avalaughs | TEST DRIVE MEME ⚔️️ 2

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TEST DRIVE MEME ⚔️️ 2

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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 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

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, a pair of earbuds, and a winter cloak** to everyone before getting them settled in groups into modernized carriages pulled by horses and give them a basic explanation of why and how they've been brought to Avalon: 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.

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! 😉 -Merlin

Those 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:

Use kinetic magic to toss three at once. Nevermind if they suddenly balloon inside and burst into a snow shower over your opponent, throw a couple more; some are bound to hit, right?

Throw a little animal magic in there and morph a few into a bear or some other animal of your intent; sorry about his random dance attack, at least your opponent will be laughing too hard to throw a snowball at you.

Try hiding them in a shield or cast an illusion with some light magic; better apologize when that goes sideways and the snow hardens, bursting into rainbow crystals at your opponent's feet.

Team up with someone who has cognitive magic; they can telegraph you the plan without your opponents being any the wiser... except the snow seems to be picking up on it and sending those thoughts right to your opponent! Perhaps use this as an opportunity to learn control!

Maybe you want to try using a little wind magic if you’re of the elemental class; watch out for the rainbow snow squall your perfectly lobbed snowballs will become.

Healing magic is one you might not see coming-- enchanting a snowball with healing magic can result in positive mood enhancements. Give your enemies a blast of zen to lower their guard and make them an easy target!

A dark magic user might think to add a little hex to their snowball; give themselves an edge... too bad, without practice, that hex might be a little too heavy and burst over the maker before it even leaves their hand! Hope you know how to fix it.

Alchemists are welcome to change the shape of those snowballs. Maybe try and craft them into something a little more stealthy or projectile. Too bad that snow seems to want to turn into a batch of butterflies and be free... magic sure is tricky! But hey, they sure are pretty.

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

The first task that you'll experience during the ritual is asking the Cliff Beast's permission to enter the cliffs. Though they look wholly solid on the outside, these cliffs contain a veritable labyrinth of magical caves that weave in and out of the chalky cliffs. As there is danger within these walls, it is recommended no one go alone. The Cliff Beast will only open a door to the caves for parties of two or more who present him with a gift. The gift doesn't need to be something significant, just a show of courtesy-- a lovely rock or a seashell will do, placed at the base of the cliff. The only gifts he will outright reject are precious gems and metals. Honestly, they make him a little nauseous-- and you don't want to see a cliff beast nauseous. In fact, if you try it, the Cliff Beast will suddenly burst into a rockslide right near where the gem was left. Watch out!

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."

Those who persist within the caves will eventually come upon a room whose ceiling glistens with bioluminiscent microbes that are too small for the bats to eat. These little glowing creatures create reflections in the room that show just what it contains-- glimmerings of precious gems, gold, and other treasure cover the walls and floor, save for a large flat stone altar in the center. There are many hand-crafted clay cups filled with what appears to be water. The side of the alter has a very simple message: "TAKE ONE CUP TO THE SPRING, LEAVE THE REST. SPILL NO DROP." Sure enough, this matches with the instructions you were given about the ritual: Take a cup of waters harvested by the Asrai, a fairy that lives within the walls of the cliffs that cultivates it every year to bring to the Red Springs for the Winter Solstice.

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

Those who listen and take the Asrai's cups to the Red Springs will notice while carrying the cups, all creatures and threats will leave you in peace. Neither rain nor snow will touch you, parting from your path in both the sky and on the ground. The effects will only last as long as you don't spill a single drop. The ritual can still be completed, but the protections only work if you don't spill-- otherwise you'll be fighting off weather, creatures, other people, and whatever else you encounter as the effects of a spilled cup will cause those around you to try to steal your cup without thought for your safety, even if they might not even think to do normally.

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.

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

Exactly why they would have been useful.

[They even distracted Gokudera very well, but they were so cute how could he not be distracted! The bomber hasn't paid much mind to Yamamoto's familiar and he lifts an eyebrow at the question.]

What familiar?

[Larry is no longer in the snow pile. It's just a snow pile. You didn't see anything.]

You must've been hit with a rock pretty hard, hm?

[Once Jirou is standing and not trying to jump, Gokudera is petting him gently, expression turning gentle as it's directed at the akita. He's affectionate towards the dog, wondering how the baseball idiot got so lucky. He's always so lucky... Gokudera sighs and then puts both his hands in his pockets, demeanor growing cold and inaccessible once more.]

It's not a problem.

You know, Gokudera, it's okay to have fun sometimes too.

[Oh Yamamoto, you sweet summer child, stop, don't start it before either of you have a chance to get face to face with Tsuna who may have the only chance of diffusing it. But, his blunt, straightforwardness has always brought him to speak his mind and that is not something that changes, no matter how good-natured he is.]

You know, the bubble thing that was in the fort with you?

[Excpet oh, it is just a pile of snow but Jirou had... Then he dissolves into that laugh of his, breath sucking on at the end on a soft inhalation.]

I didn't get hit with rocks, just snow!

[Yamamoto sees the shift in the bomber, does not comment, does not say anything except that his lips curve just a little. These things, the way Gokudera is with Tsuna, it's how he knows the other is a good person, despite the way he shuts down the moment he is talking to Yamamoto again.]

That really sucks Uri didn't get to come too.

I have fun when I win.

[So he has to earn his victories. Has to earn everything. Nothing in life is free in any way, and that's just how life is... because that's pretty much every lesson his life has taught him.]

Bubble thing? No.

[He's intentionally playing dumb, and is a very good actor. He just shrugs and shakes his head. Some people.]

Idiot! I don't know what you're talking about!! [And if Yamamoto starts to tell him about it, and -heaven forbid- explain what Uri is instead of just 'melon', he'll just make Gokudera feel even more lonely or isolated, which will just be more fuel to his constant anger.]

Do you need something from me?! [He was looking to leave and here the baseball idiot is, going on about bubble familiars and some sort of food.]

It's not much of a win if you can't have fun with your friends along the way.

[It's not meant to be offensive, said in that calm, probably infuriating to Gokudera way of Yamamoto's as if it's just simple fact.]

Huh, where did he go? [He blinks, then rubs the back of his head sheepishly, maybe he was just imagining things.]

Hahah! My bad, I forgot you didn't remember about all that. [Most people would try to explain, Yamamoto is not most people and at this moment, it is probably not going to do much to help anything, so instead he just reaches out and scratches Jirou's ear.]

[Blinking once or twice, definitely looking confused.]

No? I just figured it's better if we stick together, right?

Tch-!

[Dismissal is his answer to that. What may sound like Yamamoto is making an observation of fact Gokudera just shrugs off with noncommittal noise.

He watches Yamamoto rub the back of his head and then apologize for something Gokudera doesn't even understand. To him the baseball idiot is not only stupid, but he's odd. Gokudera doesn't like it.]

I don't need to stick together with anyone. It's just snowball fights. [And maybe he just wants to go back to the city and look for a part-time job so he can help the Tenth. The way he sees it, he doesn't need Yamamoto or his company in any capacity.]

[His brow furrows a moment at the dismissal. Internally there is a heavy sigh from the swordsman but Yamamoto is good at keeping most of his negative internal, focusing instead of being positive, doing everything he can, for everyone.

Even when they make it hard.

It does not mean he simply takes everything lying down and as Gokudera gets increasingly irritated he just shrugs his shoulders as if to say oh well. Flashes that grin. Or that he won't try to get a friend to do what is best by using the one thing he knows they focus the most on. Sorry Tsuna.]

Okay, I guess I'll go find Tsuna by myself.

You haven't found him yet? [Gokudera asks. Of course their boss is not engaged in snowball fights. He probably associates them with being whipped in the face thanks to their last Vongola snowball fight that included Dino.]

He's busy and doesn't need you bothering him.

[Really, Gokudera has no idea what his boss is up to. He was still in the inn when Gokudera went out, but he may just be out and about shopping or... well... he shouldn't be alone. Gokudera is going to walk on ahead towards the city because he's not going to let his boss be vulnerable... even if the mafia isn't really a thing in this world.]

I saw him when I first started the snowball fight, he said he wanted to get a bigger room at the inn. [but he has not seen him since, Yamamoto had opted to try practicing his magic more and hang around longer for the snowball fight.

But as always he knew he'd see Tsuna again as soon as he was done and he also knows]

He didn't seem too busy when we hung out earlier.

[He bites back saying anything else, tries not to end up in a bickering war with Gokudera as he follows along, his familiar fading as it seems he is done with magic, for now, Jirou keeping step, except for when he stops to fluff up snow here and there.]

A bigger room...?

[Gokudera hadn't been a part of that conversation and he glares. Guess the boss wants to keep the family close. That's respectable.]

If he's looking for a bigger place, then he's busy. But maybe he's done by now. [Or there could be no progress. Who knows? Gokudera would have gone looking for a bigger place for them if only he'd said something. Did the Tenth not trust his judgement? Maybe he and the Tenth have different ideas as to what constitutes a living environment for three people. Of course he does... the Tenth lives with a lot of people and Gokudera has no idea what that's like. God, how could he have been so stupid?!

He's quiet, just walking back towards the city so he's inevitably leading Yamamoto to the room he shares with their boss.]

He just mentioned it a little bit before I saw you.

[It has not been that long since he saw Tsuna, in fact, he did not see or interact with anyone other than one more person before running into Gokudera as it is. He can almost see the gears working in Gokudera's head. He is not a cruel young man and there is a part of him that feels bad for that, knowing his mention of Tsuna to goad Gokudera into continuing on with him caused it.

Now more aware than he was once upon a time what's really going on with his friend, even if it's second-hand knowledge because the bomber, no matter what never opens up about the really personal things.

So he does what he does best or at least probably to Gokudera's way of thinking, he annoys him, coming up behind and fling an arm around his shoulder with that wide grin of his.]

We can go help him, it'll be like a big sleepover!

...

[Okay, maybe he shouldn't be going off at Yamamoto. It's important that the Tenth has his friends and people he knows. It'll be a comfort to him. He just wishes that he would have said something, given Gokudera the task to find them a larger place instead of taking it on himself. Not that he's incapable... of course the Tenth can do whatever he wants.

Did he not trust him to be capable enough... it's not like the Tenth is thoughtless, but maybe he'd just forgotten? Gokudera is ruminating over it all with a sour expression on his face. It warps into something more like mild irritation when Yamamoto just suddenly hangs on him.]

Obviously! Get off-!

[Gokudera gives him a bit of a shove, but nothing too harmful. Mostly he just doesn't want to push too hard and have them both fall over. He's... tolerant. He's not actually considered that since being in this world, he's been sleeping in relatively close proximity to his boss. It's hard to be unable to sleep well, then to try and keep engaged, ever vigilant for anything that could cause his boss any kind of harm. Gokudera is a little more on edge than usual, and he's sure that his boss can see right through to it. He's not trying to worry him. Maybe he and the baseball idiot can sort of keep shifts...]

For you, maybe. I've been spending my night working on my magic. [He gloats a little, because let's face it... he's a little further ahead in terms of his magical prowess than Yamamoto.]

[Well, that's a start in the right direction, now if Gokudera could realize and treat himself as one of those friends, as someone important. But, baby steps, growth takes time and usually a catalyst. It is not as if they don't all have some growing to do, they are still young after all.

It is probably more, Tsuna does not consider giving out orders or ask them to do things like that. He may suggest they all three go together, just because that's what friends do. But he like Yamamoto sees Gokudera as more than a Right Hand, he's a friend, part of their group.

But, Gokudera has to come to realize this, they can not make him.]

Hahaha maa, maa, it's okay.

[Patient as ever, chuckling when he is shoved his arm falls away but he keeps step with Gokudera, clearly intending to continue on with him now that the bomber seems to have accepted it.

Of course, he knows where Tsuna is staying, the intention to get all three of them together already in his mind as he is sure it is Tsuna's as well. It's always better if they are together.]

Huh, but you have to sleep or you'll be too tired to use it.

[Gokudera grumbles under his breath, obviously annoyed at being touched, annoyed about a lot right now. There's just a lot he was thinking himself in circles over, tying himself in mental knots and creating a bad time.

He really ought to thank Yamamoto for snapping him out of it, but like hell he'll do something like that. Doesn't want the baseball idiot to get more chummy with him.]

I do sleep. I said night. Not nights. [He emphasizes the plural. Gokudera knows he can't go without rest, but he can cut up his sleep into small naps here and there, and he can study about magic when he's too tired to practice it.]

[Yamamoto props his hands up behind his head, walking alongside Gokudera. He appears as always, his calm, smiling, happy self. He expects no gratitude, did not realize he really did much of anything.]

Hahaha! I guess you're right. [He shrugs, that is true, Gokudera does have a leg up, he just arrived here, today was his first time really using his magic at all.]

I bet you and Tsuna have gotten really good at it, I'll have to catch up!

[It's easy enough walking alongside Yamamoto, even though Gokudera doesn't want to be paired up with him in any capacity... but if it's for their boss, he supposes it's fine.]

I haven't met anyone else with light magic, and I think his is elemental. [Gokudera, you don't know anyone because you don't really talk to anyone.]

[What it comes down to for Yamamoto is, he knows, even if Gokudera doesn't, they make a good team. Though judging by Gokudera's behavior, that may be something he has to prove all over again.]

Huh, I met another guy who could talk to animals, one who I don't know what he could we just threw regular snowballs, then there was the girl who could talk to animals too.

[Yeah, Yamamoto already knows people, it's his thing.]

Of course you did.

[Go figure the baseball idiot has met like-minded or... like-gifted idiots to keep him company. Gokudera's not so eager to meet new people, because that is not his thing.

He's sure he's going to have to study light magic on his own, and he is not asking anyone for help or looking for anyone to teach him. Gokudera is going to train his magic the way he handles everything else... with the thought in mind that his way is the only and best way to do it, and if he struggles, then he struggles. He'll get over his own obstacles and that will provide him the growth he needs to improve.]

It's good to meet people, make friends, they might know something we don't, right?

[More he is just outgoing and has no issue striking up conversations with complete strangers. Plus, he is of the mind that friends help friends, it's how obstacles and challenges are best met.

So the more friends you have the more everyone can be there for each other.]

Most people you'll meet are like us, bewildered and clueless. But sure, if they have the same magic as you, they could help you. You'll probably need all the help you can get.

[Gokudera will be fine on his own. He always... somehow manages everything on his own. So, if there is any failing, he only has himself to blame. He is... responsible and foolish at the same time.]

Huh, you don't think different magics could help each other? Like what if we used your light and my animal or maybe Tsuna's elemental, we could probably do some cool stuff.

[Then again, it's magic, they should probably be able to make it cool no matter what, at least to Yamamoto's way of thinking. They will have to agree to disagree, working together is far better, the unit, every one protecting everyone, that's what Yamamoto believes in.]

And do what? Turn a twig into a rabbit, light it up like a disco ball, then set it on fire?

[Gokudera sees zero practicality in them all using their magic together. Then again, he's not got the greatest grasp on his own magic, let alone anyone else's.]

Who knows, but it's better as a team.

[To Yamamoto it is just that he thinks working together as a team, supporting each other is always best. It's the athlete mentality.]

I think that depends entirely on what needs to be done.

[There. Less an argument. They can both make valid points, but Gokudera will not readily agree.]

Huh, I guess you're right, but kind of like the ring battles, only one of us could fight at a time but it helped to have everyone there for moral support.

[He shrugs, propping his hands up behind his head, he is not trying to debate, just have a conversation as Jirou trots along, stopping to nose in the snow every once in a while]

It was... nice, I guess. [He wouldn’t say it helped, but he’s never really had anyone watch on his battles the way the rest of the family did. It probably felt normal to Yamamoto, who’s used to having people watch him and his team play baseball.]

And wrap~

tsuyoi_ame - 2021-01-20 03:25 (UTC) - Expand

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

TEST DRIVE MEME ⚔️️ 2

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And wrap~