited to take care of her, but she can't do much about it. They all just have to work hard together to look out for the little girl like they would any other member of their class and their school. It'll take time, but...eventually she'll be confident and able-bodied enough to interact with others not directly from UA, too.

Maybe even enroll her in an actual school here. That'll be a conversation she has to have with the others in the class. Something to give Eri some engagement, social interaction with those in her age group, and an actual education. It should be doable. But...for now, just have to get her settled in. Ochako still has to make the call later to the others to let them know she's here, after all.

Might as well enjoy a pleasant soak in the meantime, and a warm hug.]