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avalaughs2021-08-01 12:44 am
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TEST DRIVE MEME ⚔️️ 10
![]() Premise ⚔️️ Rules ⚔️️ FAQ ⚔️️ Taken ⚔️️ Reserves ⚔️️ Apply ⚔️️ Locations ⚔️️ Bestiary ⚔️️ Top-Levels Only ⚔️️ ![]()
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 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. 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, 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. (Though.. given how hot and muggy the weather is this first week, maybe you might want to ask him to toss you right back into the lake where the waters are still cool.) *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
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 whole coconuts filled with tropical drinks and topped with tiny umbrellas. Strawberry daiquiris, pina coladas, margaritas, mai tais, and more... all frosty and in the spirit of keeping you cool during the sunny month of August. (Naturally, virgin editions are available for the underaged.) 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. ![]()
With communications with Elphame in Celliwig disrupted by specters and Arthur temporarily decommissioned, the Hall of Mirrors is temporarily off limits for cleansing rituals. Celliwig has encouraged people to return to Camelot for the time being, which is just as well with all the newcomers flooding in. Last month's new arrivals through the old guard got an introduction to the new aquatic mounts and there are now plenty of people versed in how to handle and work with the magical alpacapies, mossatees, and deinosuchus. As scout parties head out further, there are a few problems that they've run into that need a helping hand from Camelot's otherworldly population.
B ⦿ Clash of the Titans
C ⦿ Fresh Waters
Or if you weren't so lucky, you may find yourself waking up on a slightly different shore. An underwater shore. An underwater town, in fact. After the initial panic of realizing that you're not drowning when you wake up settles in, you'll realize that you seem to be able to breathe underwater just fine. In fact, the real panic is probably about to start when you realize that like the fine people of this town that saved you, you've been temporarily gifted gills and a bottom lower half of either a merperson, a naga, or a cecaelia. Your caretaker, a nurse of the local town, offers the explanation that the only way to save everyone from drowning was to pull them into their territory, which is cursed to turn them all into sea monsters. Not to worry though, as long as you leave before the sun sets on the third day, you'll turn back to normal just fine. ...Though, they're not really sure when that was or if they battle is over, so you should probably find your friends and any possessions you had with you and start heading toward the surface. Not too much time to explore this strange, underwater town... especially since you don't have much practice not having legs to get you up to the surface. Don't worry, if you don't make it out in time, the Lady of the Lake will come fetch you... though perhaps not in time, so you may need to spend some time back in Camelot seeking out someone to break a curse. ![]()
Arthur is injured and recovering, and news has spread on social media about it. There are lots of well-wishers and gifts being sent to the castle... enough that there's just too much for Arthur to do anything with it. He needs time to recover and rest and not be bothered, and as such declares that all those who need it shall share in the wealth and generosity of those wishing him well. The abundance (Especially from guilty Celliwigians who didn't realize what was happening right under their own noses) results in a few things happening...
B ⦿ Swap Meet
C ⦿ Healing Circle After Party
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. |
B-1!
But it's then that she notices the red rims around Kainé's eyes, and she realizes all at once - oh. She's been crying.
Satoko hesitates for a moment, not knowing what to do. She can't just stay silent now that she's noticed - what if Kainé is still distressed, and needs someone to talk to? Satoko can already find herself sympathizing with her, just knowing that she's upset, and she can't imagine not at least trying to make her feel better. But to be honest, Kainé is... rather intimidating, and Satoko doesn't know what to say.
But eventually, she gathers her courage and decides to speak up. ]
Umm... excuse me. Are... you okay? We've found ourselves in quite the difficult situation, haven't we?
Yay! I get to thread with a Satoko! BTW, just had surgery so if this is weird I'm sorry lol
[Kainé wasn't used to how hotel's worked. She sighs and sits down at the table. It's a really nice room considering it's for a bunch of newcomers. Kainé for sure has never lived in such nice accommodations. The beds alone were like a dream... if she had been able to get a restful sleep.
Kainé probably looked like an idiot all red-eyed. This girl probably thought she was homesick or something. What a fucking joke that is! Fortunately, she was tired enough that she hadn't quite put up her walls for the day. So when asked, the information just kinda blurted out.]
Oh... It uh... doesn't have to do with this place. [She sucks in a breath and lets it out slow] I keep having this dream... I wake up filled with pain and sadness... and the feeling like I'm missing something really important to me.
Dammit.
[Every time she thinks about it, it just frustrates her that she can't remember something so imporant.]
Three years ago, I saved a girl named Yonah. I found this flower [She gently touches the Lunar Tear in her hair] It's a rare legendary flower called a Lunar Tear. I know it I got it from someone and whoever gave it to me must have cared a lot about me.
I was crying then too... I still haven't figured out why though.
[She actually felt a little better getting the damn thing off her chest. Who knew that was a thing?]
ayyyy no worries! & i'm glad you're excited c: oh & i'm using a diff account here but it's still me!
So it was a dream? But it sounds like it might've been a dream formed from a memory.
At first, Satoko doesn't know what to say. She wants to comfort Kainé, but she doesn't know how... and telling her that it was "just a dream" doesn't feel right at all. ]
But you don't know who gave it to you? [ she eventually asks, her voice soft. The way that Kainé described the person who gave her the flower made it sound like she doesn't know who they are... yet at the same time, she knows that they cared about her? It's strange, and Satoko feels like there must be more to it. Maybe if she learns more, she can help Kainé with whatever it is that's causing her pain... ]
are you the same Satoko I know from Noctium?
I know it's not just a dream. Someone was there when I fought the bastard that killed my Grandma. I... [She grit her teeth for having to admit weakness.] couldn't have done it alone. That someone convinced me to go save Yonah instead of giving in to death then and there. Since that was supposed to be it then. Goal achieved. Game over. But instead I went on this long quest.
[Why was she explaining such personal things to a roommate she just met. Maybe being alone, dwelling on it for three years had gotten to her.
If only she could go out and find something to kill to put her at ease.]
No, i'm not at noctium! just here at the moment.
To be honest, it's unsettling to hear Kainé talk about giving in to death. Had she wanted to die? Satoko can't imagine what that must feel like, and how much pain she must've experienced to end up that way... But the person who convinced her to go on - surely that person must have been important. But to have forgotten them entirely - how could that have happened? Did something happen that was so traumatic that her brain tried to bury the memories away?
Satoko doesn't even know if that's possible. Still, there's one thing she's sure of.]
I don't know why you would forget them... but I think that that person must've been precious to you. After all, you were crying for them, weren't you?
haha ok then cool! I know two Satokos now!
Yeah, I think so too. For three years I've been in so much pain. It's almost like my heart hurts... Whoever it is, I don't think I'll find them here. [Amber eyes meet Satoko's.] What would you do?
[She asks the questions, then realizes what she was doing and stands abruptly, slamming her hands on the table.]
Fuck it. You know where I can find some shit to kill? To get my mind off this?
ayyyy awesome!
I'm sure they're still out there. [ She replies with a small smile, and though Kainé's situation is different to hers, it almost feels like she's talking to herself instead of Kainé. ] So... do not give up. If you wait for them, they'll come back one day... that's what I think.
[ Maybe it's naive. But Satoko truly believes it.
When Kainé suddenly changes gears, Satoko finds herself a little startled - particularly by her sudden foul language. Still, it wouldn't be fair to lecture her now, when she's just been crying... ]
Umm... I don't know about finding things you can kill, but I do believe the training grounds would be the place to go if you're looking to fight. Perhaps a trip there would be a good idea?
no subject
You like to fight? Gotta figure out what this magic shit they stuck us with is right?
[She went back to her room and grabbed her swords. It was still kinda weird to have to carry them instead of just summoning them from thin air with her Shade magic. Maybe this new magic would allow her to do the same thing once she figured it out? Wasn't she supposed to get some kind of magical creature too? A familiar they called it? Secretly, she hoped she would get something cute.
Kainé returned to the living room of their shared hotel to see if Satoko wanted to accompany her.]
no subject
[ A fight with the intimidating-looking Kainé is quite the scary thought... but it's not like they're going to be killing each other, right? In fact, it's rather like a club activity, isn't it? Thinking of it that way, the idea of a fight with Kainé actually sounds rather fun.
And if it's a fight they're having, then Satoko has no intention to lose! ]
Ohohoho! [ Satoko suddenly grins as she bursts into confident-sounding laughter. ] I would be most honored to fight with you, Kainé-san! In that case, shall we be off?
moved us there quick hehe (also this is my fav icon I have lol)
But now she had to figure out what sort of magic she had to work with here. She had been human for three years only to be saddled with magic again. Hopefully the reasoning behind it wasn't like being possessed.]
Yeah, let's get our asses moving.
[The good thing was, the training ground wasn't that far from the hotel they were staying at, so it took them almost no time at all to get there.]
it's a good icon!!
When they arrive, Satoko turns to Kainé and smiles. ]
Shall we decide the rules for our combat? How will we know when one of us has lost the battle?
[ Will it be the first person to submit? Or does Kainé have another condition in mind? That's what Satoko wants to know. ]
Meet Kainé's familiar
Rules, yeah...
[Kainé hesitated for a second. To be honest, she had never fought with rules. It was always life or death. This would be a new experience for her too. Not to mention, she had no idea what kind of magic she had been 'blessed with.' (Magic in her world wasn't a good thing) She could feel that the power seemed familiar, yet different.
She drew her swords and held them at her sides.]
You make the rules. Honestly, I have no fucking clue how this works.
And that is precisely why you need my help.
[A disembodied voice spoke, audible to both Kainé and Satoko. Then what looked to be a thick, black book with Japanese characters adorning the cover popped out of thin air and floated behind Kainé
She hadn't noticed yet exactly what it was, but suddenly, Kainé got a feeling of extreme annoyance. When she turned, to see where the voice had come from her jaw dropped for a moment and she stared wide-eyed. It took her a good thirty seconds to collect herself again.]
Who the hell are you? And why would I need your help?
I am Kai-hakase and by the grace of the powers that be, I have been brought here to impart my knowledge of Avalon's magic upon you. You have the privilege of being partnered with a renowned tsukumogami, and to acquire the wisdom of over a hundred years of life.
Fuck...
[It was all Kainé could get out at the moment as she visibly bristled.]
no subject
Eh?
[ A book? No, a tsukumogami... Somehow, standing there, Satoko suddenly feels like she's in the presence of something very powerful. Maybe it's her imagination, or maybe it's the way that the book speaks, but regardless, that's the way that she feels.
How is she supposed to talk to a tsukumogami? Since it addressed Kainé, would it be rude for Satoko to say anything? Instead of talking to it directly, Satoko finds herself turning to Kainé, and asking her- ]
Kainé-san... is that your familiar?
no subject
I think so...
No one told me it was going to be a fucking book! I thought I was done with this shit!
[Deep down, she had a pang of sadness though. Who would have thought she'd actually miss Weiss? Maybe it was that other presence that she knew was there, but still couldn't remember.]
You will address me as Kai-Hakase...
[Kainé cuts the book off]
What the fuck does that mean?
It is an honorific for someone with great scholarly achievements in my world. You will use it to show respect for I am going to impart...]
Yeah? How 'bout I cram your index up your own ass!
Wha... A lady shouldn't use such foul language! I will have to teach you some proper manners! No pupil of mine will speak like a heathen!
Do I look like a goddamn lady to you?
You! Girl!
[The tsukumogami addresses Satoko]
I apologize for I do not know your name, but would you be so kind as to correct Kainé's etiquette in my absence?
Fuck off and die, book.
[Kainé looks at Satoko with an eyebrow raised as if to say, 'Yeah, that's not gonna happen']
LOL Kainé and her familiar are great already!
[ Up until then, Satoko had been watching the argument play out with increasing horror. Evidently, Kainé is someone who swears like a sailor - and at first, and though Satoko herself had found herself rather put-off by her language, she wasn't expecting to actually be dragged into this mess.
She has to agree with the book on some level, but it's not like she wants to get on Kainé's bad side after just meeting her. And to be honest, Kainé is still somewhat... well, intimidating. Not that Satoko's scared of her! It's just- well. ]
Don't suddenly involve me in your quarrel! [ Satoko cries, as all attention is turned to her. ] Yes, Kainé-san's language is rather... uncouth, but it isn't my job to correct her, is it? It's not my issue to deal with - rather, it's yours!
Hehe are you canon familiar? Going for Weiss with more motherly scolding. I left gender neutral.
Thank fuck I'll get a goddamn break from this shit...
[Kainé smirks at Satoko's reply it seemed the other girl had taken her side. She shouldered one of her swords and took a defiant stance.]
Hear that? She said, piss off, book.
[Satoko could also thank Grandma for Kainé's attitude. She had sworn like a sailor as well. However, Kainé's insults seemed to be directed more at the book and not at Satoko at all.
This time, the tsukumogami seemed to ignore Kainé's dismissal as it went on about its plans to shape Kainé into a proper woman.]
Another thing we shall address in due time, is your lack of clothing. A lady should cover herself and display proper modesty.
[It wasn't the first time she had heard that either. Well, Weiss only voiced his displeasure. This book was trying to actually mold her!]
Yeah, good luck with that. I do things my way.
[She turned back to Satoko and tilted her head.]
How 'bout we get to the part where we fight?
Kainé! Remember it is only a training match!