avalaughs | TEST DRIVE MEME ⚔️️ 3

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TEST DRIVE MEME ⚔️️ 3

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⚔️️ 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,

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

three-legged race

B ⦿ Sled Races

magically driven sleds

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.

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

Arrival

A ⦿ Soaking in Your Arrival

[One moment Hijikata was pulling a pack of cigarettes from a machine in Edo, the next he lands in an ice-cold lake. Alright!! As he sputters around a woman swims up to him and offers him a potion that immediately warms him up, which helps a lot. Before he can attempt making any conversation with her she dives off like a mermaid. As he swims to the shore he notices a whole bunch of other people dealing with the same situation.]

What the hell..? Was this episode supposed to have an RPG segment?

[Forgive him for breaking the 4th Wall a little; Gintama characters deal with a lot. He won't do it towards other people, though; he knows most would only get confused. Once on dry land he tries to light one of his new cigarettes, only to find them hopelessly soaked. A humanoid figure with a pair of wings and a crow's head approaches him as he curses his bad luck, and despite being used to all sorts of extraterrestrial Amanto Hijikata can't help but be a little startled.]

Aren't you a crow tengu..?

[He heard folk tales of them like most Japanese people, but never expected to see one in the flesh. The crow tengu looks dry and pristine - he was able to fly himself to the shore without taking an involuntary bath. Once he's satisfied with Hijikata's wellbeing he soars up the cliffs on his large wings, leaving the samurai to hike. Hijikata huffs as he starts the ascent.]

Damn. This is going to be a whole arc, huh?

B ⦿ The Caravan to Camelot

[At the top of the cliffs Hijikata is pretty impressed with the view of the lake below, but doesn't lose much time to secure himself one of the cloaks (when Archimedes offers a grey one he asks for a black one instead, and he gets his wish). The smartphone and earbuds are more of an afterthought for him, and without hesitation he takes off his uniform coat, jacket, vest and shirt right where he's standing. He's not getting sick first thing in a strange new world!! Once he has the warm cloak on he feels much better, even with his wet trousers still clinging to his legs.

When Archimedes starts filling everybody in on the situation he listens attentively. So it's another one of those crossover situations... he already has a little experience with those, and even his own world regularly sees strange occurrences, so he takes it all in stride (not that he isn't worried about Edo; this time freeze situation sounds pretty damn bad). He can't see the crow tengu around anymore, so even though there's still time before the caravan departs he already gets in his carriage to be warm and helps himself to some food and drinks from the mini bar as he connects to AOL to gather information.]

Hmm... okay, I see.

[Is anyone totally lost and confused? While it's up to personal judgement if Hijikata looks trustworthy he at least does look like he knows what he's doing (and also like he's as cosy at it gets around here), so maybe approach him for help?]

C ⦿ The Red Spring

[Upon arrival at the Red Spring Hijikata first hangs up his still somewhat damp clothes to dry in the room he shares with his roommate, then checks the provisions.]

Looks like we'll have to keep living on mini bar food for now. Well, I won't complain. I heard there was a hot spring, so I'll go there first of all! Are you coming too?

[Or, well, he assumes it's a hot spring. No one really clarified that to him.]

I think I'll also check out the training grounds tomorrow. Do you already know what magic you got?

Snow Games

[Some people back home would call Hijikata a workaholic, but honestly, who can focus on fun and games when all sorts of worlds are frozen in time and it's up to them here in Avalon to unfreeze them? What's more, he isn't exactly keen on getting up close and personal with random strangers (or brand new acquaintances) and deal with more big and small obstacles than he ever asked for. No thanks!! He'll be a mere spectator to the sportive event.]

Why are these people voluntarily fighting Yeti?! I get that it's training, sort of, but isn't it too much?

[If someone lacks a partner, though, he may be willing to step in if it's really important to them.]

Mirror, Mirror

A ⦿ Brave of Soul

[Now this is an actual mission that needs to be taken care of! Hijikata practiced his magic somewhat on his own in the short time he had. He got particularly lucky and ended up with the same elemental magic he already got to wield once before: fire. Due to this he feels relatively secure in using it, though he still lacks much, much practice. Beforehand he was only capable of producing small flames, just enough to light a candle or a cigarette, and now... well, he isn't quite sure of the extent of his powers yet. Regardless, he signs up for the quest.

He soon learns that his magic will actually be useless for this part of the adventure as it won't work in the depths of the cave. Still, he's not a coward! He ventures forth into the darkness brisky yet with alert senses... until he suddenly sees his commander standing there, seemingly lost for the right way. Hijikata does a double take.]

Kondou-san?

[So more people from Edo are here! He happily runs towards the other man, but instantly shadowy figures leap forth from the rocks and run Kondou through with sharp swords. Hijikata feels like he's been punched in the gut and in the heart simultaneously. This isn't happening. This can't be happening. There's no way this world is this cruel-- but then what does he know? He feels nauseous, frozen in place, unable to look away or even blink as his commander turns his head to him and gives him a pained, sad smile.

When Hijikata awakens he instantly shoots up from the ground, only to find himself outside the cave. He staggers to his feet and makes a desperate dash towards the cave mouth, possibly even pushing people out of the way.]

Stay back!! It's dangerous in there!

[He says that as he charges right in. Hypocritical much? Perhaps someone ought to calm him down a little before he runs into a stalactite.]

B ⦿ Pure of Heart

[After his failure in the cave Hijikata is pretty gloomy. And here he thought he was a pretty unshakable swordsman... the damn cave just found his weakest point and attacked it. How is that fair?! He has a lot less faith in his own spiritual or emotional purity, so he's hesitant to even attempt the next mission, but ultimately his sense of duty wins out, and he accompanies the other volunteers to the long-destroyed bridge. Again they can't use their magic (and his wouldn't have helped here anyway), so he frowns as he reads the plaque.]

A leap of faith, huh...

[He sizes up the difference between the two crumbled bridge ends, then walks a good bit back, sprints towards the gap as fast as he can, and leaps.

His jump wasn't quite powerful enough, and his eyes widen as he realises that he isn't going to make it, but instead of plummeting into the rapids he lands on what feels like solid air. Since he didn't anticipate it he clumsily crumples into a pretty undignified position, but quickly gets back up and attempts to casually jog over to the other side of the bridge. Hopefully not everybody saw that!! Well, if nothing else he can now collect some crystals. While he does so he mutters under his breath.]

This, this is all wrong. It should have been the other way around.

C ⦿ Celliwig, the Splendored Court

[Hijikata stays with the party, not wanting any more adventures for the day. He's even more uncertain of the workings of this world now, and to be honest, he's still shaken up from the illusion in the cave. Is he even cut out for this? Also where's his familiar? Isn't he supposed to support him? He's feeling a little glum, but he doesn't complain about the wait and just ruminates in silence.

As dusk arrives and reveals the true appearance of Celliwig he perks up in surprise. When the party enters the city he attentively observes its inhabitans and the odd animals with their gliding, floating movements. After turning in his crystals he does explore the place, though he isn't intrigued by the only open restaurant's offerings at all (and he has no money in the local currency anyway). He wanders off to the outskirts, looking off in the direction they came from earlier, and lights a cigarette with a flick of his fingers.]

Strange world...

Wildcard ⦿ Quests

[In order to get some gold Hijikata soon downloads QuestBoard to gather information on the current outstanding missions. He makes a post on AOL under username 'hijikata' (creative as ever).]

I'm a new arrival, a swordsman. I'd like to collaborate on some quests, perhaps particularly the combat-focused ones. I can also lend general assistance, however I don't think I can deal with the online trolls. If you are interested in teaming up please let me know.

[ Riou, for one, can recognize when someone is panicking. Moreso if they seemed like they were a well-kept together person when they had entered. People seemed keen on entering all willy-nilly, but Riou had stayed back to gather intelligence first.

Someone who was clearly running back in would have seen what was hidden within, and seemed like an ideal candidate if he could calm him down. He runs to catch up with the man, grabbing him by the wrist and speaking firmly and clearly. ]

Stop. If you charge back in without a plan, you'll only fail a second time.

[Hijikata really should have done the same before just walking in there, but he got the general sense that everyone was going into the quest blindly. He tries to pull free from Riou's grasp.]

My friend got attacked!

[It looked pretty damn fatal, but he doesn't want to say 'killed', not as long as it's not confirmed. What is he supposed to do if he can't save Kondou?! Without him he flat-out won't know what to do with his life.]

Please, I have to help him!

[His mind is already rattling through the possibilities - if the enemies are physical entities he'll cut them up and if it's the last thing he does, but if they're shades of some sort... well, what can he really do then? Wait, though. Wait a moment. He abruptly stops struggling to look at Riou's face.]

Riou?

[ Riou had been prepared to formulate a plan of attack to rescue this man's friend... until he said his name, with no cause for knowing it. No clear cause, anyway. Perhaps he was a friend of Samatoki or Jyuto and had somehow seen a picture? ]

Yes. Let's address your friend first. What do you know of the enemy?

[ He can interrogate Hijikata after they eliminate the clear and present threat. Unless it's a trap? His brows furrow as he looks at Hijikata to attempt to discern whether or not he's trustworthy. ]

[At any other time Hijikata would be overjoyed to see Riou again - across different worlds and eras, no less -, but he fully agrees on prioritising the matter at hand. He usually keeps a cool head decently well in tense situations, but his commander is the one thing he can't compromise at all. If anything happens to Kondou the Shinsengumi will lose its soul. Sure, Hijikata can lead the men, but without the person whose idealistic, hopeful world view attracted them all in the first place what would the point be? Hijikata can't be like Kondou. Protecting him has been his self-assigned duty ever since they first met, and if he failed here...

No, no, he needs to calm down. He briefly closes his eyes and takes a deep breath to give Riou a report of what actually happened.]

I saw three people. Humanoid, but I'm not sure if they were human. They moved very fast. They were either dressed in black, or...

[He struggles a little to find the right words.]

Or they were shadows.

[Okay, now that just sounded ridiculous, didn't it? Also how come he didn't notice Kondou in the group of volunteers earlier? The man is pretty loud and sociable; surely he would have been chatting away with someone... but then there's no telling if separate groups and individuals didn't make their way to the cave independently of the trek Hijikata was part of.]

Understood. Stand behind me and stay quiet. I need to determine the position of the assailants.

[ He's trying to decide if he can build a makeshift explosive and toss it in or if the targets are too close to the hostage for that. He doesn't have night vision goggles, so sniping the targets is not an answer in a dark cave. If the hostage is not clear, the best option may be to invoke his familiar, a nocturnal face-sucking flying squirrel called a Nobusuma, but he isn't sure in its efficiency.

Worst case scenario, he goes in and takes all three of them out in hand-to-hand, but it's not the most effective in the dark. He is completely dismissing the need for Hijikata's involvement in this beyond securing the hostage once Riou's taken care of all of the targets himself. This is simply what he's used to. ]

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mayoninofukucho - 2021-01-10 01:20 (UTC) - Expand

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mayoninofukucho - 2021-01-10 02:10 (UTC) - Expand

cw: PTSD, weapons/explosives, paranoia, mentions of war/killing/hunting

grylls - 2021-01-17 01:21 (UTC) - Expand

Toshirou Hijikata | Gintama | Prismatica CRAU

Mirror Mirror - A (riou doesn't remember prisma sadly ;O;)

That'll actually be HILARIOUS.

hehehehe excellent

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Continued from above!

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SNOW GAMES

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The Red Spring

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soaking in your arrival;

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wildcard - quests; text, username: ruffestrabbit

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