avalaughs | 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

I imagine Olaf's probably new to most everyone. Except the people of Arendelle, anyway. But -- wait, you're used to magic? Really?

[Elsa was so used to being the only one. That had to imply Aurora had magic of her own or at least knew of others that had their own abilities, like her with her ice. She can't help being curious and distracted in spite of herself, in spite of their current situation.

She doesn't even seem to register on Olaf seeming all excited and tugging at her skirt, as he answers that they're fine but looking for Anna.]

I am, I was raised by three fairies, and cursed by another. [Although her aunts had never used magic until her birthday.]

Arendelle, is that your kingdom, then?

You were cursed? Though -- yes. Yes, Arendelle is my kingdom.

[Elsa frowns, wary and perhaps mindful this might be a little too personal or too upsetting to ask on the curse like that, but. She wouldn't force it if Aurora didn't want to divulge in the details.

She isn't constantly wearing her crown or anything, so one could easily be forgiven in not picking up that she is a Queen. Still, certain wording might still give her away. That and the talkative snowman at her side, as Olaf gasps at the mention of a curse and raises his twig arms and hands to his mouth.]

Mnn, I'm afraid so. I had just fallen under its effects before coming to Avalon. I had, in fact, thought this place was initially a part of the curse before informed otherwise.

I was cursed as a baby to die after pricking my finger on a spinning wheel on my sixteenth birthday. The curse was changed so that I would just be in ageless sleep, rather than dead.

So there is that, I suppose. [She gave a small shrug.] I am here, and more importantly, awake, and the faerie who cursed me is not. So I cannot ask for more safety than that.

You -- oh.....

[Sure. There were.....years, where Elsa's abilities felt like a curse. But as far as she knew, it wasn't. She was just born with them. She's not sure how long the other might be asleep, if there is some way to awaken her. But still. It almost brings to mind that image of Anna, frozen in her defense of Elsa against Hans. If not for that act of true love, Anna would have been ageless too. Frozen like that forever. Elsa's hand raises to her chest, her eyes widening briefly before she seems to relax a little more that Aurora seems alright now at least?]

I suppose that's true. Although...is there some way for you to wake up? Back home, I mean? Will you be alright if this fairie comes here too?

If there is a way to break it, I do not know it. [In all of the information revealed to her, that had gotten lost in the discussion.]

If she comes here... there is no telling what she may and may not do, what she will be able to achieve.

And while I do worry, I cannot let myself be consumed by such thoughts, there is far too much to get done.

I suppose that's true. For now, it's probably best to focus on what we can do something about. Here, the most you could do is try to warn people on if she does show up perhaps.

[Elsa has a certain prince from the Southern Isles she would prefer kept away as well. But he was just a manipulative jerk who tried to woo Anna and kill them both. Nothing like the threat Maleficent might be. Still, she sighs, hugging across her stomach as her lips purse briefly. Olaf, for his part, remains at her side and raises a twiggy hand at Aurora's dress in some attempt to kind of reassuringly pet at her leg.]

If she does, I will. But saying anything now would merely be putting thought into their head that may be forgotten upon her actual arrival.

[She saw how upset Elsa was for her, and reached out, gently touching her hand while the other moved to hold onto Olaf's.]

Thank you for being so concerned for me.

I suppose that's true. If it takes a while for her to show up, people may have forgotten or arrived in between, not knowing if they miss your initial warning.

[But that didn't negate what a possible threat Maleficent was for Aurora. Elsa glances down at their hands when she feels Aurora's, not necessarily having expected that. Still perhaps feeling some initial lingering urge to avoid contact even if she has figured more control of her powers more recently in the last few years.]

Why wouldn't I be? Of course I am.

I will promise to tell you should she arrive, you have my word.

I... well, to be honest, I am not used to others. Before coming to Avalon, I knew all of four people my entire life.

Good. I mean. I'm not sure I'd be the most effective against her if something were to happen, but. Backup never hurts.

[Whatever it was. She doesn't want the other to face it alone if possible, anyway. Elsa then raises an eyebrow, shaking her head slightly and giving a small, almost bemused smile. Maybe they were similar in some ways themselves.]

You're talking to the girl who shut herself away from others, almost everyone, for over ten years. You're not alone in that.

I imagine friendship is effective against all manners of things... if you would like to be friends? I'm afraid I'm not very used to making them with people.

Ah- we are not too dissimilar. I was kept in the forest for 16 for my safety. From the curse, you can imagine. So perhaps we can figure out friendship together.

Of course it is. In knowing you have someone at your side, supporting you. To listen. Not that I'm the most experienced with it myself, outside of the castle staff and Anna and Kristoff, Olaf and Sven but. Perhaps together we can.

[She'd like that. And that they were on similar levels of experience in branching out to meet others, well. That would probably only be to their advantage in their developing friendship, tentative as it is. Elsa can't help but to agree there, that it could work.]

Castle staff? Are you nobility, my lady?

I am. Queen of Arendelle.

[She sees no reason to hide that. Not that it necessarily matters here though. It isn't like she would expect special treatment because of her status when she just got here and all for them to know who she is. Elsa only has three years of actually ruling under her belt anyway. Given they waited till she was of age before she took the throne and all and had others dealing with ruling and making the decisions until then, in the years between, after her parents' death.]

Ah, forgive me, your majesty, I did not know.

I suppose I should properly introduce myself as well. I am Princess Aurora.

It's alright. Nobody could be expected to immediately know, here. In this sort of situation. Really.

[Elsa reassures the other, but she is more curious then. It's hard enough to be separated from family as Aurora had been because of this curse. Let alone whether she was raised aware of her royal title and status or not. Finding out all that suddenly would be rather something.]

But it's nice to meet you too. Properly.

TEST DRIVE MEME ⚔️️ 3

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