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avalaughs2020-12-31 11:53 pm
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TEST DRIVE MEME ⚔️️ 3
![]() Premise ⚔️️ Rules ⚔️️ FAQ ⚔️️ Taken ⚔️️ Reserves ⚔️️ Apply ⚔️️ Locations ⚔️️ Bestiary ⚔️️ Top-Levels Only ⚔️️ ![]() A ⦿ Soaking in Your Arrival
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
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, ![]() C ⦿ The Red Spring
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
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
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
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
B ⦿ Pure of Heart
"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
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. |
B.
The other thing he's staring at out the window is his familiar. She isn't the unicorn, the one emblazoned on his family's crest, but she's a unicorn, all the same. And for all that she looks at Corwin like she knows him, she may as well be as close to that unicorn as he's going to get.
He's so enraptured by the beauty of his familiar, that he misses the first half of whatever his carriage companion says.
"Hmm? Give what a shot?"
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"Oh...sorry. My bad. I was talking about learning magic. I couldn't do it back home but...well, I didn't have this guy here."
Darin sheepishly gestures to the intimidating looking antlion on his shoulder; a being that Darin still clearly held no fondness for.
Regardless, Darin holds out a hand towards his companion.
"Name's Darin. Darin Altway, Master Blacksmith. Nice t'meet ya."
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But then a hand is being offered, and all thoughts of insects of unusual size flee from Corwin's mind. He shakes his head briefly as if to clear it, falling back into the practiced routine of introducing himself.
"Darin, pleasure to meet you. I'm--"
He hesitates. Normally, of he was in a Shadow with telephones, surrounded by people he doesn't know whose intentions he isn't sure of, he'd introduce himself as Carl Corey. But if what the carriage man says is true, about needing to save his world...?
He's tired of having to save reality, and he's tired of lying about his identity. He sighs slightly, then forces on a smile.
"I'm Corwin, of Amber."
That done, with them good and introduced, Corwin leans back in his seat, looking Darin over, noting all the telltale signs of a life of hard work.
"A master blacksmith who can use magic to forge his weapons is going to be in high demand, I imagine." Corwin would know. His own sword, Greyswandir, which hangs at his side in its sheath, was forged with magic capabilities. What he doesn't realize is that it has lost those capabilities upon arriving here.
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"Hah! Hey, yeah! That's true! Nothing like that exists back home, so I never even considered that as a possibility!"
In that moment, trepidation gives way to excitement, and his entire demeanor seems to lighten.
"Well, now I gotta give it my all if I'm gonna make a name for myself here. And speaking of names...'of Amber?' Like House Amber? Sorry to say, but you don't strike me as any noble I've ever had dealings with."
He balks, realizing he hadn't answered his companion's question, casting a sidelong glance at his familiar.
"...Actually, they're bigger back home. I'm not terribly fond of them so imagine my...you know."
He doesn't want to insult his familiar outright.
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He has no idea of any of what he's saying will mean anything to Darin--after all, who knows what sort of Shadow he's from-- but after everything Corwin just went through to save the Pattern, to save Amber... He feels like being a little braggadocios.
"I wouldn't worry about not making me for a noble. Our family aren't exactly your typical royals. Hell, my little brother Random? Enjoys nothing more than gambling, playing drums, and flying planes, and he was just crowned king, out of all seven brothers left standing."
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Darin jumps to his feet in a panic, assuredly annoying the wagon's other passengers. Honestly, Darin hated nobility. Classism ran rampant back where he was from and pretty much every nobleman he'd had the displeasure of making something for was a walking, talking inferiority complex.
But this guy seemed humble and...well, it was just nice to talk to someone. He'd spent so much time on the lam that just having a conversation was comforting. He sits back down in slight embarrassment.
"S...Sorry. To be honest, my track record with nobility is...not. Great."
A pause. For a second, it might seem like Darin might understand what Corwin's referencing when he gives his full title.
"Wait..."
"...You're brother's name is Random? That's..."
RUDE, DARIN.
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"Yeah... I think Dad really ran out of options by the time he had Random. After all, he had so many of us." Still, Corwin always thought that the name suited his littlest brother. Always a little gunshy, preferring to hide behind his bigger, stronger, meaner brothers. Random had the right stuff when it counted, in the end, or else the unicorn wouldn't have chosen him. But for so much of Corwin's life, he had been the snivelling little runt, there to tease or to use as a hype man, whenever the moment called for it.
"What about you," Corwin asks. "Do you have any siblings?"
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"Ah...yeah. Once upon a time I did. I had a twin brother, actually. His name was Dromas but...well, he was supposed to be dead."
He rubs his chin in thought. He'd only just learned that his brother was back.
"It's...complicated."
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"Would you believe I know the feeling? One of my brothers was supposed to be dead, too."
The shock (and annoyance) he had felt when Caine had revealed himself as the mysterious knight at the final battle outside the Courts... It has only happened yesterday-- at least, he thinks it only happened yesterday, time passes strangely so close to Chaos-- but now, with some distance, he can look back on it and find the coincidence amusing.
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He huffs and crosses his arms in frustration.
"If there's an Almighty Creator out there authoring these stories, he's a damn hack and needs to learn how to write better."
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"Well, I can't speak for your Dromas, but I unfortunately know the full details of the thought process that went into Caine faking his own death."
'Unfortunately' because everything involving Caine was unfortunate, in Corwin's opinion. He was one of Corwin's least-liked brothers, and the feeling was definitely mutual.
"One of us brothers was intent on undoing reality, you see. Rewriting the universe in his own image, things like that. Caine wasn't sure which one of us it was, so he decided to take himself out of the equation for a while until he could determine who it was that needed to be stopped."
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He sighs.
"Oh good, another supposed-to-be-dead brother with a god complex and a desire to destroy everything. At least your brother was trying to find a way to stop it. Mine's looking to kickstart it."
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"Yes, well... It sounds like you've got much of the same troubles I do, condensed into one brother instead of eight."
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He leans back and rubs the back of his head sheepishly.
"I didn't mean any offense, Corwin." A beat.
"Er...Lord Corwin? Sir Corwin?"
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"It would be Lord Corwin. But don't bother. You're not an Amberite, so just Corwin is fine."
He's too bone-deep tired to care about forms of formal address.
"I'm not offended. Really, I'm not. I'm sorry that you lost the good relationship you had with your brother. That, actually, is something I can't relate to."
He'd never been all that close with any of his brothers. The only one of his siblings he felt that kind of closeness with was... Deirdre. He lets out a sigh, closing his eyes as the memory of Brand pulling her over the edge of the chasm replays itself in his mind.
...Best to change the subject.
"I suppose we've got yet a third world-ending threat to solve, now."
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Darin scoffs. Being able to process all of this with another like-minded individual was kind of a blessing, honestly. It helped give him perspective as well as aided in abetting his own skepticism.
Speaking of.
"So...how much of that story do you actually buy? Do you really think everything's frozen? Or do you think there's more going on here?"
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He shrugs.
"I don't really know, to be honest with you. I thought I knew all the major players in the reality-ending game. I'd already helped stop it once. I don't see how they expect me to do it again, without any of the proper tools or materiel."
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He'd have to ask him about that one day but now? Well...he just seemed tired.
Back home, Darin knew his fair share of knights and members of the royal guard. And so many of them were paragons of justice in their own right; mana-less warriors that still wanted to do what was right. He always admired them and, once upon a time, even dreamed of becoming a knight in his own right. Upon becoming a blacksmith, he'd pledged to support them as best as he could; by providing them with top-class armor and weapons. Keeping them safe and alive in his own way.
His hand falls on Corwin's shoulder and he offers the man a smile.
"Don't look so down. You've got a Master Blacksmith right here. At least I can promise you the right and proper tools."
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"That you can. And magic ones, at that."
Seems like Darin was a lucky man to make acquaintances with, this early on in the game. Definitely an alliance that Corwin will have to nurture and keep a strong hold of. Not that he knows what challenges might come in the way of that, but... They'll see.
"I wonder how I'm supposed to know what sort of magic I've been given. Sorcery has never been an interest of mine."
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Darin thumbs at his antlion familiar, who clicks its mandibles in affirmation. Clearly, these familiars were more than meets the eye.
"We're bonded with these guys so they probably know more than we do."
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At the gesture towards the antlion Corwin gives a vague nod, then glances out at his unicorn familiar again. As though she somehow knows he's looking, her head turns as she canters and gives him a slow, regal nod.
...It's unsettling. It makes Corwin feel like he's under a magnifying glass. As though some force greater than anything he is or will ever be is acknowledging his existence.
"I don't know how I feel about that, to be honest... I've only had brief interactions with a unicorn before. This one... I don't know what to do with her."
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Darin cranes his head to look out the window.
"Aw man, that's so cool! I thought familiars were supposed to be creepy and unsettling like mine! What gives?! Don't I deserve something less objectively offputting?!"
Darin is actually asking this to no one in particular because the gods have abandoned him.
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"It's creepy and it's got weird fuzz and I don't know what those markings on its butt mean but I'm willing to bet they don't mean anything good."
In response, the antlion clicks its mandibles and chitters something unintelligible.
"...What'd you say about my face?"
So, this is happening now.
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"Is it... Is that thing speaking to you? Can you understand it?"
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