avalonmods (
avalonmods) wrote in
avalaughs2020-11-30 11:58 pm
Entry tags:
TEST DRIVE MEME ⚔️️ 2
![]() Premise ⚔️️ Rules ⚔️️ FAQ ⚔️️ Taken ⚔️️ Reserves ⚔️️ Apply ⚔️️ Locations ⚔️️ Bestiary ![]() A ⦿ Soaking in Your Arrival
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 chilly 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 paralyzingly cold for a few seconds before you're approached by the Lady of the Lake beneath the water's surface. She puts a vial of a vibrant, glowing red Everwarm* potion to your character's lips. The icy water doesn't feel so icy once consumed and you'll be able to move your limbs enough to swim to shore on your own. She can't stick around to explain, she's got to get this to all the new arrivals! Many of which you'll see plopping in around you. If you can't swim, a handful of helpful ice turtles will scoop you up from beneath and drop you off at the shore. When not helping people, the turtles are going around and hitting the ice that keeps forming on the surface with their shells to keep the surface open for the falling arrivals or pushing personal items to the beach near the new arrivals they smell like (belong to). If anyone tries to ask the Lady of the Lake for directions, she will direct you to Archimedes at the Rent-a-Ride. If anyone with Animal Magic asks the turtles, they will give the full spiel, but very slowly, and they like to get off topic and gossip about other turtles you've never heard of. 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, but if you do fall, be prepared for a mysterious sand hand to reach out of the side of the cliffs to catch you. The hand will pat you atop the head twice before retreating back into the wall. This is the Cliff Beast; despite the name, he is quite friendly. B ⦿ The Caravan to Camelot
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, C ⦿ The Red Spring
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. ![]() A ⦿ Trial and Icy Errors Winter has arrived in Avalon, and with it has come to a change in the weather. Puffs of breath precede sentences when outside, small fires fill braziers to allow people to stop and get warm for a moment between where they come from and where they are going. Snow has begun to fall; at first, it is the same, fluffy, white flakes many adventurers will have seen. However, as the day progresses, the snow begins to shimmer; it’s like a prismatic effect, a magical light catching against every little crystal and illuminating sparkling flakes, so vibrant it’s clear someone has enchanted the snow. Shortly after the change, there will be a text alert to all devices: Tired of the same old routine with your magic? Ready for a little something new? Come on out and have an old fashioned snowball fight with a magical twist. Be sure to practice your new powers and have fun! 😉 -MerlinThose who come outside to find the rainbow snow already being packed into neat balls by Camelot's citizens; go ahead and grab a basket full but remember, don’t just toss them. Let’s get magic with it! Different types of magic will have different effects on the enchanted snow: In the end, it seems while adventurers will be able to get plenty of practice in, some of that practice is going to come from trying to stop the side effects of mixing their powers with the magic snow; welcome to your first lesson in control. If one is going to use magic in conjunction with already magically imbued things, they ought to know the right amount, seems Merlin wants you all to learn in a trial by snowball error. Those who practice their magic and participate in the snowball fight will be given hot chocolate, warm soup, fresh baked goods, or other treats to warm them up after their training is done. But don’t slack off! You’re like to find your hot chocolate spiced with pickle flavor, that warm treat suddenly turns to ice cream in your mouth. Avalonians want that practice to happen, and are willing to add some incentive... whether that means the carrot or the icicle. ![]() All throughout the City of Camelot is a buzz of excitement about the oncoming winter solstice on the 21st. Citizens will tell you of the winter solstice's importance in cleansing the flow of Avalon's magic each year and absorbing sunlight to increase its potency. In other words, the winter solstice generates a significant amount of magic if the proper ritual is followed, so the visitors from other worlds really should head on over to Albion's White Cliffs. A ⦿ The Darkness in the White Cliffs
Once you gain entrance, you will find there is no light within the caves and the door seems to close behind you. Non-magical lights won't illuminate anything within these caves, so you will need to either navigate through the darkness or find a magical means to light your path. Be wary-- traveling in the dark will be a much safer journey if you can find your way through the caves and keep track of your companions. The reason there is no light are the bat-like creatures that eat energy like fire and electricity. With the magical light attracting them and nothing to consume, they'll be very aggressive and swarm anything emitting heat.. like an unsuspecting traveler. Make too much noise, and the Cliff Beast will spit you out back onto the sand and you'll have to start over. B ⦿ "For a greedy man, even his tomb is too small."
There is no clear warning about what will happen if you take anything besides your one cup. However, characters who disobey this instruction and take any of the riches within the cave will initially experience severe symptoms such as magical blockage, an endless common cold, and food turning to ash in their mouth. They will experience dreams in which they are urged to return the treasure and a day later, advanced symptoms if it goes on for too long have been known to result in vomiting frogs and snakes, insomnia, speaking in tongues despite the translation spell, bleeding from the ears, and eventually death. C ⦿ Drink Up
Upon arriving at the Red Springs, a party of people there to guide those who have made the ritual's journey to a particular pool within the vicinity of the springs. Characters will be directed to take a sip, then pour the rest into the Spring alongside your peers, finally throwing the clay cup itself into the spring. Throughout the day, you will begin to feel strangely giddy, but it will pass. Nothing much will seem like it happens otherwise, but the guides assure you that you will understand on the night of the winter solstice when the ritual is complete and your body becomes a conduit to purify and rejuvenate Avalon's magic. For now, as thanks, the guides offer you one of the celebratory gifts they have to offer-- free drinks (this time of the age-appropriate alcoholic or sugary variety), a free night's stay at the Red Springs, a yule log, an escort, a Recipe: Snow Dance. (Effect: Snow Dance will cause small flurries to pick up where the spell is cast, resulting in decreased visibility. Only works if snow is already present, as it cannot generate elements.) The choice is yours. Pick one. 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 may 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. *This Everwarm does not count toward your potion collection for those who wish to take up potion brewing. You must obtain Everwarm from the Elphame Trader's to count. **Jackets come in a variety of neutral colors, enchanted with a fit-adjustment spell that will adjust to your character's size. |





no subject
"WHOA! Wait... what are you going to do with that...??"
Crowley's fingers snapped automatically and the ground itself answered by shifting violently up and down. It hadn't been the intended result. He had been trying to melt the snow in the Uenoyama's hands but maybe trying to run over a funhouse-like moving floor would still slow up the attack.
no subject
Before he faceplants into the snow.
Just great. Today is great. He can't trust even his own legs anymore. If he remained to lay here in the snow, would that erase this shitty situation altogether. He just wants warm tea now and a blanket.
"I hate this place..." Uenoyama mutters when he lifts his face to glare, completely red and wet from snow and cold.
no subject
"HA! Maybe next time you will think twice before starting a snowball war!"
no subject
"I didn't!" He turns halfway and points at the familiar that's standing a few feet away from them. "She told me to practice magic on the snow! I didn't think this would happen! Besides-" he now points at Crowley, "You look as bad as I! You have a pile of snow on your head! I didn't completely lose!"
no subject
Crowley bobs his head in the direction of the familiar.
"And she didn't throw anything."
no subject
The familiar in question tries her best to look nonchalant as she's both accused and proclaimed innocent, but it's not really working.
"She does NOT look innocent at all!"
Those snowballs don't just curve on their own and Uenoyama is not that experienced...
no subject
"Standard snowball fight rules. It's the same everywhere..."
Not that he was big on rules unless he made them up on the spot and they favored him. Crowley was calling this a win for his side even if it was more likely a draw.
As for the familiar... They were all guilty of something weren't they? The more innocent she looked the more guilty Crowley thought she was, but it seemed to him it would work Uenoyama up more if the opposite were believed so...
"Her? She's not even paying attention to all this!"
no subject
Uenoyama is finally back on his feet and dusting off the snow from his clothes. There's a little bit of a shiver from how wet he is, but he ignores it and makes a quick trip back to get his guitar, pack it up and sling it over his back.
He sniffs, rubbing his nose and casting Muse another glance.
"Well, she sent that barrage of snowballs at you. That wasn't me- I don't know to use magic like that."
That's the only thing that makes sense to Uenoyama. If the guy isn't mad about it even better.
no subject
He twisted the knife one last time just because, demon. He had been mad initially mostly because his coco had spilled and he had been enjoying that but who doesn't love a good snowball fight? It's great causing all that mischief in one place!
"Don't walk away mad, it was fun. Besides! You're forgetting the best part about a snowball fight. Loser gets to buy the winner another hot chocolate."
He lied, easily making up another one of these 'rules' of his.
"Might help to smoother things over..."
Not that anything needed smoothing over from where Crowley stood but he wouldn't mind a replacement.
no subject
Now that's something he'll get angry about if someone calls him incompetent when it comes to music he plays. There's a lot of grumbling as he gets his things in order- he's not walking away. Yet.
"Again with the rules I don't know. Besides, I'm penniless here, so put it on my tab. The money I did have got drenched when I fell into the lake. AND it doesn't count here so..."
But the hot drink does sound good- he sneezes loudly and shivers. He groans (and gets angry with himself!) and shoves his hands in the pockets of his jacket and pants, trying to see if he can find any stray coins.
no subject
"So that instrument you are carrying around isn't just for show? You could put it to good use..."
He slipped closer, quick as a snake, to direct his new acquaintance's attention towards the other diners filling into the café.
"All you have to do is play a song or two. There would be no need for a tab at all... We might even get a whole meal out of the deal."
no subject
"Are you sure they are going to just let me play and then give us food and drinks for it? Most places don't really care." At least back in Japan. You could play until your fingers fell off, but it is just a show. Unless you're standing around with an open bag asking openly for money.
...did the things get THAT bad for him? Gods, he hates this.
"If I play, what are you going to do?"
no subject
He didn't quite have walking around with an open bag in mind but then he didn't have a bag to begin with. What actually would happen depended on the crowd and how respective they proved to be. Handouts were fine but slipping into the kitchen while the staff was busy throwing the kid out was also an option.
"So what sort of music do you play, anything by Queen? I doubt this lot has heard anything like that before."
no subject
"How about you work the crowd before I play? As in- ask for their permission. Then I'll play."
Uenoyama, for better or for worse, has no idea he's talking with a demon. He sees an adult and adult better take responsibility for this. Because he's raised to be good and polite. Don't leave him to be tossed out!
"Queen? Of course. I listen to all sorts of music, but UK rock is probably my favorite." He peers at the people in the shop, "They seem like types to enjoy lute more than an electric guitar."
no subject
He spoke like the voice of experience but then he had seen a few dinner shows in his 6,000 year life.
"What are you worried about? Just play something with a beat. People love a good song, lute or not."
no subject
"...well. I won't ask the guests. But I WILL ask the owner. I don't want to be tossed out or chased around the city for making a ruckus. And I'll play, I'll play!"
It's not that hard to get him to play really.
"Let's go already." He wants to get into the warm, for starters. He scans around for shops and sees one that can pass as a pub that would hold music nights on Fridays or Saturdays, and heads for it.
no subject
"You've no sense of adventure!"
Even having said that the demon swaggered into the bar behind his potential hot coco ticket and slid discretely along the wall for the best viewpoint to watch Uenoyama speak to the owner. They wouldn't have long to wait. The owner appeared from the backroom as soon as the bell over the door jingled and approached the pair to ask if they would like a table for two.
no subject
It's pleasantly warm inside and there aren't too many people in, mostly either playing out in the snow or off doing their work. The others are warming up to some kind of stew and ale. Uenoyama slinks between the tables and straight to the bar, leaving Crowley to sit back wherever.
The owner doesn't look too happy to let Uenoyama play, but few tipsy people make noise for music (Uenoyama's face says: "You should stop drinking" but his mouth remains shut). In the end, the owner lets him do it as one guy, the leader of loud tipsy people, slams a bag with coins onto the counter and yells "PLAY!" The owner sighs, shrugs his shoulders, and nods towards a small clear space at the end of the room.
Uenoyama snatches the bag with coins (20 golds, he leaves four to the owner, the rest he pockets, and unpacks the guitar, slinging it over his shoulder. It is a nice, custom-designed Telecaster, a gift from his dad long time ago. He takes several moments to tune it, debating what to play. He doesn't have an amplifier here so he can't use his pedal so- he'll have to jam REALLY loudly so he can be heard.
"Queen" huh... He looks over to Crowley as if asking which song, but doesn't wait for an answer; 'Bohemian Rhapsody' is just too easy, so he begins off with "The show must go on". And he plays it on the dot. He doesn't mess around with it, except when he finishes the song and makes a bridge over to the next one, the one he refused to play first (as if out of spite).
no subject
Forget hot chocolate, a chilled glass of wine went down a lot smoother! He sat back, feet propped up, listening to the music even when one of the drunken extras in the crowd stood up to toss their martini olive at the joker on stage as they yelled in their highest pitched drunken brawl warhoop, "THAT'S NOT A LUTE!"
no subject
But when the guy yelled at him for not having a lute, Uenoyama stopped for a moment, shredded across guitar strings, and pointed at him: "I don't have one! Beggars can't be choosers! Now shut up and listen!" If Kaji was around, he'd laugh and tease him with "Lord Ue rises and rules again". His temper really flares when it comes to defending his music.
And if any one of them try to start a bar fight, Muse is looming behind Uenoyama like a dark cloud with crackling bright eyes, threatening with just her posture of her hand on the harp 'One move against my charge and you're flying out of here'.
no subject
Then without missing a beat he turned to the man with deep pockets and spoke loudly enough for the heckler to overhear.
"Can you believe these beer drinkers? No sense of style at all!"
The enraged heckler stood again, glaring daggers at the wine drinkers and ignoring entirely the guardian familiar. He reached for a passing tray of drinks and tossed a full flask of wine at deep pockets and then proceeded to toss cheese from an appetizer platter indiscriminately left, right, and center... including at the stage.
Crowley discretely ducked.
no subject
but then the fight broke out. He's not sure what provoked it, everyone was yelling at everyone, Crowley was in the middle of it one second, and the next he was gone. Glasses and cheese flew everywhere and one of the pitchers flew straight at Uenoyama's head- only to be shattered by Muse's kinetic force. She ran her fingers over her instrument again and made a shield of kinetic magic that sent anything flying Uenoyama's way back to its sender (one got plate right into his face).
Uenoyama slung the guitar over his back and grabbed his guitar case and just did a mad dash towards the door- these people are drunk and enraging his familiar by trying to get him into a fight. Sadly for the owner, few chairs fly out of Uenoyama's way as he runs towards the door, thanks to Muse's magic, and the door also swings open as he approaches. He does stop to look back around frantically, not wanting to leave the guy behind.
...bad thing is he has no clue what his name is so he can't call out for him!
no subject
"Oooh! That was a good throw! Good thing they didn't wing that at you when you were up on stage, right?"
no subject
A bit winded, he jumps in surprise when he hears Crowley's voice.
"Jeeze, you gave me a fright! I thought you got stuck in that fight!" The image of lettuce makes him scrunch up his nose, "I could feel Muse hovering over me, I'd been fine." He sighs, "I should've guessed they wouldn't like what I play. They have no idea what these songs are."
no subject
The cool half, Crowley had already decided as he grinned at the noise of the chair crashing into the door. There wasn't much to be seen of the war going on inside now but the noise of the battle could make it past the wooden door to be heard in the street.
"It was the lute crowd that was the problem. They were too easy to stir up!"
He beamed a demonic smile of the sort that might have made the Cheshire cat jealous.
"I think they had been looking for a reason to have a fight the whole time."
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)