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

[petrifyings]

[ Not intimidated by her bluntness—why would he be after everything they've been through?—Emil keeps clinging to Kainé through her exchange with the Shade. Knowing better than to ask questions about it, he doesn't let go even though she seems to have calmed down somewhat. ]

Um, I don't know! It's all weird. [ Emil assumes she must mean his body; he regained his previous form for some unknown reason and lost all of his powers. This was a shock to him and it might be similar for Kainé, but that's not what he wants to focus on right now. ] But you're here! And you're not an illusion...

[ Fully aware that it might lead to trouble (and most likely more shouting), Emil pinches her gloved hand lightly just to confirm she's real. ]

And you've got the crystal! You're amazing!

[pissoffbook]

She was actually talking about more than just that. His human form that he had appeared as at this moment, and how she wasn't really being taken over by the Shade; as well as as what the hell had just happened.

Unknown to Kainé, Emil had helped her overcome the trial; and that is why she now held the crystal in her hand.

And Nier was nowhere to be seen, just as he hadn't been before she entered this damn cave. But Emil, Emil was here for some reason? Not that she was complaining. The boy had been one of the only ones that shared a deep understanding of her situation. In any case, it was great that Emil had his body back. Truthfully, she was happy for him. Not that Tyrann would be pleased about that.

Kainé glanced around the cave. Thankfully no one else had come in search of the crystals,,, yet She looked back to the boy and smiled briefly, so brief that he may have missed it before quickly sobering.

"Thanks... she mumbled quietly, before she retreated to her usual self, her next words boisterous and crude. 'But lemme go before some other idiot comes wandering in here. I got a fuckin' image to maintain."

[petrifyings]

[ Rather than letting go of her immediately, Emil hugs her for a little while longer, perhaps pushing his luck a little. It cannot be helped, not when not so long ago he couldn't stop thinking that he would never see her. ]

Okay, no more ruining your image. [ Emil says that with a wide smile on his face. ] I'm just so happy to see you here, Kainé. I thought I'd never see you—

[ Emil shakes his head vehemently; there's no point in revisiting these negative thoughts. Shortly, he notices a tiny sparkle just a few steps away and picks up a crystal. ]

I feel much stronger already.

[pissoffbook]

Kainé raised an eyebrow as Emil cut his statement off abruptly. Her eyes trailed to the crystal that he had noticed, and she watched him carefully pick it up, ready to jump on anything that may assault him.

Then she put two-and-two together.

"That makes both of us..." she commented quietly, though Emil may have been able to hear it if he was paying close attention.

After all, she had only just now realized how quiet Tyrann had actually been since landing on this weird-ass island. Kainé didn't know how to explain it, but she got the feeling that her connection to the Shade had somehow been severed here..

Which gave her a lot to think about.

"Hey Emil," Kainé prodded to get his attention in case it was still focused on the crystal. "Where ya stayin'? Somewhere in that Camelot shit-hole?"

There wasn't really a point in phrasing it as she did, since Emil was very aware of the reason why she chose to sleep outside the city, but saying things like that was just a hard habit to break, even around Emil.

[petrifyings]

[ His eyes almost sparkle in the darkness when Kainé admits she's happy to see him again. There's no telling how much time actually passed since the last time they saw each other, but it doesn't feel all that long now. Weird. ]

I spent a few nights there, but it's hard to get used to so many people around...but now we can camp outside together like we used to! What do you think, Kainé?

[ He's a bit tempted to ask about the voice from the illusion, which Emil assumes might belong to the shade possessing her. It's a sensitive topic, however, so maybe it's better to leave it for now. ]

[pissoffbook]

"Yeah. Let's do that. Like old times." She replied evenly giving Emil a grateful half-smile. "Let's ditch this place."

How such a good kid like him would rather hang around with someone like her she'd probably never figure out, but that was just part of Emil's charm, Kaine thought. She couldn't help but shake her head in disbelief.

In any case, she was glad for it.

"So, you want a big 'ol heaping of bugs for dinner right?" she teased as she tossed the crystal to the nearest quest-goer before motioning for him to join her in exiting the cave.

Honesty, once they set up camp, Kainé probably wouldn't even care about talking more on the illusion. Emil was smart, maybe he could help her make sense of the whole damn thing.

[petrifyings]

[ Emil happily follows, not quite believing his own luck. He stepped into the cave to help the King of Camelot out and met Kainé in the progress. How amazing is that? As much as he'd like to gush about seeing her again, he tries not to act too excited...at least for the time being. Still, there's nothing he can do about the wide smile on his lips as they walk together. ]

O-Only if you give me the biggest ones! [ Knowing that she's teasing, Emil decides to take the risk. ] I have some crackers if you'd like to share! We just need to find a nice spot.

[ Near the cave doesn't sound like a good idea with all the people coming in and leaving, but they reach the plains soon enough. ]

Can we stay here?

[pissoffbook]

"You might have to fight me for them," Kainé fake challenged, though she didn't mean it with any sort of malicious intent. Nor was there any truth to the statement. She had somehow acquired some food of a more palatable variety.

Kainé didn't know how Emil managed to keep his enthusiasm under control, it wasn't very like him. Even if she had told him off earlier, once they were more removed from others, she figured she'd let him fawn over her all he wanted.

Truthfully, she was really glad for the ray of familiarity and comfort that Emil provided her. He had managed to pull her away from Tyrann's clutches at least once before.

Whether that would be needed again was up for debate, now that she had been tossing the thoughts around in her head, and actually noticed the lack of shit talk from the Shade.

Fortunately, Kainé had pretty much laid claim to a place near the main city of Camelot. As much as she knew there was no way she'd probably be allowed within the gates; she was never allowed within the gates, Kainé did kinda like to keep tabs on what was going on around her.

"I got a place staked out a little closer to that dump, Camelot." she commented nonchalantly.

Maybe they should have stuck to the spot Emil had suggested, because it was when they were on the way to Kainé's place that they encountered the beast that must have decided it wanted lunch too.

Kainé noticed it first since Emil was still happily chattering away, when it rushed him and she tackled the boy out of the way just before the creature connected. Instead it skidded to a halt a few feet away and righted itself in preparation for another assault.

"Not so fast shit-hog. I'm the only one who gets to pick on Emil!" Kainé challenged rising and drawing her swords for an immediate counter attack.

It was large, at least bigger than her and Emil combined, but she didn't think it would cause them much trouble since the two of them were used to fighting together. Like a well-oiled machine of sorts.

And that was when it happened. Because Kainé hadn't been around others much, she wasn't too informed about the whole magic thing. So when she accidentally threw a dark spell, something akin to her shade powers that had the creature squealing in pain; needless to say, she was more than a little surprised.

"What the fu...?!"

In fact, the shock was enough that Kainé couldn't even finish her sentence as she was side-swiped by the beast's 'mate,' that seemingly came out of nowhere. The assault sent her flying and she landed hard with an oof some distance away.

Reflexively she clutched at the wound, retracting her hand when she felt something wet and sticky.

"Shit!" she hissed between clenched teeth and quickly got to her feet. She still had one of her swords left at least, the other having been thrown randomly with the force of the blow.

"Emil! Look out!" Kainé warned, knowing full-well that his immediate reaction would be to worry over her. "Don't let these assholes catch you off guard!"

((Wanted to showcase their respective magics a bit, Kainé has dark magic ofc.))