TEST DRIVE MEME ⚔️️ 3

[avalonmods]

{ 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, 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.

Comments

Maribelle | Fire Emblem Awakening | Familiar Undecided

[troubadamsel]

Arrival - A

[ Maribelle is... to put it lightly... pissed. ]

I HAVE NEVER BEEN SO SHABBILY TREATED IN ALL MY LIFE! I swear, even the enemy soldiers of Plegia were kinder to me when I was captured!

[ Soaking wet on the shore, she rants and raves, swinging her parasol around, red in the face. Be careful you don't get too close or she may accidentally smack you. ]

This will NOT STAND, do you hear me?! When Lord Chrom and the Shepherds arrive, you had better be ready to KNEEL and BEG for mercy! Oooh! If I had a SINGLE tome on me, I'd show you myself! DO YOU HEAR ME, YOU BOG-SPAWNED-CRONE?!

Arrival - C - Inn

[ At the inn, Maribelle runs a gloved finger along a piece of furniture, visibly relieved at the lack of dust. ]

I suppose these will do for temporary accommodations ... A level above tents, assuredly...

[ She then faces her supposed roommate, eyebrows raised. ]

Tell me, are there servants here that will be tending to us? Or will be cleaning up after ourselves? I don't mind, if need be...

Arrival - C - Training Grounds

[ Just like back home, Maribelle's magic specialty here is healing! When she spots someone injured, even if it's not terribly serious, she'll still head over, ready to lend a hand. ]

Careful now, allow me. Honestly, you mustn't push yourself too hard. You'll only succeed in straining yourself, and who does that help? Now, stay still, if you would please...?

Mirror Mirror - A

[ Maribelle, alas, is one of the unfortunate ones to wake up outside of the cave. As she begins to stir and remember what happened, she scowls with tears in her eyes - even though it's most unladylike, she winds up sitting on the ground, hugging her knees. ]

... Cruelty is abound in other worlds as well, it seems. To think they would have me face that...! ... As if I don't remember it every single day of my life...

Mirror Mirror - C

[ Maribelle has decided to sample some of the local cuisine! She lightly dabs her lips with a napkin, nodding in approval. She then offers a plate in your direction.]

Expanding one's palate is a must-have whenever you travel to another land. I must say, I wish I could bring some of these back with me, these treats are rather adorable. Come, have you tried this one? Don't hesitate now, it's really the least they could do for us after that perilous journey.

Wildcard
[ Make your own prompt! ]

arrival;

[incantates]

[ It's a good time for his magic to come in handy. The parasol stops short of connecting with his head, fended off with a colorful wave of his wrist.

It seems a trip to the shore to search for familiar faces has come up short... why would he expect any differently? Hope is the gateway to despair, or maybe hope is the gateway to getting nearly brained by a parasol.

Basically, there are other places he'd rather be at the moment. ]

Alright, let's take the dramatics down a notch.

[ Words he never thought he'd say, but new world, new Magnus. ]

Who exactly are you threatening here? The Lady of the Lake is long gone, and I definitely had nothing to do with your arrival here.

[ At least, he's 95% sure about that fact... ]

[troubadamsel]

[ She clicks her tongue dismissively at him - one does not interrupt a lady when she is ranting! ]

Bottling up one's emotions does the body ill. It's best for me to let out my frustrations now, before I do so at a more inappropriate time.

[incantates]

I can't think of a more inappropriate time than the present.

[ Considering he's a stranger, there's no one else to really yell at but the turtles, and the ranting is mostly conducive to getting absolutely nothing done. ]

Did you at least get it all out of your system, or is there more?

[ Because he can just as easily busy himself elsewhere on the shoreline. ]

[troubadamsel]

... I suppose the interruption has doused my flames. Hm.

Very well. We must make haste, and move along.

Mirror Mirror A

[asaviorshand]

[Having faced the trial himself and conquering it, Dimitri leaves the cave, crystals in hand. He got what he came for, but he hadn't been expecting the emotional turmoil. It was something he's conquered, but it still disturbs him on some level.

That all stops when he sees Maribelle outside the cave, looking rather distraught. This is where his empathy kicks in -- he's not about to overlook a lady in tears. Though on Maribelle's end, she'll see a tall, imposing man with black armor and a fur cape reminiscent of a barbarian's approaching her. There's no mistaking the look of concern on his face, however, or the similar tone in his voice as he speaks.]

Are you all right, milady? Did something happen?

[Dimitri sizes Maribelle up with his gaze. She doesn't seem to be hurt physically, at least.]

[troubadamsel]

[ When she glances up to see who is questioning her, she is visibly startled by his appearance. After some rapid blinking, she shakes her head to calm her nerves - she has run into some... rather barbaric soldiers who were on the side of Ylisse, after all, so looks can be deceiving.

Still, it won't do to have a stranger see her cry, and she begins to wipe away her tears. ]

... You came from this very cave, did you not? Then you're well aware of the... ghastly images it can show you.

[asaviorshand]

[Dimitri can't help but wince at the mention of the trial within the cave. It was something he preferred not to dwell on too much.]

I am, yes. Certainly something I could have lived my life without experiencing. That is the cause, then?

[A pause.]

Were you successful at confronting your fears, at least?

[troubadamsel]

Would I be out here, crystal-less, if I had?

[ She doesn't mean to snap - okay, yes she does - but she knows she shouldn't. ]

Arrival C training grounds

[picoboo]

It's not my fault! I was just running when a stupid rock jumped out of the ground and made me trip over it!

[Yes, clearly it was the rock that jumped out of the ground rather than Pico ignoring her surroundings because she hasn't needed to worry about them in a thousand years.]

I forgot what it's like to scrape your knees.

[She wasn't exactly enjoying the experience, and looked on the verge of crying even as Maribelle is trying to see to her injury.]

[troubadamsel]

[ She assumes the 'forgot' comment is much like the 'stupid rock jump' comment, in that it's just the whimsical sort of thing children say, so she doesn't pay it any mind. ]

You certainly won't forget it now, I imagine. Now then, sit down, and allow me to do what I best... though I admit, I'm far used to my staff doing such things...

[ Using magic without staffs or tomes feels kinda. Weird. But she holds out her palm over Pico's knee, trying to will it forward. ]

I find a good distraction lessens the pain. So, why don't you regale us both with a fond memory of yours?

[picoboo]

[Pico is a slightly unusual child as Maribelle will likely find out in due time, but for now she seems content to regale Maribelle with a tale or two.]

Ooh! I like story telling! I'm not as good at them as Dolly or Ven, but let's see...

[You might need to stop her from idly kicking her legs, because she's pretty easily distracted.]

One time when Dolly wasn't looking a big hairy spider had crawled down from the ceiling and landed on her shoulder. She was so focused on her knitting that she didn't really notice it was there until it crawled down her arm, and then she let out the cutest scream! Of course everyone was worried she was in trouble, but she was so embarrassed that she hid the spider underneath her knitting, and told everyone she'd fallen asleep and had a bad dream. But when she picked up her knitting? The spider had disappeared!

[Pico wiggled her fingers dramatically.]

She was so alarmed by the disappearance of the spider, and so worried it might come back, she insisted I protect her from it! So now whenever she knits, she has me watch to make sure no spiders land on her! The End!

[Pico ducks her head in front of wherever Maribelle was looking, trying to get her full attention for a moment.]

Okay, your turn!

[troubadamsel]

[ While the kicking is annoying, she has to admit the story, and Pico's utter enthusiasm and love for her dear friend, is positively charming. As such, she help but let out a few chuckles. ]

It may be hard to top that one, but... ah, yes. One of our newest recruits, Henry, caught me crying over a flower. Yes, it was quite silly, but as it turned out, he could actually understand the words of flowers! And he told me it was grateful for my tears and that I cared so much.

Hearing that, and from him... I must say, it warmed my heart. He comes off as rather... eerie, and garish, but it turns out he can also be quite the gentleman.

... And, see? The wound is all gone.

Mirror Mirror A

[dolcedeleche]

[It's reflex, that has Dolce kneeling down next to the other woman with an arm around her shoulders and awkward sympathy pats.] It's gone now. [Though clearly not forever if Maribelle never forgets it etc.] You don't have to try again, someone else can.

[troubadamsel]

[ Maribelle is slightly startled to suddenly find herself not alone, and embraced, but she doesn't push Dolce off. She turns her face away, trying to brush way any tears. ]

... I am a soldier. I must be stronger than this, if I am to move forward. I cannot allow myself to be a burden... especially in not such an embarrassing fashion.

[dolcedeleche]

That just means you've been through more. You can get the next one.

[Since Maribelle has mostly settled down now, Dolce lets go, though she stays nearby.]

Mirror Mirror C

[rustyhonesty]

[Jean hasn't really been eating any of the food because they look weird so he looks at the girl talking to him with a frown.]

And they're all edible?

[troubadamsel]

Of course! Do you really think I'd be offering them to you if they weren't?

[ The very nerve! ]

[rustyhonesty]

[He's just making sure, okay!!]

Fine... I guess I'll just take a bite then.

[He swallows, but takes the one she pointed out and bites into it.

... yeah, it's not too bad.]

Huh.

C- Training grounds

[scotch_egg]

[he's nursing a wrenched arm but that's the least of his concerns right now]

Go away. I'm fine. [he's demonstrably not]

Re: C- Training grounds

[troubadamsel]

I was not asking your permission.

[ She steps forward, hand out. ]

You're no good to anyone if you strain yourself like that. I'm doing this whether you favor it or not.

[scotch_egg]

Piss off. You don't get the right to say that you're going to alter my body just because you think it's for the common good. Keep your bloody magic to yourself.

[he inches away from her just in case. She's five foot and nothing and could probably blow away in a stiff breeze, but she's also not to be trusted]

C

[rutilance]

[ The girl looked up at Maribelle and nearly jumped back. She hadn't been expecting someone to come over and help her after the tumble she had. In fact, she had just been seated on the ground trying to figure out which piece of clothing was going to be sacrificed to the purpose of wrapping her newly twisted ankle and therefore too engrossed to really take much note of the stranger.

After a long moment of staring up at her like a deer in headlights, the young teen spoke slowly, haltingly even. ]

It's just a twist. I. I've trained with worse. I just need to wrap it.

[ She still looked rather spooked, completely unable to decide how to best interact with someone who looked an awful lot like a princess from a story. Or at the least an Oujou character from a manga. Either way. ]

[troubadamsel]

[ Never fear, there are no OOOOOOHOHOHOHOHO~~~ laughs to be found here. ]

We are all here to train, correct? Then allow me to train my healing magic on you. Now, quit fussing.

[ With that, she begins to kneel down next to the girl. ]

[rutilance]

[ Princess it is!

The girl squirms a little but forces herself to stay seated. She watches the woman's hands carefully. ]

Your magic is healing magic?

[ It seems like a silly question, even to her, but there was no saying that other types of magic couldn't heal in their own way. At least, that's what she thought. ]