avalaughs | TEST DRIVE MEME ⚔️️ 3

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TEST DRIVE MEME ⚔️️ 3

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A ⦿ Soaking in Your Arrival

KERPLUNK, SPLASH!

Regardless of what you were in the middle of, you and your familiar have been magically pulled into the world of Avalon just above the Bay's chilly waters. After a brief plunge into the Bay, the rush of water filling your ears and soaking up into every creak and crevice of your body, you may need to cough to clear your airways when you rise above the surface. It's paralyzingly cold for a few seconds before you're approached by the Lady of the Lake beneath the water's surface. She puts a vial of a vibrant, glowing red Everwarm* potion to your character's lips. The icy water doesn't feel so icy once consumed and you'll be able to move your limbs enough to swim to shore on your own. She can't stick around to explain, she's got to get this to all the new arrivals! Many of which you'll see plopping in around you.

If you can't swim, a handful of helpful ice turtles will scoop you up from beneath and drop you off at the shore. When not helping people, the turtles are going around and hitting the ice that keeps forming on the surface with their shells to keep the surface open for the falling arrivals or pushing personal items to the beach near the new arrivals they smell like (belong to). If anyone tries to ask the Lady of the Lake for directions, she will direct you to Archimedes at the Rent-a-Ride. If anyone with Animal Magic asks the turtles, they will give the full spiel, but very slowly, and they like to get off topic and gossip about other turtles you've never heard of. The shores themselves are littered with new arrivals complaining their way up a staircase carved into the walls of the White Cliffs. There is no railing, so be careful, but if you do fall, be prepared for a mysterious sand hand to reach out of the side of the cliffs to catch you. The hand will pat you atop the head twice before retreating back into the wall. This is the Cliff Beast; despite the name, he is quite friendly.

B ⦿ The Caravan to Camelot

Once everyone is wrangled up to the top of the White Cliffs, the handsome owner of the Rent-a-Ride, Archimedes, will distribute smart phones, a pair of earbuds, and a winter cloak** to everyone before getting them settled in groups into modernized carriages pulled by horses and give them a basic explanation of why and how they've been brought to Avalon: The rest of the universe is frozen in time and your character has been brought here by a familiar that was able to bond with them. They'll have to learn magic to help save their own world from destruction, but first they've got to get them to Camelot. It is here that you have the first opportunity to decide who they will be in their new home. You'll have about an hour to wander around here, meet and greet, and pet the horses before it's time to go.

These carriages use fae technology that combats weight, so your character will be able to get in regardless of whether they're light as a feather or weigh two tons. The carts have air conditioning when it's hot, heating when it's cold, and a mystical shield to protect from bugs. There is also a mini-bar that pops out of the console with nip bottles. Characters can use their smartphones to connect to Camelot's internet service,

avalononline (AOL), to chat with other characters, watch dumb videos, learn about the world, contact Camelot Support (they'll answer any questions they can for you, from how to use a smart phone to where to find quests and resources to learn more about your magic). Be careful if you decide to use your phones while in the caravan-- if you don't use those earbuds and start forcing everyone to listen to your nonsense, Archimedes may make you walk.

C ⦿ The Red Spring

The journey from the White Cliffs to the City of Camelot is a long one, and the first evening you arrive you'll end up spending at the Red Spring, a booming resort town. Because of the volume of new arrivals and vacationers, inn rooms are assigned two-to-a-room. The rooms have two twin beds, a bathroom, a mini-fridge and microwave, and a TV equipped with a couple of entertaining video games and a few free movies.

If you don't want to relax in the room, try taking a dip in the spring for another chance to meet your fellow travelers. The waters have restorative properties that help horses and travelers recover quickly when drunk. It is known to relieve stress, improve energy levels, and mildly accelerate healing. It may be a little chilly when you get out though, so make sure you don't slip rushing back indoors when you get out!

The springs are also home to a large training grounds just outside town limits, where there are teachers who will teach basic magic safety and help you discover what kind of magic you have together with other new arrivals. Try target practice, obstacle courses, meditation circles, and other ways to try to figure out just what you can do... if you didn't already have an accidental discovery on the ride there.

Everyone needs a little fun from time to time; the locals have put together the annual Snow Games. As with all things Avalonians plan, magic plays a part in the competition. There will be three separate tiers for characters to enter. Each Tier will have its predetermined track or ring, set up and ready to go.

A ⦿ Foot Races

three-legged race

B ⦿ Sled Races

magically driven sleds

C ⦿ Snow Chicken

Snow Chicken, Magic Vs Yeti Style... This competition will differ from the previous two; it is not a race to the finish line but instead a competition to be the last team standing! Participants will pair off and one person will climb on the shoulders of the other and try to wrestle their opponents off without getting knocked off themselves. The field is full of snow, with more coming from the sky. Your opponents will be Yeti. Try to stay on, Yeti are no slouches so teams will have to work together using their magic not only to stay put but to knock your big-footed opponents to the ground.

Just... be wary, these friendly yeti are surprisingly big on hugging as a form of congratulations. It's much more challenging to escape from a yeti's embrace than it is to knock one over.

Trumpets hail an announcement by the town crier in front of the castle. More than a few people pull out their phones to record it and post it to the AOL network for all to see.

"Hear ye, hear ye! Our noblest of lords, King Arthur of Camelot, will host a tournament on this January the 20th on castle grounds. All are welcome to participate in competitions to determine those most skilled in both the physical and magical arts. In preparation for the upcoming tournament, we are sending envoys to Celliwig. In Celliwig lies the Magic Mirror of the South, gifted to Camelot by the Fae, and a means to communicate with their royal court at will. It is a vastly important task in your journey to become magicians and to show your good will toward the fairies. Parts of the mirror's frame have been damaged. We will need those brave of soul and pure of heart to retrieve the crystals needed to repair the mirror. Those interested, the party leaves at dawn."

A ⦿ Brave of Soul

The first stop on the trip to restore Celliwig's Mirror is to a cave just north of Albion's White Cliffs. No longer a part of the cliffs themselves, this outcropping goes underground and to a dank, dark cave. It is the only place which a special prismatic crystal grows. The crystal itself is hidden deep in the cave, which can only be passed by passing into a zone in which magic cannot be used. Characters will enter the cave and must face an illusion of one of their greatest fears. Those frozen in fear will pass out and wake up outside of the cave with no crystal. Those who run will find themselves turned out of the cave as well. Only those who recognize and face that fear deep in their soul will find the path forward. The fear will turn into a small light spirit, which will smile and reveal to them the crystals they seek.

B ⦿ Pure of Heart

The second stop is past a shanty town and at the bridge north of it. The bridge itself is broken, only the ends in existence. The water itself is impassible, white rapids sweeping away anything that steps into it. Silver crystals are on the other side of the bridge, visible in an outcropping from where they are, but it appears there is no way around as magic does not work on the bridge. The only clue as to how to get across is a plaque in the dirt before the bridge.

"The pure of heart will form the bridge with a leap of faith."

Since everyone has gone as a group, it will be possible to see others walking over the water once one person figures it out. Though the clue may seem challenging, it is quite straight-forward. Characters who are pure of heart will find that if they believe in themselves, they will be able to step off the bridge and hardlight will form beneath their feet to allow them to step over the water. Those with ill intentions or those who are willing to harm others to get their way will slip into the rapid waters and may need to be saved by other characters. At least you're off the bridge, so magic will work to that end.

C ⦿ Celliwig, the Splendored Court

As the travelers leave the bridge, they turn toward the shanty town-- wood shacks and failing farms. Not a place anyone would want to visit. Those who try to run ahead will find that it disappears as if an illusion, and they will find nothing. Those who stick with the party will wait a fair distance away until the sun sets. Once the sun begins to fall beyond the horizon, the small town will begin to shimmer brilliant whites and colors-- a glamour hiding its true glory, a city made solely of crystals and glass: Celliwig, the Splendored Court. Though smaller than Camelot, every part of the city is beautiful and glistening. The population is small and it's very quiet and serene for a city. The people of the city don't seem keen on speaking to outsiders, and will typically scatter before anyone can really engage them. They seem humanoid in nature, but not entirely human. Even the animals around the city seem to be ethereal in nature, gliding more than walking.

The party is led to a hall at the center of the city-- the hall of mirrors. Those who have succeeded in obtaining crystals need to bring them and set them on a table placed before a mirror at the end of the hall, which appears to have a number of empty settings. It's unclear what happened to the mirror previously, but now it's necessary to restore it to garner the favor of the fae.

Once crystals have been delivered, people will be free to explore the quiet city, but it seems most of the city is closing shop while the visitors are around. There is a restaurant that will serve visitors food, though all of the dishes are of the molecular gastronomy variety. Alcoholic drinks seem to come in vapor form and flashes of light if ordered, but seem effective nonetheless. The local general store seems to be willing to sell supplies to weary travelers as well, but that's about it.

...That said the inn doesn't seem particularly keen on allowing visitors in strangely, so you're either going to be sleeping on the iridescent streets or camping just outside the city if you prefer the soft grass and the darkness of night. Just be aware, if you leave, you won't be able to get back into this mysterious city so easily.

MOD NOTES:
• All test drive prompts are open to anyone in the game at any time to create your own logs with, but this post should have top-levels by potential new characters only. Current characters may reply to any threads, but should not top-level comment on this post.
• If your application is accepted, you may accept TDM threads as game canon as long as both players consent. Characters may begin threading as soon as their journal is accepted to the communities.
• If nothing here tickles your fancy, try one of this month's Quests for your TDM prompt.
• Note that the third prompt in this TDM will have consequences on the game's progression. After the application round, a poll will be put up to see how many characters who are in the game, both new and old, are able to obtain the crystals from the Brave of Soul and Pure of Heart prompts.
• The first "Arrival" prompts are present on every TDM, but may contain seasonal tweaks for flavor. All other prompts will change monthly.
• Questions about this TDM's content? Comment here! If you have a question about the game at-large, please head over to the FAQ.

*This Everwarm does not count toward your potion collection for those who wish to take up potion brewing. You must obtain Everwarm from the Elphame Trader's to count.
**Jackets come in a variety of neutral colors, enchanted with a fit-adjustment spell that will adjust to your character's size.

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

🌸The Lady of the Lake🌸

When Sakura plunged into the waters just after leaving her home for school, she wondered if somehow the Sakura Cards had gotten out of control. But even as the cold waters continued to nearly overpower her, she saw the beautiful lady of the lake and drank the potion she was given. She felt it warm her body right up and she was soon swept away by the ice turtles. What was going on? She didn't sense any magic.

In fact, she couldn't sense her own magic either.

That wasn't good at all! Once she was on the shore, she thanked the kind sea turtles. They also produced her backpack and hat as part of her elementary school uniform. She held it tight to her chest, shivering from the cold. She sniffled suddenly, not just from the cold but from the burn in her eyes. She was frightened, really, and she didn't have Kero or her cards. Her key was still around her neck but she could sense no power from it. She sniffled again, her face crumpled as her shoulders shook. But then, she felt something soft and furry gently brush the tears from her eyes and she blinked, bright green eyes taking in the big, dark dog that had used its tail to wipe her tears.

It wasn't a normal dog, that's for sure. Its tail was like wispy darkness. The entire dog was black too, but she could tell it was gentle. And kind. She sniffled again, holding her things tighter to herself. "Who're you?"

"I am a church grim and your familiar."

"My... what? I don't understand."

"Follow me, there are others who also arrived. Same as you. Everything will be explained on the way, kiddo."

"O-Okay."

She had a lovely voice, Sakura decided. She reached out hesitantly, but the grim stood still and let Sakura pet her. And then, as others would soon see, a very large black dog was now leading an eleven year old girl towards the caravan.

🌸Caravan🌸

Sakura sipped the warm drink, snuggled in the cloak she was given, and listened to the explanation that her familiar told her she would get. So, that's what happened. Something magical was clearly behind it, bigger magic than she had encountered thus far. This seemed like bad news, but why would her powers get stripped if they needed help? Then again, she was going to learn new magic. Hm...

She took another sip and then pulled up the AOL network.

Toya? Yuki-san? Tomoyo-chan?

...Syaoran-kun? Dad? Is there anyone else here from Tomoeda?

This is Sakura Kinomoto.

🌸Inn Rooms🌸

"Um, pardon the intrusion..." Sakura called out as she knocked and entered. So far, the other rooms had been completely occupied, so she has been trying to find a room with either no occupants or just one. "I'm looking for a room, is there room in this one?"

The church grim followed behind her, silent and nonplussed for now. It didn't seem occupied at first glance and she took in the amenities. It really did seem like any other inn room. Of course, that also made her wonder what she would be doing from here on out. Was there a school she had to attend? What about fending for herself? She knew how to cook but she didn't have any money either.

"Don't worry, kiddo. Things will work out. You have that special spell of yours, don't you?"

Sakura gasped lightly, how did she know? But it made her smile and she nodded. "Mm! Everything will surely be alright. Thank you."

[Just testing for now, I'm not quite ready for a second character and I might age bump her to 13, at the start of Clear Card, but I just wanted to see how she takes to the setting first before I make any decisions. I can also make a prompt or if you wanna wildcard something, go for it or send me a PM. c:]

Edited 2021-01-04 03:49 (UTC)

Hello Sakura. I'm sorry, but I haven't heard from any of those people or the place you're from... but they could very well be here.

I'm assuming you're new? I'm Sokka! If you have questions, I'll try my best to answer them.

Hi Sokka. Thank you for answering.

I got an explanation on the caravan so I think I’m just more worried on what I’m supposed to do here. I’m not used to being on my own like this, usually I have my dad or big brother.

Edited 2021-01-05 17:11 (UTC)

There are actually quite a few people who came here alone, so I'm sure that you'll be able to find comfort in others. And hopefully your family will arrive behind you.

Yeah, but it doesn't really make it any less scary when you're alone.

Of course not. What you feel is really valid.

Listen... do you want to meet? I can help you settle in. I know the places pretty well by now.

[Soundwave had returned to the beach where the new arrivals are in hopes to find a familiar face washed up at the shore. Alas, it doesn't seem this place has pulled anyone he knows, so he's ushered back into the caravan and stops by the Red Spring.

Soundwave has found a room, the very same Sakura had gone in. It isn't his first time in the inn. He is aware that the rooms have two beds, and given that the rooms are quickly claimed with the influx of newcomers, he's not surprised that he'll have to lodge in temporarily with someone - he just hopes whoever's occupying the room won't turn him away. He didn't quite expect a human child with a large dog, however.]

Ah... Hello. Is there room for one more?

[The voice Sakura hears is distinctively mechanical and robotic in quality, and if she turns to face him, she'll see that there's a 7ft tall robot in the room with a... cute-looking creature, a bipedal black cat, riding on his shoulder, contrasting with his rather intimidating figure.]

[Sakura turned around at the weird voice and then found she had to look up very high! She gasped, not in fright but in awe. It was like a robot from those shows! Granted, it was Kero that usually watched that stuff but she wasn’t completely oblivious.]

Wow...!

[Ahem.]

U-Uh! Um! I don’t think anyone else got this room s-so there should definitely be room for you, Mr. Robot!

[She moved further in to allow the robot inside better, her grim following close by. The black dog was very protective of her charge and glanced at the robot and cat warily.]

[Soundwave would take someone being awed at him. It's better than having to calm a frightened person and convince them he means no harm, despite how large and intimidating he looks. Although, typically with kids, maybe he should've expected that it's likely they would be in awe, like she is right now.

Regardless, he gives the young girl an appreciative nod.]

Thank you, but... I am not a robot. That is a different thing. I am a Cybertronian.

[Soundwave gently corrects her, knowing that she didn't mean to offend him with the term 'robot'. It's a mistake everyone makes upon seeing him for the first time. He moves further inside as he explains their differences, while his familiar lock eyes with Sakura's familiar, just as wary and protective.]

I am mechanical, as you can see, and a living being. Unlike a robot, I am not built or programmed.

O-Oh! Cyber...tronian. Okay, got it.

[She smiled brightly, listening to his explanation of what that meant. So, he wasn't really a robot at all. He was made of metal, but was still a living being in his own right. That didn't seem too hard to understand.]

I see, then, do you have a name?

[She climbed up onto the bed and held out her hand. The bed didn't exactly give her that much extra height compared to him, but it was enough that she wasn't stretching her arm so far up.]

I'm Sakura. Sakura Kinomoto! And this is... uh... [She looked at the dog.] You never told me your name, miss.

I don't have one, you can give me one, kiddo.

Oh! Uh... [She didn't want to wait too long but given her protective nature and her dark hair, her voice reminded her of someone very special...] This is Nadeshiko.

[It shouldn't be difficult to understand. But some have trouble separating him from a typical robot or just plain do not care, and they're significantly older than Sakura... ]

Soundwave. It is a pleasure to meet you, Sakura... and Nadeshiko.

[He gives a glance of acknowledgment to her familiar, before reaching to shake Sakura's hand. His hand is clearly much bigger than hers and metallic, but he is considerably gentle when he grasps around the little hand in his, careful to not crush it. He's clearly done this before.]

And this is...

[He turns to his familiar, which thinking about it, hasn't gotten a name, either.]

Hm, I do not believe I know its name and haven't given it one yet. I know that it is a being called Cat Sith. [To which, the little cat nods in agreement.]

[The black dog gives a nod, jumping onto the bed and settling down near the pillows meanwhile Sakura smiled brighter at the return of the handshake. He was so gentle!

She tilted her head at the black cat.]

Cait Sith... well, would you like a name?

[She already had an idea for one, even if it was another name from home. But she would understand if it preferred not to.]

[There's a headtilt from the cat at first before it gives Sakura a slow nod.]

Seems it would like one, Sakura.

[Soundwave surely wouldn't mind her naming his familiar, as he's likely he'd have trouble coming up with a name himself.]

[She bounced on the bed a little in excitement.]

Oh, thank you! How about Spinel? I knew a black cat who was also a guardian back home, Spinel Sun and you remind me of him.

Is that okay?

[She looked between both Soundwave and the Cait Sith.]

[That is a fine name. Soundwave can accept that as his familiar's name. His familiar turns to him as if seeking approval of the name Sakura gave, and Soundwave gives it a nod]

Lovely. [...] Spinel think the name's lovely.

[Now named Spinel, it hops from Soundwave's shoulder and onto the bed she's on, it's tiny paw extending towards Sakura as a sign of gratitude. It's much smaller than her, much like how she is to Soundwave.]

Yay!

[She bounced again on the bed, but settled down when Spinel hopped down and extended a paw. Sakura knelt down and gently took it, giving it a small shake.]

It's nice to meet you, Spinel~!

(no subject)

peacewithouttyranny - 2021-01-13 04:36 (UTC) - Expand

[Someone with the username 'bluerose' offers a reply.]

Don't recognise any of those names, and I've been here since new arrivals began showing up. Sorry.

What's your dad's name?

That’s okay, thank you though!

Fujitaka Kinomoto.

[bluerose was a pretty name!]

Don't recognise that one either. But I found my uncle here, so chances are you might run into family or friends sooner or later.

Until then, do you need help with anything?

Aw, I'm glad you found your uncle! Both my parents didn't have any siblings. I guess they made up for it with me and my older brother.

Um... I guess I'm just not sure what to do after I arrive? I remember them saying we can stay at the inn but after that... well, I don't know. Do I start going to school here? I don't think I'm allowed to get a job, I'm 11.

Although I do now how to cook and clean! We always took turns at home doing that!

I don't have any siblings, so I guess that makes us even!

[She's just 11, though? Damn. He really wishes this place would stop roping in kids.]

Yeah, there's a school. You can learn more about Avalon and how to use your magic there, free of charge. As for living situation... you REALLY shouldn't trust some rando on the internet like me, but I can offer you a place to stay if you're willing to give me a chance.

And if you don't mind uhh.. living somewhere pretty cramped.

[She couldn't help but laugh to herself as she read his message.]

True, I don't think my dad or brother would approve if I did. How about this, I'll stay at the inn for now and when I get to meet you in person, I can decide then?

If I get to know you, it would make the decision easier! How cramped is cramped though?

Sounds like a plan. We'll meet somewhere where there's lots of people in the middle of the day, so if you don't feel safe around a stranger, there'll be plenty of city guards you can go to for help.

"Cramped" is three adults and two kids in a little apartment. I'm working on it so we can move somewhere bigger ASAP, so it's just temporary, but I'd understand if it's a deal breaker for you.

Wow this is a terrible sales pitch, isn't it

[She laughed again.]

I appreciate it. And I could always wait even if I do agree. I don't want to put a stress on your housemates! Although I'm actually glad to know I'm not the only kid here. It seemed like an awful lot of adults and high school kids landed here with me.

Alice is 7 and Ken is 13. Maybe you could say hello if you see them around.

And I'd understand if you want to wait, but if you want to come over for dinner or need help with anything in the meantime, just let me know.

(no subject)

mysticadventure - 2021-01-13 04:19 (UTC) - Expand

(no subject)

birdflipping - 2021-01-13 08:58 (UTC) - Expand

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TEST DRIVE MEME ⚔️️ 3

Sakura Kinomoto | Cardcaptor Sakura

Caravan

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inn room

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caravan

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