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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[No idea! He's having fun with this, and is usually going to antagonize.

Gokudera's watching the progress, impressed by it considering this guy is clearly a new arrival. He flicks his hands, seemingly pulling dynamite out of nowhere, and not answering the question. The next set of bombs he launches are lit and change direction mid-flight. If Bakugou can hit them before they blow up, after they've changed course, he'll be even more excited to pull out more bombs.]

Curious, huh?

[He's moving back, obviously needing to put more space between them when he's throwing these kinds of bombs, his rocket-bombs. At least he knows better than to announce them. It's more fun if it's a surprise.]

[ Okay but the changing directions? That's actually clever. And don't think he misses the fact that his question has went unanswered. What a bastard. However Bakugou will just deal with it. If the guy wants to amp it up then the blonde is just going to have to take it to the next level as well.

Since he could do this with his explosions and he KNOWS Todoroki can with his flames... ]

Only one way to find out!

[ So when those explosives change direction? Katsuki launches himself up into the air with this newfound fire magic. It doesn't give quite the boost that his Quirk had, but it still seems to be effective. Now Bakugou really can keep up with the changing directions, firing off quick blasts.

Though his ability to gauge his trajectory is a LITTLE off. Something to work on. ]

[Gokudera is watching carefully as he throws more, then he's tossing up a variety of different sized bombs at once, so that some appear close and some far away. It's a mix-up of some that are lit, and some that aren't.

Almost as soon as two of them leave, they start to gush smoke and cloak the rest. Hopefully Bakugou got a good look and counted that there are two mini-bombs, two rocket bombs, and then two smoke bombs. He's going to have to hit all four, or else he's going to get blasted right out of the air.

The silver-haired teen is putting his hands behind his back, then flicking more dynamite out between his fingers, this time eight of them and readying to toss them as soon as the bombs Bakugou is facing go off or are set off by his flames.

This is partly an experiment to see how elemental magic works, and how long it will take the other to run out of magical energy. Gokudera's got a plan in case things go south, as he isn't truly intending to blow up the new guy. But he is getting carried away. At this rate, he's going to produce more bombs than he can keep up in his hands and end up blowing himself up.]

Oh yeah?

[ He's definitely not as fast nor as accurate as he normally would be. Again, dealing with explosions propelling one forward is a little different than pure fire. Maybe he can learn to tweak that once he starts to figure out how to use his other elemental spells. All it is going to take for Bakugou is a bit more time and practice.

Though the smoke does make things more difficult and the blonde is wearing out. However he's not going to give up without one last hurrah. Those last eight sticks? Bakugou's going to figure out how to do a modified version of his Howitzer. Not quite with the spiraling downward. Rather he's going to spiral upward. So he spins himself around, covering himself in fire in the process. This spinning motion creates something akin to a tornado to clear out the smoke while consequentially drawing in those sticks of dynamite to ignite them the moment they make contact with the oxygen-fed flames! ]

[Gokudera eyeing where Bakugou is headed, throwing his bombs to intentionally be ever-moving targets. The rocket-bombs seem to be the most difficult with their changing direction, and sure a few fall, but most aren't lit to explode, just to fly off and land. After all, the bomber isn't trying to actually hurt anyone. It's just more fun to see and hear the visible impact of the other boy's fire against his dynamite.

The cigarette burning between Gokudera's lips sort of hangs as he watches the other spin with flame, and he's reminded of his boss, just sort of struck with awe for a moment. That's... well... very impressive.]

How long have you been in this world?!

[Because seriously, what the hell?! Gokudera pinches one of the fuses of his sticks and tucks it away.]

[ Unfortunately, that pretty much expends his magical energy. Even Quirks have limits, though for Katsuki that usually results in very sore and tender hands. That being said, he does not stick the landing. Nope. He stumbles and falls flat on his ass, panting from exertion and no small amount of thrill. ]

Ha! Don't think that I'm some ordinary asshole.

[ Give him a few moments to just breathe and get his bearings again. ]

I don't know shit about magic [ Except for in video games ] but I do know something about what I'm doing. Before I arrived in this shitty place I could create my own explosions without dynamite. So all of this is just adapting to shit I already know how to do.

So. An extraordinary asshole, then.

[Gokudera's just gonna point that out. He approaches without caution, because he's doing just fine with his energy level.]

What you're doing is magic, though... [So an extraordinarily contradictive asshole.]

Tch! Well you'll get the hang of it eventually. [Is he talking down to him? Yeah.]

Not bad for a newbie, I guess. [Gokudera shrugs. They have different magic.]

[ He's just quick is what it is. Bakugou looks like a delinquent, but he's actually just as studious as the top performers in his class. He's not verbal about it, but Bakugou catches on just as quickly. ]

Magic? Genetics? Who the fuck cares... If you figure out how to draw the magic out of yourself then it's no different than a Quirk. Only the source changes.

[ And since he's used to dealing with fire that's obviously going to be the easiest one for him to draw out and manage. ]

So don't talk down to me. I'll get this in no time.

[Gokudera is very similar in that he also looks like a delinquent. He'll also walk out of a class he's making top grades in over something as simple as his phone battery dying.]

What the fuck is a Quirk?

[He chews at his cigarette filter a little, gives a slight pout and cocks his head to the side.]

I didn't fuckin' say you wouldn't. Is it normal where you come from to have that thing so far up there? [He honestly looks curious, turns his head and exhales the smoke away from Bakugou because sure, he may be a bit of a punk, but he wouldn't dream of exhaling cigarette smoke in someone's face unless he wants them dead. Gokudera's just having fun.]

[ Right right. Different worlds. It's so strange, to Bakugou, to think of a place that wouldn't have Quirks. Then again, that's how his own used to be but that had been generations ago. Yet it had reshaped their entire society. Quirks define it. ]

Tch. Don't forget you are the one that brought me over this way just to see what I can do without knowing a damn thing about me.

[ As he's interpreting this all to mean "a stick so far up his ass." Which no, that's honestly just Katsuki. ]

Where I come from nearly everyone has some kind of ability. Some are shitty. Some are powerful. Could be anything from making shit float to super strength and speed to blowing shit up.

I invited you over since you were having a fuckin' fit over there with all the other newbies.

[He gestures towards the other people that had arrived.]

You're welcome.

[Gokudera is feigning disinterest hearing how the other talks about Quirks.]

And now we all have magic... Hm. I know a couple people with magic like yours. [So in short he doesn't think Bakugou stands out very well. The fire seems fitting for his personality... or whatever of it he's shown to Gokudera. He looks past him at the group and gives a small nod over his shoulder as if indicating that he wants to be followed. It's not directed at his temporary training partner however.]

I wonder if we'll be able to find someone with alchemy magic... or that can lift the curse...

That wasn't a fucking fit.

[ Sure he had been yelling, but a fit? Oh no. His fits usually end up with much more destruction and people either having to physically put hands on him or he blows something up. While Katsuki hasn't had one of those in a hot minute... Him yelling isn't really a fit. ]

And they might have magic like mine but I guarantee I'll be the best at it.

[ Because Bakugou never half-asses things. If they're stuck here then he's just going to put the same amount of effort into learning this magic stuff as he has his training. That's all there is to it. Bakugou doesn't allow himself to be anything less than, well. Perfect. Or at the very least a cut above other people.

Yet this talk of alchemy magic or lifting curses? It makes the blonde scoff. ]

You do realize shit is never that easy and straightforward.

Mmmhm and my hair is purple.

[He's not saying that the other guy can't throw a bigger fit than that, and he has no idea what Bakugou is like. Gokudera isn't terribly invested in the argument, just a bit dismissive about it.]

Why does that matter?

[He doubts that Bakugou will be the best at elemental magic. Maybe the fire aspect of it...?]

Oh, it's easy. Just depends on how direct I feel like being.

[Cause he could easily hop on the network and ask if anyone has alchemy magic and or healing magic. It's a matter of networking. Knowing a person who knows a person. The struggle will be more prominent when it comes to lifting the curse that's been put on him.]

[ Katsuki scoffs and makes a face at the other. He's not entirely invested in the argument either. At least not that one. What's more important here is - ]

Why the hell shouldn't it matter? Who the fuck wants to be subpar and utterly worthless?

[ Now Bakugou literally can't wrap his mind around people not wanting to put forth their best effort. Who doesn't want to excel? Who doesn't want to stand out? Who wants to be someone that constantly loses and can never protect anything because they lose all their battles? ]

And I meant even if you find people it's not going to be as easy as snapping your damn fingers.

This isn't a competition, but if you want to be the best, that's all well and good. In the end, the only person who's standards you will be trying to meet are your own.

[Gokudera isn't really going to make this into a real argument, because ultimately, they aren't in disagreement here. If Bakugou wants to be the best, that's his business. In Gokudera's opinion, no one is better than his boss. Even if someone is stronger or smarter, or better in whatever they want to believe, that's all according to their own set standards.]

Who cares what anyone else thinks... Just because you might not be the best doesn't mean you are the worst, or are worthless.

[Gokudera folds his arms. He has different magic, but he supposes if he works hard enough, eventually he could learn new magic. If he thinks he's the best, then he won't look to improve. Gokudera will never think he's the best, but that through his failures, he'll learn and improve.]

What do you know about lifting curses that makes you think I can't find someone who can cure it as easily as snapping their fingers?

[ Yeah that's true when it comes to standards. The only person's that he'll be trying to meet are his own. Bakugou doesn't argue that. Then again that's really all it has ever been when it's come to performance. His... Lacking areas hadn't been a priority until recently and he's still trying to work some of those things out.

Now where Gokudera is wrong is Katsuki's "interpretation" of the "best." Yes, it's for the blonde to stand out. No lying about that. However it's also a personal thing. He's the best at what he can do and using his gifts... But he'll never be like Kirishima. He'll always fall short of being able to take hits like that guy can and he'll never have that level of charisma and optimism. ]

It does mean that. If you can't be the best then you're dragging other people down right fucking along with you.

[ That's what Bakugou means - if you're worthless and subpar then you aren't giving others everything you've got either. You can't use their skills to best suit a situation and you'll become a hindrance rather than a support. It's taken the blonde a while to understand that aspect of being a hero as well. ]

And it won't work like that because if it did... Then it'd already be done.

Edited (fingers aren't quite keeping up with brain lol) 2021-01-09 20:06 (UTC)

Not at all. Everyone is putting forth their effort to save their home worlds and everyone else’s. At the rate people are being brought in, it seems more a quantity over quality aspect in regards to magic... like every person is a vessel for the magic of this world so they all contain the same amount and need to help channel it in some sort of screwey rescue mission.

And considering you are using elemental magic, someone could be better than you with a different type of magic. Making them more versatile. It’s not a matter of being the best at everything, but how their effort is applied. You could be the best and apply your magic for the wrong reasons.

[Which... he doesn’t know this guy, but that may be his aim? Gokudera doesn’t think he’s the best. The best at being competitive for no reason, maybe. The bomber is competitive in nature, but that’s eclipsed at the moment.]

It’d be done if I tried to do something about it. Part of resolving an issue is also figuring out what caused it.

[He’s not met anyone else suffering the same curse, and has been a bit too embarrassed to post on the network about it and ask for help. It might be easier to lift the curse than for him to swallow his pride and admit that he got himself into a bad predicament.]

[ Blah blah blah... ]

That's basically what I was fucking saying. Thank you for the long-winded exposition that I really could have done without.

[ Personal best. That's what it is about... Well. Katsuki also just wants to be flat out the best, but that's more of a rivalry thing that he's not going to get into any time soon. At least not with anyone - nope. No one. Not ever. However he's also learned that there are things that he's just not great at and he's gonna fix them. That's all there is to it.

That's not going to change even while he's here. Wherever here is... No, Bakugou is going to work just as hard to make this newfound magic his own and not be some kid of loser or a burden. Not happening. ]

And just how far are you to figuring out what caused it, eh?

[Gokudera's not liking talking to this guy. They made the exact same point, but this guy was just an asshole about it. He scoffs.]

You're welcome.

[And like that, he's looking off at nothing again. Well, it's something. It's just not a visible something.]

That's none of your business.

[Lifting his curse is his own problem and how he handles it -even if he's doing so poorly- is entirely up to him.]

I haven't even asked around the network yet. Once I do, I'm sure someone will be able to help.

[Not that he'll outright ask anyone to lift his curse for him... but see if they can at least help him narrow down what it is, or what's triggering it, or... who/what he might have pissed off. Gokudera hasn't seen anyone else suffering the same curse. Maybe someone just put it on him as a joke...]

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TEST DRIVE MEME ⚔️️ 3

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