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

Soaking in your Arrival

[Raven sure loved the feeling of dropping into cold water. She would have changed into a raven while falling, but for some reason it hadn't worked. It was concerning. The water was also needlessly cold because her aura didn't active no matter how much she tried. She even tried to use her maiden powers to maybe dry herself once she got out of the water, but even that failed her. Well, she should have known since it's linked to her aura anyway.

On top of this bizarre situation, it seemed her weapon had lost its dust blades. So she had to use the actual blade of her weapon. Well, that would hopefully be enough against the small sized Nevermore Grimm that was hovering near her.]

"I'm not a threat, I'm your ally."

[Raven looked shocked, to be honest. First of all, since when had Grimm started talking and second... what was it saying? It made no sense. Then again, the being wasn't attacking her either. She kept her guard up, but didn't attack in return.]

Explain.

"I'm your familiar. I may look like someone from your world, but I am from this one. I will help you learn magic."

[Oh. Great. More magic. Apparently different from what she already had.] So, what do I do now?

"Follow the others out of here. You will see. I'll find you later."

[The Nevermore leaves and Raven sighs, putting her weapon back into her scabbard. Well, time to go see what this was all about.]

The Red Spring

[Raven definitely takes the opportunity to bathe in the springs. Her long hair is tied to a simple bun. She has quite nice curves for someone almost in their forties. After spending so much time on a planet that was all about physical connection, she doesn't feel like hiding her body.

It was very relaxing, even if she never truly let her guard down, knowing anyone could walk in at any time... but as close as she can be to be fully relaxed, really.]

Training Ground

[Well, she just turned one of the NPC people into a frog while testing out what her magic might be. She looks down at them as they jump around, trying to find a safe spot to wait until the magic is away.]

Well, this is new.

[Apparently, if she wanted to practice her magic, she might have to find willing targets. At least, unless she wanted to make enemies right away.]

Anyone around who wants to be cursed willingly?

[She doubts it.]

Wildcard

[ooc: Raven is less than likely to participate in any of the races or the mirror stuff, but feel free to catch her waiting for the Caravan to leave or around Camelot, looking around.

You can plot with me through PM's or through

sasageyo ]

[As chance would have it, there's another newcomer in the cart that Raven is loaded up into. A tall young man clad in armor, an eyepatch over his right eye, and a fur cape (currently matted with seawater) is in his own seat, and looking over the phone and earbuds with mild curiosity. Dimitri has never seen anything like these devices before, even when he fought Cornelia. Though Raven getting into the cart catches his attention, and he looks up and offers a polite smile, shifting a very long leather bag to the side (which makes a little clattering as he does so).]

Hello. I had thought I might end up riding alone on this trip, but I suppose that isn't the case.

...Ah, would you happen to be familiar with contraptions such as these? I've never come across such a thing before.

[Before Raven experienced Prismatica, she would have been sulky and unwilling to talk to strangers. While she still had difficulties in communication, she can go through some small talk if she must.]

These phones? Sure, I've used a few similar to these ones. Do you need pointers?

If it's not too much trouble, I would appreciate it. I'm afraid my homeland has never had anything of the sort.

[The only group in Fódlan that might have something similar are those who slither in the dark, and Dimitri has no knowledge of them beyond what he's heard secondhand. Otherwise, medieval stasis is very much in effect.]

All I know is that these are supposed to be used for long-distance communication.

How do you communicate in long-distance in your homeworld, then?

[Without scrolls back home, it was impossible to do anything long-distance, unless you had a convenient semblance.]

So you haven't figured out anything else yet?

Long distance? We use messengers. They're typically pegasus or wyvern riders, but warp magic can help close the gaps.

[It's clear that the idea of real-time long-distance communication is a foreign concept to Dimitri. His world just isn't technologically advanced enough for it.]

I was able to get the, er, face of the device to light up, and I found that this other part can connect to it via the hole on the side.

Well, this type of messaging is definitely a lot faster.

[Oh boy. Sounds like she had a lot to explain.]

The face is called a screen. It also has the ability to show messages, show other people's faces. Otherwise the device can be used to take photos or videos and record voices. The other devices are headphones you can use listen to things privately.

[Dimitri looks at the screen and taps one of the icons. It opens up a new interface, and he quickly finds himself looking at...well, himself. The look of surprise on his face shows just how little he understands it.]

When you say it shows messages, and other people's faces...and with what you said about long distances...

[He pauses as he figures out what to say.]

This will let me talk to people as if they were in the same room as I, even if they were in a completely different place?

[Nero just offers the woman a flat look. Cursed willingly? Yeah, right. Like he didn't have to deal with enough magical crap in this place on a daily basis without volunteering for more.

Then again, the new arrivals could use the practice, so...]

... Depends. What kind of curse did you wanna try?

[Raven shrugs.]

Nothing long-lasting or fatal. I was thinking about giving some options on what anyone might want.

[His flat stare just gets flatter.]

How generous of you. What are the options?

Well, I turned someone into a frog already. I can try something similar or maybe put you under a sleeping curse.

Ugh, no frogs, thanks.

Try the sleeping curse, but I'm giving you a time limit of five minutes. If you can't lift the curse after that, my familiar's gonna eat you.

[Is he joking? He's probably joking. Maybe.]

You've got a deal there. You might want to sit down or something.

Fine.

[Nero picks a spot to sit down. His demon horse appears behind him in a burst of blue fire, watching Raven closely to make sure she sticks to her word.

Or maybe it wants her to break her word so it has an excuse to eat her. Who knows.]

[Usagi hears that question and smiles at her. If she had seen that one NPC turning into a frog, maybe her reaction would be different... Nope, seems like that beautiful woman will get all the different reactions and million questions later.]

Sure, I can be your test bunny.

[That was quick. Raven frowns.]

Just like that? Without asking what it entails?

[ Another day, another round of training. The new year is ushered in and Cloud has to keep his feet firmly planted if he's going to figure out where he belongs in this world. On the plus side, he's become more acclimated to his new level of strength. ... or lack thereof. Still as sharp as ever with his skills, the power that lied behind those swings was dormant with the mako nulled in his system.

But at least his magic training is coming along nicely. In the end, he already has ideas brewing in his head about the more intricate ways he can implement these elements. For now however, as he wipes his brow and sheathes his still heavy Fusion Sword, ]

Break time...

[ Coming back to the Red Springs, while still a person who values his privacy to an extent? This place encourages a sense of comradery that if it weren't for the last world he called 'home', would have left him uncomfortable. Instead, without so much as a care for whose nearby, with a short white towel wrapped around his waist, he makes no qualms with slipping into the soothing waters.

At first when he steps down from the edge of the spring to get in, the black-haired person he notices from behind doesn't register with him. That is until he wades past her and spares a chancing glance. Not to check her out or anything, but out of habit of recognizing someone. One last step is taken...before finally, stopping a step ahead of her in the water, ]

... !

[ That ribbon- ]

Wait-

[ ... she might not even know him, but he proverbially bites his tongue before he can say anything else. Too late. ]

[Raven didn't pay attention to people who might join her in the spring. She didn't feel the need to acknowledge anyone first. However, when she can feel someone stop near her she lifts her gaze up.

At least she doesn't need to keep a stoic expression and instead has a small smile on her face. She has the advantage of noticing his reaction. Otherwise she would have tried to keep the fact she recognizes him to herself.

Even if she could have been mean, but too late for that.]

Well, looks like we just keep running into each other. First time naked, though.

[ Cloud wasn't overly worried about who may join either. ...not unless it was a straight-up enemy. Luckily? Not exactly the first thing on his mind when he's still so fresh to this world.

Which is probably what makes his reaction to Raven all the more priceless. Even around her, in Prismatica where skinship was at the forefront of making money and accruing power, he had a tendency to keep his composure. But...well. Okay, even in a spring there's something about being face to face with a friend that's nude that still manages to catch him by surprise.

Suddenly he's very grateful to the fact that he's sporting a towel right now. Subconsciously, the blond's hand moves to where it's tucked in, making sure it's secure because the last thing he wants right now? Is to flash anyone just because he forgot to keep it tight.

"- First time naked, though."

Softening the blow though? Knowing that it's actually the same Raven he'd allied with. ]

Hah... [ Despite himself and the hot rush of blood to his face, his face is otherwise rather composed. ] Took long enough?

[ Don't mind him. He's just gonna settle in a few feet beside her, sinking into the spring. ]

[Raven is satisfied just to see the color change on his face, but the situation is definitely priceless. She wish she could take a photo to remember this by, but she's going to just have to keep in memory.

She has her towel nearby, but she doesn't bother taking it to cover herself. There's no shame.]

Did I? Last I remember we saw just a few days ago. How long has it been for you?

[ Listen. Listen. As much as Cloud's cooled down over the years, between his world and on Prismatica? Well. ... While he hadn't formed any kind of full friendship with the likes of Yang yet? Seeing her mother in the nude (~~and looking killer still because damn? dakfsjh~~), not to mention knowing Weiss would probably kill him if she found out he even accidentally shared the same space like this? Enough to drive the color to his cheeks even further.

The only thing he has going for him is the fact his tone has otherwise remained as steeled as ever. Just gotta make sure he's not caught staring if he spares glances her way. ]

... Months.

[ He looks to her with a brief bout of disbelief in his eyes before remembering a couple key things. ]

Guess that'd make sense...crazy as it all is. [ A beat. ] Weiss left for three days once, came back almost a year older.

[ Time's all over the place. ]

[It's amusing to her and she can't help but give him some looks like she's checking him out. Just to see him react even more. But yes Weiss would likely kill both of them should word get out...]

So what you're saying is I left Lunatia at some point, but don't remember that happening. Figures... the moment things start looking better for me, I leave.

[At least she can laugh at the irony, but you know.

Her luck.]

[ It's a good thing that he's not standing anymore. ... SO SHE HAD LESS TO CHECK OUT. OK!? ]

...

[ "Figures... the moment things start looking better for me, I leave."

Raven... ]

Still ain't too late for that. [ A beat. ] Even if we're all starting over.

[Raven shrugs closing her eyes to relax a bit more in the water.]

Maybe not. What are the chances though, that Yang arrives here and remembers what we went through? I might have to start over with that and... I don't know if I have the strength to do that.

TEST DRIVE MEME ⚔️️ 3

Raven Branwen | RWBY | Prisma CRAU

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training ground

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Training

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red spring

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