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.

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[Despite his love of scholarly pursuits, it's here at the training grounds where Regis finds some semblance of peace. Back within the dark winding halls of the Citadel, the old king would often watch from afar as the Glaives would train in the courtyard. It's been years since Regis last seen the battlefield but he still yearned for combat. Despite his reluctance for war, Regis is quite similar to the warlike Caelums of yore. He enjoys testing his mettle against the younger recruits, especially since he often catches them by surprise. No one expects him to still be able to wield a blade nevertheless weave a spell. Therefore, he takes great pride in his training now that he's no longer ailing because of the Crystal's might. He has Avalon itself to thank for that but it's his perseverance that leads him to victory.]

Enough! That will enough exercise for today. [He announces to the stalwart newcomers he decided to take under his wing. Much like many others who venture to the training halls, Regis likes to volunteer as an instructor within these halls.] We shall resume tomorrow at first light.

[Regis says as he helps the stewards place the practice swords back upon the nearby weapon racks. He doesn't have to assist them but he does so anyway. After being waited on hand and foot for most of his life, Regis takes some pride in being able to do for himself.]

Do not dare keep me waiting either. Punctuality is the key to success.

[He was placing one of the halberds back within the weapons rack when he spots a familiar figure nearby. He glances over towards the young man with a smile, completely unaware that the man nearby isn't his dear son.]

Noctis, what are you doing here?

[He says quickly as he continues with his work, completely unaware of his error.]

Edited 2021-01-03 07:31 (UTC)

[ So. The Father is here.

From across the training grounds, he had recognized his descendant's voice immediately. It serves as no surprise that the penultimate monarch of their Line would also serve as an instructor within another realm. Somnus' fingers, having just lightly touched the scabbard upon the rack, fall from the smooth surface back to his side. Regis would not recognize him unshrouded by the armor of the Lucii, much less assume that either Founder or son share their face with the Draconian. Or perhaps Regis had been summoned before his death. But what sends a thrill of (concealed, stifled) concern through his mind is that he is here at all. A series of questions scatter after, beginning with this: what, then, of their Star?

Brushing his thoughts aside, he lifts his head and turns towards the other, surveying in his gaze. The Blade of the Mystic rests centered before him, tip lodged into the ground. One after the other, his hands move to rest upon the decorated pommel, secure and eased.

With a full voice, he speaks to call Regis to attention. ]

Father of the Chosen.

Look upon us once more.

[The second Regis heard that familiar voice, his blood ran cold. There was always a possibility that others hailing from their Star would eventually arrive here. However, Regis finds himself ill-prepared to meet face to face with the Founding King himself. Just the sound of Somnus's voice knocks the wind out of him and it only worsens once he turns to look. Startled by this sudden reunion, Regis finds himself gripping the side of the weapons rack to keep himself upright.]

What sort of villainy is this?

[He asks once the shock finally washes over him, his expression shifting from surprise to cold fury. His impenetrable eyes and inscrutable countenance give little away but judging from his dismay earlier, Regis isn't pleased to see his progenitor here.]

Why is it that the Mystic stands before me in such a guise?

[While he somewhat knows the answer deep down, Regis doesn't wish to mention the Draconian's name in fear of summoning the deity here. It would seem his halcyon days here within Avalon has come to a terrible end. If Somnus is here, then surely comes the brother he betrayed.]

Edited 2021-01-03 19:36 (UTC)

[ Somnus remains standing as he would as a Lucii, statuesque and unmoving, patient for all of his years, and never intervening unless called upon first. Thus he allows Regis to recover and balance on his own-- had he not, then Somnus would have sorely overestimated him. The shock is warranted. But out in the open...

When he questions further, Somnus angles his head towards the training grounds, then back to Regis. ] Thine eyes do not deceive.

[ He takes one step away. ] Follow.

[ Out in public, this is no place to talk. ]

...Very well.

[This is no place for them to talk but Regis hesitates to trust this despot any further. The sheer scope of Somnus's deceit lies heavy on his conscious as he unwillingly follows. While Regis is quite aware of the circumstances that lead to the affairs that plague them now, he cannot justify it within his conscious. He knows it full well that his family line is nothing more than fodder used for a grander scheme but Regis cannot help but cling to what little dignity he has left in life.

He is a Caelum, after all. They're meant to walk tall and hold their heads high.

Regis is silent as he follows, notably without his signature cane. He's had months to heal and Avalon has done well to help heal him of the illness that plagued him prior. It might have something to with being free of the Lucii and their accursed ring.]

[ Clouds form whenever Somnus exhales. What miracle is this, to have a flesh-and-blood body once again? Perhaps it is unnatural to be kept after death, but he's lived far longer as the phantom, bound arbiter of Ring than he ever had time as a living person.

Restoring the Light supersedes all.

When they create enough distance between themselves and the training grounds, he stops and turns. As his dark cloak settles to his back, he resumes his stance as before.

(That Regis' gait is no longer impeded hasn't escaped his notice.) ]

This nexus' Calling is to save all realms from obliteration. Their summoning does not discriminate.

[Once they're far enough from prying eyes, Regis turns his icy gaze towards Somnus. It's maddening how much his son takes after this cretin. Downright maddening in every sense of the word but Regis cannot allow this revelation to distract him. His pale gaze remains cold and unyielding as before. He keeps some much-needed distance between them lest he dares to further condemn his family line further. There has been enough kin-slaying within their royal house, enough to curse them for eons to come. However, Regis cannot help but reply to him with barbs.]

Then mayhaps it ought to reconsider-- [He all but grumbles as he stares at Somnus.] For I know better to put my faith within the very derelict that condemned us all.

[Strong words but meaningless in the grand scope of things. Whatever is happening here in Avalon also affects the future of their Star. With Noctis and Lunafreya both confined to this peculiar realm, this leaves Eos at a great disadvantage. Does time stop for the living? Most likely not. Therefore, there's no telling what's happening on Eos at this point.]

Nevertheless, I do recognize I have little say in such matters.

[As usual.]

[ What animosity his own bloodline has for him is justified, warranted; he knows that it is. With pride stripped from him the moment the Draconian revealed his Calling, there is little he will defend of himself, save for their Star itself. Moreover, the end is nigh. To tamper with it would be to lose everything. Even now, it cries for salvation-- he cannot lose sight of it.

And so he remains unmoving at the insults, not so much as blinking as Regis spits them.

Raising a few fingers off the pommel of his Blade, Somnus lifts and tilts a steadying hand by a few degrees, a universal sign to signal another to temper, before he lowers that same palm back to its place. He has no quarrel with Regis. It is to the future he looks. ]

What progress have you seen?

[Thankfully, Regis knows when to rein in his anger. He lets his words fester like an open wound allowing the silence to settle between them. He watches Somnus closely, his hawkish gaze looking for any signs of life within this living phantom.

Somnus is likened to a statue at this point cut from the finest stone. He doesn't move at all, his expression neutral and his gaze as cold as ever. However, Regis could tell that his biting comment left a mark on Somnus. That within itself is satisfaction enough. Regis quietly savors his victory, the ire within him easing into something more manageable.

He contemplates Somnus's question in silence, his stony expression easing somewhat. The old king is still quite cross but he won't berate the Mystic any further.]

Many strides have been made in Eos to save our Star from certain doom but as for here, Avalon's woes remain.

Edited 2021-01-03 23:42 (UTC)

[ "Avalon's woe remains."

There is much to be done, then, before they might even begin to think of returning to the Astrals' charge. What this spells for them is troublesome, but weighing that against the entirety of worlds being destroyed provides some perspective. Some might begrudge their overseers (or powers that be) of being stolen to this world. Somnus, on the other hand, understands the absolute necessity of it.

Another question arises. Somnus' eyes levels upon Regis, gaze grim and austere. In the distance, the sportsmanship of the training grounds continues with clangs of steel, the spikes of explosive magic, and the occasional shout. In the distance between the two kings, nothing but a cool breeze flows. ]

Have the Knights yet not elucidated the matter beyond "restoring magic"?

Edited (lol) 2021-01-03 23:57 (UTC)

They have not.

[Regis answers after a moment of thought. If it weren't for the constant sound of steel striking steel, he would've thought he was back within the crumbling walls of the Citadel. It's nothing short of a miracle that talks continue now, especially after his earlier tirade. The Mystic seems more humble now that he dons flesh once more. Perhaps there's some good to be had from this meeting if the other means to pledge himself to their universal cause. However, Regis is hesitant to believe in such truths when treachery clings to Somnus like second-skin.]

I fear that the Knights of this realm know naught of what drains Avalon of its magic or what brings us here.

[A grim truth that honestly doesn't sit too well with Regis. Despite his best efforts to comprehend the madness afoot, he is without any answers.]

Although, one thing is indeed certain--they need us.

[ Somnus' eyes lower in what appears to be serious thought, and his lips remain pressed into a thin line as he weighs Regis' answer. Such minute expressions are, perhaps, begotten from millennia of wearing a helm. What need would there be to emote further, when so few would see the face of any Lucii.

Regis is right to assert that they are needed. Just as the Astrals need mortal channels of their power, just as Regis needed to sacrifice the Crown City to ensure the safe passage of the Chosen, and their Star will still need salvation when this realm's strife ends. The Dawn necessitates need.

His eyes raise, a sharp and steely blue. With finality: ]

Let us do what is necessary.

[Even now with his helm begotten and lost in time, Somnus remains as unyielding and stoic as ever. It's a marvel, actually. Despite Somnus' likeness to his son, the two couldn't be any more different. While Noctis is quite sunny and cheerful despite his sometimes moody disposition, Somnus remains as somber as ever. It's like the man before still lies dormant within the ring itself, his very presence forgotten as time marches on. It's sobering, to say the least. All of Regis's anger fades now as a new sense of remorse lingers within.

Time has been unkind towards them both.]

Of course.

[He answers quietly with a curt nod. Despite his dislike for his progenitor, Regis had no intention of abandoning their cause. Though, he's still uncertain if he can truly trust Somnus. That's why he looks so troubled now.]

I have no intention of straying from our cause but I do ask of one thing of you, Somnus.

[He states sternly with every grace of his kingly title.]

Protect the Chosen One, protect my son until his dying days.

[ Would that he could, but throughout the Chosen's journey, his aid had only been used when called upon, nothing more. Even then as confined to the Ring, he and the Kings of Yore are not called forth in battle (save by manifestations of the Old Wall and other likeness), but merely to act as shutters of the power of the Crystal as it is channeled through the Ring. The price they all pay is apparent by the scars each and every bearer has upon their hands and bodies; the power they bestow only grants more. What protection is that? He is all too familiar.

But Regis presents something new. Somnus can take a more active role in protecting the King of Kings, should the other need it.

A subtle shifts occurs within Somnus' reticent expression, the hardened lines softening some as his grim mien shifts to something more reserved. ]

We are but wards of the future.

[ The implication is obvious: Noctis is that future. ]

[It's obvious that Noctis is indeed the future they must protect. Without him, their world will surely plunge into darkness. Despite how much it pains him to know that his son will have to sacrifice himself for the sake of a greater good, Regis knows better than to tempt fate. This was all preordained by the gods. There's not much he can do for Noctis now other than giving him the closure he needs in order to finish his final task.

A hint of gloom settles upon Regis as he ponders this, his mind far from these tranquil shores. However, he doesn't allow his thoughts to stray for long once espies that hint of clarity upon the royal's face. He watches him for a moment before suddenly offering the other a faint smile.]

I trust you shall honor my request. [He says with a growing smile.] After all, was it not you who protected me before?

[Another sigh passes through his lips as he gestures for the young progenitor to follow. It makes no sense for them to linger here when there's so much more to discuss in more a comfortable setting.]

Surely we could discuss such matters over tea.

[An olive branch, one to make up for his harsh words previously. Regis is kind, maybe a little kind for his own good.]

[ It is fortunate that Regis offers, for the harsh words from before had inclined Somnus to keep their conversation short, despite what lingering questions the Founder may have. He can discover answers elsewhere, if need be.

But since Regis has extended that proverbial branch first, Somnus accepts, and they make their way over to wherever Regis will have tea prepared.

...The matter of keeping the Chosen safe does evoke another question, however, as they walk. ] I would hear of any dangers within this realm.

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TEST DRIVE MEME ⚔️️ 3

The Red Spring

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