avalaughs | TEST DRIVE MEME ⚔️️ 3

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TEST DRIVE MEME ⚔️️ 3

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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 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

Sherry still didn't really know how she felt about the monster, but at least he seemed like he wasn't going to hurt her? Even if he was sort of looming over her. Wow he was tall, wasn't he.

The hunter, meanwhile, just shook his head no to the question. "No name," came the words, caught somewhere between a growl and a squeak. Not the most dignified voice, which might be why he didn't seem to talk much.

"Do...you want one?" Sherry suddenly asked, surprising even herself with the question. After a moment, the hunter nodded, once.

Claire, sensing Sherry's continued tension, doesn't move away. she stoops down again, watching the hunter carefully, making an attempt at solidarity with both her dog and the girl.

"Well, I guess you've got two friends to name, Sherry."

She's cheerful enough about it, knowing that the familiar was...if not exactly friendly looking...linked to the kid.

"Something tough, but nice, maybe. He seems like...I dunno, a Bruce?"

"I've never really had to name things before," she said as she looked from the hunter to the dog and back. Great. Names had to be right, right? Something that fit and that they'd like...

"I'll need to think about it!" She declared finally, giving everyone a hopeful smile. The hunter seemed to have expected that, and he just nodded again before turning and starting to stalk down the beach.

"...Bye?" She called after him, then turned to Claire. "I guess they just do what they want most of the time?"

Claire let it go, watching curiously as the monster slipped back towards the water. When she turned her eyes away, she looked down at Sherry, nodding firmly.

"Yeah. They have a mind of their own, just like you and I do. The pooch doesn't hang around all the time either. Unless he's hungry."

The barghest sneezes again, tail wagging.

"Okay, Sherry. Let's start walking. We've got a bit to go, but soon you'll be in a place where we can get you into some dry clothes, a bath, and then some food. You've gotta be starving."

Sherry watched the hunter for a few more seconds before she nodded and turned to Claire. "Okay." She agreed with a little smile, bringing her hands up to tighten the towel around her shoulders. She didn't want to admit she was hungry but she hadn't eaten in almost a day at this point. There wasn't a lot of time for snacking during a zombie apocalypse. So she was just glad her stomach didn't comically growl at the right moment, there.

"Uhm." She had a million questions, but the first seemed the most important. "Where are we, anyway?"

Didn't growl...yet.

Claire put a hand on Sherry's shoulder and started giving her a little push away, towards the towering white cliffs and a large path cutting through them to the top.

"We're in a place called Avalon. How we got here I don't know, but I got the name when I arrived."

She paused, looking at the girl for a moment.

"Have you ever heard of King Arthur?"

"Did you fall in the lake too?" She asked as she started walking, stumbling one step before steadying herself. Look, it was important she not be the only one going through such an indignity!

"The round table king? I think I had a storybook with him when I was little."

Sherry you are still little.

"Yeah, I fell in too."

She was not alone and it sort of sucked. Actually it had sucked a lot, but at least it had washed off the sewer grime.

"And yes, that same king. I don't know if the story you read told you but when he died, there was a prophecy that he would return to save the world again one day. And...apparently that's happened here. We're in King Arthur's kingdom. Brought here by magic."

"I don't think he died in my story. It was for six year olds," she almost laughed as she said this. It was strange how a night of horror could put things like kids books in perspective. Six year olds probably could handle a little death!

"I thought he was king of...England?" That sounded right in her head at least. "Not magical Avalon."

"Avalon's apparently related to England. I...don't know if England existed when he was the king. But the stories came from England."

That does sound right though.

"Basically, King Arthur's story ended with him promising to return when his people needed him. And we're kinda stuck in the middle of it. Apparently we got brought here by Merlin, or the Lady of the Lake, or some faeries? I don't think anyone is really sure.

But, the island is a big improvement over Raccoon City. And the people hare are nice. Aaaand, you can stay with me in this awesome hotel they've been letting us live in."

Okay, all of that was very interesting and important but one thing was much more important.

"I can stay with you? You're sure?!"

She probably could've just...assumed that was true...but she clearly couldn't help but get excited about the idea.

"Of course, Sherry."

Claire squeezes her hand tight, looking down at her and smiling softly.

"I made you a promise to show you my place, didn't I?"

"Yeah but-" She hesitated. "I guess I just wasn't sure that counted here in magic england."

Which is definitely what she is going to call it now, whoops.

"Hey..."

Claire stoops again, putting a hand on Sherry's cheek and giving her a playful smile.

"Everything I said back home counts. I'm gonna take care of you, Sherry."

Sherry wasn't expecting that touch, but it was nice. Neither of her parents had ever been the most affectionate people. But she was getting used to it! Kind of!

She nodded though. "Okay. I believe you. It's just a strange day." She laughed softly, still a bit uncertain, and then suddenly leaned forward to hug Claire around the neck.

She was still kind of wet though so, sorry.

She's fine with this. She signed up for it, even.

And so she's gathering a soggy kid up in her arms and swinging her around to piggy back.

"It has been a weird day, for sure. What's the last thing you remember?"

Sherry let out a startled noise as she was scooped up, and it took her a couple seconds to figure out where her arms should go and how to hold on. She'd never been carried like that before!

"Uhm." She was, perhaps, a tad embarrassed about her previous actions, on reflection. "I was saying you and Leon should adopt me. And we should get a parrot."

"Well, I can't promise an adoption by Leon...or a parrot. But I can promise that I will take you in."

This time, Claire's voice is softer yet firmer. There's a certainty to her words, now.

"You're not gonna be alone, Sherry."

Sherry hugged her a bit more tightly, which was probably awkward from this position but she couldn't help it.

"Thanks Claire."

She couldn't imagine what she would have done if she hadn't found Claire after getting out of that lake...

"Always, scamp."

Claire turns to look back at Sherry, starting the trek up the hill towards the caravans.

"Gonna get you loaded into some of the cars up top. Then I'm gonna do a quick check to make sure no other new arrivals are hurt and needs help, and then we'll head to Camelot. The furball can stay with you, where it's warm and dry. Kay?"

"Okay!" Sherry was starting to feel better about everything, and spending more time with a dog was never a bad thing.

"I can take care of myself so you don't have to hurry or anything."

"I know. You're a big girl."

And brave. That's for sure.

Up they go, and soon Sherry's settled into one of the carts with the dog, leaving Claire to her rescue work.

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

TEST DRIVE MEME ⚔️️ 3

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