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avalonmods ([personal profile] avalonmods) wrote in [community profile] avalaughs2020-12-31 11:53 pm
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TEST DRIVE MEME ⚔️️ 3



{ QUICK NAV }
Premise ⚔️️ Rules ⚔️️ FAQ ⚔️️ Taken ⚔️️ Reserves ⚔️️ Apply ⚔️️ Locations ⚔️️ Bestiary

⚔️️ Top-Levels Only ⚔️️



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 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, [community profile] 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.



Everyone needs a little fun from time to time; the locals have put together the annual Snow Games. As with all things Avalonians plan, magic plays a part in the competition. There will be three separate tiers for characters to enter. Each Tier will have its predetermined track or ring, set up and ready to go.

A ⦿ Foot Races
    The footraces will be run on foot, competitors will be tied together in a three-legged race-style competition... except this binding is magic! The only way to end it is to cross the finish line.

    Along the route, racers can expect to run into minor obstacles such as snow bunnies, puddles that can’t be jumped, a flock of snowbirds giving hassle, trees that upend their own roots and move to confuse the pathway. Whatever the interruption, it will come in the form of either a small creature made of magical snow or some minor hindrance to the path. Competitors will have to use magic to overcome these obstacles. Whatever your magic class, find a way.


B ⦿ Sled Races
    The sled races will be run on magically driven sleds requiring two drivers. Races will not run on one kind of magic alone so be sure to mingle with other classes for this competition. Whatever magic class a character is, they will be required to feed magic into the sled to keep it going; the more magic, the faster it will go.

    On the path, obstacles will come in the form of wholly washed out portions of the track that need to be reformed using magic to pass. Use elemental magic to flatten rocky areas or wash away debris. Larger creatures such as snow deer and moose congregate in large groups blocking the path, so an animal magic user could be useful for asking them to move... someone with cognitive magic could try their hand at a little hypnotizing a fellow newcomer with big muscles to move fallen logs for them. Healing mages could easily use buffers to support their fellow magicians with temporarily increased speed or strength. Use light magic to sneak past living obstacles, or dark users can cast a love enchantment and make a love match between two moose even though it's far from spring. There are tons more creative uses of magic to help you get through the obstacles on the sled's pathway. Find a creative way to use magic and get through the obstacle; make sure you are faster than the other guy.


C ⦿ Snow Chicken
    Snow Chicken, Magic Vs Yeti Style... This competition will differ from the previous two; it is not a race to the finish line but instead a competition to be the last team standing! Participants will pair off and one person will climb on the shoulders of the other and try to wrestle their opponents off without getting knocked off themselves. The field is full of snow, with more coming from the sky. Your opponents will be Yeti. Try to stay on, Yeti are no slouches so teams will have to work together using their magic not only to stay put but to knock your big-footed opponents to the ground.

    Just... be wary, these friendly yeti are surprisingly big on hugging as a form of congratulations. It's much more challenging to escape from a yeti's embrace than it is to knock one over.



Trumpets hail an announcement by the town crier in front of the castle. More than a few people pull out their phones to record it and post it to the AOL network for all to see.

"Hear ye, hear ye! Our noblest of lords, King Arthur of Camelot, will host a tournament on this January the 20th on castle grounds. All are welcome to participate in competitions to determine those most skilled in both the physical and magical arts. In preparation for the upcoming tournament, we are sending envoys to Celliwig. In Celliwig lies the Magic Mirror of the South, gifted to Camelot by the Fae, and a means to communicate with their royal court at will. It is a vastly important task in your journey to become magicians and to show your good will toward the fairies. Parts of the mirror's frame have been damaged. We will need those brave of soul and pure of heart to retrieve the crystals needed to repair the mirror. Those interested, the party leaves at dawn."


A ⦿ Brave of Soul
    The first stop on the trip to restore Celliwig's Mirror is to a cave just north of Albion's White Cliffs. No longer a part of the cliffs themselves, this outcropping goes underground and to a dank, dark cave. It is the only place which a special prismatic crystal grows. The crystal itself is hidden deep in the cave, which can only be passed by passing into a zone in which magic cannot be used. Characters will enter the cave and must face an illusion of one of their greatest fears. Those frozen in fear will pass out and wake up outside of the cave with no crystal. Those who run will find themselves turned out of the cave as well. Only those who recognize and face that fear deep in their soul will find the path forward. The fear will turn into a small light spirit, which will smile and reveal to them the crystals they seek.


B ⦿ Pure of Heart
    The second stop is past a shanty town and at the bridge north of it. The bridge itself is broken, only the ends in existence. The water itself is impassible, white rapids sweeping away anything that steps into it. Silver crystals are on the other side of the bridge, visible in an outcropping from where they are, but it appears there is no way around as magic does not work on the bridge. The only clue as to how to get across is a plaque in the dirt before the bridge.

    "The pure of heart will form the bridge with a leap of faith."

    Since everyone has gone as a group, it will be possible to see others walking over the water once one person figures it out. Though the clue may seem challenging, it is quite straight-forward. Characters who are pure of heart will find that if they believe in themselves, they will be able to step off the bridge and hardlight will form beneath their feet to allow them to step over the water. Those with ill intentions or those who are willing to harm others to get their way will slip into the rapid waters and may need to be saved by other characters. At least you're off the bridge, so magic will work to that end.


C ⦿ Celliwig, the Splendored Court
    As the travelers leave the bridge, they turn toward the shanty town-- wood shacks and failing farms. Not a place anyone would want to visit. Those who try to run ahead will find that it disappears as if an illusion, and they will find nothing. Those who stick with the party will wait a fair distance away until the sun sets. Once the sun begins to fall beyond the horizon, the small town will begin to shimmer brilliant whites and colors-- a glamour hiding its true glory, a city made solely of crystals and glass: Celliwig, the Splendored Court. Though smaller than Camelot, every part of the city is beautiful and glistening. The population is small and it's very quiet and serene for a city. The people of the city don't seem keen on speaking to outsiders, and will typically scatter before anyone can really engage them. They seem humanoid in nature, but not entirely human. Even the animals around the city seem to be ethereal in nature, gliding more than walking.

    The party is led to a hall at the center of the city-- the hall of mirrors. Those who have succeeded in obtaining crystals need to bring them and set them on a table placed before a mirror at the end of the hall, which appears to have a number of empty settings. It's unclear what happened to the mirror previously, but now it's necessary to restore it to garner the favor of the fae.

    Once crystals have been delivered, people will be free to explore the quiet city, but it seems most of the city is closing shop while the visitors are around. There is a restaurant that will serve visitors food, though all of the dishes are of the molecular gastronomy variety. Alcoholic drinks seem to come in vapor form and flashes of light if ordered, but seem effective nonetheless. The local general store seems to be willing to sell supplies to weary travelers as well, but that's about it.

    ...That said the inn doesn't seem particularly keen on allowing visitors in strangely, so you're either going to be sleeping on the iridescent streets or camping just outside the city if you prefer the soft grass and the darkness of night. Just be aware, if you leave, you won't be able to get back into this mysterious city so easily.




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.
Note that the third prompt in this TDM will have consequences on the game's progression. After the application round, a poll will be put up to see how many characters who are in the game, both new and old, are able to obtain the crystals from the Brave of Soul and Pure of Heart prompts.
• 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.
unknowntodeath: (Thinking)

[personal profile] unknowntodeath 2021-01-10 09:29 pm (UTC)(link)
I can communicate with the dream's owner, at least. I don't know if I can really take control of the dream, but I suppose it's a possibility. There's still a lot I don't know about it.

I'm more interested in the aspect of giving hypnotic suggestions, I suppose.
heartlessswordsman: (23)

[personal profile] heartlessswordsman 2021-01-10 09:31 pm (UTC)(link)
"...You know, I'm not so sure that's the case."

He for one isn't exactly feeling too clean right now, seeing as his unexpected dip in the lake just left him feeling kind of gross. He's just going to take a moment to untangle some soggy twigs from his wiry hair.

"I was more referring to the fact that any of us are here at all, not just the water."
rutilance: (Default)

[personal profile] rutilance 2021-01-10 09:52 pm (UTC)(link)
"Let's hope it has far less control than it thinks it does."

She turns back to face him. "I will do my best. I am used to tricksters but usually I have some reasonable recourse I can follow if they get too out of hand. Tricking them back if nothing else." She's not going to admit it, but she's definitely pranked the shit out of people who prank her too often. "I'm not sure how to trick something that can read me this well. It may choose to speak into my ear, but I have some reason to believe it doesn't need to."

The fox came to stand softly beside it, willing itself to pay attention to gravity once more. It looks the dragon up and down, then tilts its head to the side in an eerily human manner.

"Have you any plans on how to form a greater bond with your chosen?"

If there is guile in this being's heart (and rest assured there is) it does not ride upon his voice.
apshot: (117)

that moment when you thought you replied

[personal profile] apshot 2021-01-10 10:09 pm (UTC)(link)
[ In a way, Todoroki had "helped" Bakugou too. Rather, the guy inviting him along over the winter had actually done a lot for the blonde. Watching the Todoroki household dynamics coupled with Endeavor's behavior had... Well it had done something to Bakugou as well. If a guy like the #1 Hero could "lower" himself to try to rectify his mistakes? Well then Katsuki can as well.

So he will. Now he won't be as obnoxious about it as Todoroki's father, but he will move forward. Katsuki can only do this in baby steps right now. Subtle rather than overt ways in how his behavior and mannerisms can change. The first had been the realization that he does need to work with others. Then the second? That had been agreeing to help Deku train his other Quirks. ]


It's fine, huh? Tch. Like anyone else would be able to actually do it first. [ His arrogance isn't going to go anywhere for a while though. ] So it's training then. For the both of us.

[ So maybe the next step that he takes is also, augh, helping out the others too. One thing at a time, right? So Katsuki holds up his hand. Focuses on the feeling that he had held onto when the fire first started up. It takes a few moments, but sure enough the flame will spark back to life. ]

Tch. Just like relearning your Quirk.
forgeabettertomorrow: (I don't really get it but...)

[personal profile] forgeabettertomorrow 2021-01-10 10:20 pm (UTC)(link)
"Well...what kind of work? You're kinda just...sitting there."
forgeabettertomorrow: (GHK!)

[personal profile] forgeabettertomorrow 2021-01-10 10:20 pm (UTC)(link)
What makes you think I did something?!
forgeabettertomorrow: (I don't really get it but...)

[personal profile] forgeabettertomorrow 2021-01-10 10:23 pm (UTC)(link)
"Near as I can tell, there's gonna be some people on hand to teach us. Back in my world, there was a test to determine what type of mana you were naturally affiliated with. Maybe it has something to do with these guys."

Darin thumbs at his antlion familiar, who clicks its mandibles in affirmation. Clearly, these familiars were more than meets the eye.

"We're bonded with these guys so they probably know more than we do."
mayoninofukucho: (Are you serious?)

[personal profile] mayoninofukucho 2021-01-10 10:25 pm (UTC)(link)
[Stooop. Let him live!! This isn't Prismatice! People are going to think he's some kind of cow enthusiast! In the most benign interpretation maybe 'cattle farmer' is a valid career path here, but Hijikata isn't cut out for that. He lacks the peace of mind to let the herd set the pace of his work day.]

Regardless of what happened to me, I never had four stomachs!

[Surely he would have noticed that... right?]

Whether I believe you about the trolls depends on your answer. If it's bullshit I won't buy it. Or maybe you are the trolls?
patchricide: (11)

[personal profile] patchricide 2021-01-10 10:26 pm (UTC)(link)
"That's quite all right. I'm hardly in a position to criticize, since my Cognitive magic isn't the best adapted for this challenge, either."

But her posture and expression almost seem to puff up with optimism, as she continues: "Which means we could use this to practice applying our magic in unconventional ways! Failing that, there's always the tried and true strategy of going as fast as possible."

And that sort of wild ride sounds like music to her big, pointed ears.

"So, care to join me?"
thepattern: (Hollow-Art 48)

[personal profile] thepattern 2021-01-10 10:29 pm (UTC)(link)
"'Mana,' huh? That's not a term I've heard before." But there were infinite Shadows, and therefore infinite terms to describe what amounts to the same effect. Mana, magic, sorcery, chaos... None of these are anything Corwin has experience with.

At the gesture towards the antlion Corwin gives a vague nod, then glances out at his unicorn familiar again. As though she somehow knows he's looking, her head turns as she canters and gives him a slow, regal nod.

...It's unsettling. It makes Corwin feel like he's under a magnifying glass. As though some force greater than anything he is or will ever be is acknowledging his existence.

"I don't know how I feel about that, to be honest... I've only had brief interactions with a unicorn before. This one... I don't know what to do with her."
forgeabettertomorrow: (son of a...)

[personal profile] forgeabettertomorrow 2021-01-10 10:30 pm (UTC)(link)
"Of course it hurt you hit me with a metal fist! I was expecting flesh and bone!!"

He sits up and rubs his jaw emphatically, apparently having completely forgotten he asked for this and he was also going to attempt to heal himself.

"...That's a pretty impressive prosthetic. Most prosthetics I've seen and made don't have any functionality. They're just fist shaped lumps of steel. You actually have control of that thing, don't you."

Yup, he's totally forgotten the purpose of this.
mayoninofukucho: (Excuse me?!)

[personal profile] mayoninofukucho 2021-01-10 10:35 pm (UTC)(link)
Hey!! If you want the One P*ece at least keep it whole!

[Whatever it really is. Kamui qualifies as a pirate, at least! Before Hijikata can chime in on the topic of the penniless puppeteers behind the scenes, though, he sees a person a good bit up ahead of them lose their footing, flail briefly and go flying over the cliff's edge.]

!!!

[He sprints towards the scene (despite obviously not being able to make it there in time), but luckily his fear was unnecessary. A large hand emerges out of the cliff face below and catches the falling person in its palm, then patiently waits for them to recover from the scare and scamper back onto the pathway. Even if Kamui's nue kept its moderate pace, Hijikata will still be standing there and staring at the hand as is retreats back into the solid rock below.]

Wow!!
forgeabettertomorrow: (Ehehehe well...)

[personal profile] forgeabettertomorrow 2021-01-10 10:37 pm (UTC)(link)
"You...want to stab me?"

Suddenly, he looks a lot less sure of himself.

"But that's gonna hurt way more than a punch."

But less than a fireball???

"...Hey, wait. Aren't you a bit young to be carrying a knife like that?"
forgeabettertomorrow: (I don't really get it but...)

[personal profile] forgeabettertomorrow 2021-01-10 10:38 pm (UTC)(link)
"Injuring myself seems kinda crazy though, don't you think?"

Can you hear those crickets, Leon?

This man is ten thousand percent serious.
forgeabettertomorrow: (you're kidding me)

[personal profile] forgeabettertomorrow 2021-01-10 10:40 pm (UTC)(link)
FINALLY

Darin stumbles forward and falls face first into the ground. You'd think that, having given him what he wanted, Archer would get a proper thank you, right?

Well...

Darin rolls over and jumps to his feet.

"What the hell, man?! What gives?! What kind of man hits another in the back?!"

Nope.
forgeabettertomorrow: (GHK!)

[personal profile] forgeabettertomorrow 2021-01-10 10:43 pm (UTC)(link)
"Wait, that unicorn is your familiar??"

Darin cranes his head to look out the window.

"Aw man, that's so cool! I thought familiars were supposed to be creepy and unsettling like mine! What gives?! Don't I deserve something less objectively offputting?!"

Darin is actually asking this to no one in particular because the gods have abandoned him.
forgeabettertomorrow: (I'm about to do something awesome)

[personal profile] forgeabettertomorrow 2021-01-10 10:44 pm (UTC)(link)
"Whoa..."

That's pretty much all Darin's got to offer after having witnessed that.

Well, that and:

"Overkill much?"
patchricide: (64)

[personal profile] patchricide 2021-01-10 10:45 pm (UTC)(link)
"Well, given the number of people here, and the welcoming committee —" she says, gesturing to a nearby turtle, "— it seems safe to assume this is all on purpose. And likely orchestrated through wormholes, which is why I would love to know — why here? Unless, of course, they don't have control over the destination..."

She frowns thoughtfully. Even though she suggested it, it doesn't seem like she likes the idea very much.

"The only one who seemed to know what was going on was that one woman with the potions. Did you see her, too?"
thepattern: (Hollow-Art 21)

[personal profile] thepattern 2021-01-10 10:51 pm (UTC)(link)
Corwin chuckles, but looks a little sheepish. (Only a little.) "I wouldn't go knocking yours so readily. Look at it! It's... fierce... fearsome! I know if I were your enemy, and I saw that thing coming at me, I'd think twice about crossing you."
fancypockets: (Default)

[personal profile] fancypockets 2021-01-10 11:06 pm (UTC)(link)
Why. How.

He drags a hand over his face, as though it might somehow pull the world into sharper focus. It doesn't help.

"You have to be fucking with me."

The sleek griffon that serves as his familiar clacks her beak, and utters a croaking cry that sounds a lot like laughter. Which of them she's laughing at is anyone's guess.
souris_keteer: (Mikijs)

[personal profile] souris_keteer 2021-01-10 11:08 pm (UTC)(link)
You could'a fooled me, what with all that smart stuff you were sayin' back there!
heartlessswordsman: (72)

[personal profile] heartlessswordsman 2021-01-10 11:08 pm (UTC)(link)
"Admittedly, I don't have any experience something like a familiar, but from what I understand, it sounds like they have to cooperate with us. At the very least, whatever tricks it tries to pull shouldn't be too dangerous."

But who knows, man. New world, new rules, anything can happen.

Back on the roof, the little dragon perks up when the fox comes over to it.

"I have no idea!" it replies way too cheerfully, "I was thinking, he's a little cranky, right? Maybe I should bring him a present to cheer him up? Like a big dead rabbit!"

This is going to go well.
troubadamsel: (Default)

[personal profile] troubadamsel 2021-01-10 11:10 pm (UTC)(link)
It appears so. It'll be like learning how to do it all over again... It's most upsetting.

[ Although she says it very calmly. ]

And what of you? Are your magics the same?
heartlessswordsman: (130)

[personal profile] heartlessswordsman 2021-01-10 11:13 pm (UTC)(link)
Zelgadis doesn't reply. Instead, he simply falls face forward onto his charred, soggy bed.

And just stays there for a minute.

Of course this is how his night is going to go. Of course it is.
heartlessswordsman: (106)

[personal profile] heartlessswordsman 2021-01-10 11:20 pm (UTC)(link)
"Wormholes?"

This is a foreign concept to medieval fantasy world boy over here. He's just picturing really big worms.

"The one in the water, yes. She was kind of hard to miss. I didn't exactly have a chance to interrogate her like I would have wanted."

Said interrogation would have absolutely involved a sword and a fair amount of threats, so maybe it's for the best that Zel didn't have a chance to talk to her.