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

[Not a man of many words, she takes it. Certainly not the first time she's run into that. It's a good thing Aerith can conveniently carry on a conversation by herself.

Not... that she really feels in a state to do so with how the increasing cold is tapping her on proverbial shoulder.

As they meander along with purpose, she eyes the back of him thoughtfully, unable to deduce much about him. What little she does know tells her he's something of a gentleman. He could be professional. He could simply be trying to figure out how to move on from the present circumstance (coming to a new world would do that to you). He could have some other things on his mind, resulting in his seemingly stoic personality.

He gives her the time she needs to catch herself in the midst of their movement.]

Okay. I think I'm good now.

[She gives him a short little nod, as if to confirm her words and she lets him continue to lead them on.

Turns out he seems to be navigating her in the same direction the Lady of the Lake was motioning newcomers ought to make their way toward. Transportation of one kind or another, taking them on the next chapter of their new journey.

But maybe they can get something to change into or dry off in before they start that excursion.

A fireplace would be nice.]

You think they have some blankets, maybe? I was thinking a fire. I wouldn't say no to both.

Perhaps. [ Surely whatever brought them here wouldn't want their newly Taken to perish due to the cold....

Somnus glances over his shoulder behind her, eyes sweeping over her shivering form, before he turns his attention back to their path. ] The Lady spoke of magic. Perhaps one among us has a pyre's boon.

[ Once they reach the top of the steppe, they're greeted by the Rent-a-Ride caravan, where horses remain in waiting to bring the new arrivals to the next town. It seems like the next, best course of action to seek answers, and he intends to peruse.

As for Aerith, if there's any of her homeworld here, it would be best for her to go with them instead. He will not keep her, if she so chooses. ] Do you see any children of your Star?

[A pyre's boon? He means magic, she assumes. And it beckons to mind the idea that... Well. Materia? Surely she has materia.

Aerith takes a moment to dust hands across herself and after a moment, she frowns. No. Seems like the only one she has is the one she wears in her hair nigh constantly and that one... Well. It's not anything to do with pyres.

They find the Rent-a-Ride caravan and she puts two and two together. That's where they were meant to go, evidently. She brightens right up considerably, even when he asks her about a 'star,' which she assumes he means her homeworld.]

I haven't seen anyone that I recognise yet.

[It doesn't stop her from looking, however. From really, genuinely looking.

It's entirely possible that there isn't anyone from there. It could just be her. All on her own. Maybe once that would have bothered her more. Now... Well. Now it just seems somewhat commonplace.]

What about you? Any of your friends here? I don't think you need me to escort you, but there's safety in numbers.

[ Instead of answering her right away-- if what he says next can even be considered an answer (it doesn't)-- he, too, surveys the crowd of water-logged other-worlders with a stony countenance, eyes narrowed with some level of both scrutiny and suspicion.

Then he proceeds to march in the direction of one of the carriages, his cloak sweeping behind him. ]

Let us find dry garb to don.

[He's tight-lipped, isn't he? Kind of makes her think of some people she's known before...

Aerith is not deterred, likely because she likes a challenge. He's definitely offering one.]

Dry—

[Garb. She grins. What a fancy way of saying it.]

Right!

[Aerith is quick to follow on his heels and at the carriage, she pokes her head in, attempting not to disrupt him too much. At least they've been kind enough to offer something that isn't wet and cold.]

Oh. I don't think there's clothes in here, but it's warm. We'll probably dry off by the time we arrive.

[ The hooded caravan, while simple in design, seem to carry supplies that have been prepared for the arrival of off-worlders. Warm, dry winter cloaks are piled and available within reach. It even feels warmer within the carriage; a heating spell, perhaps? Or technology?

Somnus allows her to step inside first, and he follows after. The both of them trail droplets of water after them, something that neither can help at this point. Beneath his cloak, his pale skin retains the marks of goosebumps. Not a new phenomena for someone who was once-alive, but very new to him now.

Upon lifting up one of the cloaks, he remarks: ] Our summoners have foresight...

[ A frown. ]

Our arrival was expected.

[ But is such appearances of off-worlders common? ]

[The interior is a good deal warmer than the embracing wind that greeted them outside. She seats herself and peers out the window, just to watch the surroundings from more comfort than they had before.]

That's what I thought, too. They didn't seem very surprised to see me, so I'm going to guess we aren't the first ones to arrive. That means we're not going to be the last ones either.

[Idly, she taps at her chin in consideration. On one hand, it means they're welcoming to newcomers. On the other hand, there's a larger situation at hand that's demanding otherworldly people.]

I guess that also makes us special. We're friends, not foes. That's easy enough to see.

[ Her assessment is correct, and he looks at her for a few extra beats before turning his gaze away. Quite observant, isn't she? And as for what she's mentioned... Friends, not foes, as if they are both welcomed and wanted in this realm. The more he allows himself to speculate further, however, the more time he wastes. Answers, if there are any, will be revealed in time.

Somnus presses his index finger and thumb upon the cloak he holds, testing the weight and texture of the fabric. Then, he hands it to Aerith... although not without a word of caution: ]

Pray that we are not so special as to be kept here forevermore.

[He grabs her attention again when he offers her the cloak and for several long moments, she simply eyes him.]

Thanks. You didn't have to do that. [True, but he seems oddly generous. Oddly... charitable. Usually she's the one doing that for others. Still, it's a comforting thing to see even in someone like him who seems a little standoffish.]

Whatever our importance, I don't think we're here infinitely. They weren't hostile to me, and I don't think I've had reason to distrust them. I don't know what they want with us, but I'm not getting any feeling of malevolence.

[If she can even call it that. 'Sense.' She isn't sure that's a word she can really use. This isn't her world, after all. Aerith isn't connected to it the way she is back home. In the end, perhaps it's just her intuition.]

Edited (fixing! version 2.0. I forgot to adjust one word. It's always one word.) 2021-01-29 02:38 (UTC)

[ As soon as she takes the cloak, he'll be undoing the one which he wears. Somehow, the powers-that-be has seen to restore not only the body he had when he had reigned and died in, but his garb as well. Like her, he's soaked through, and the dryer cloak that's provided by the caravan will be far more comfortable.

As she speaks, Somnus begins by undoing the golden clasps that hold his cloak together, then overcoat. He folds them and places them to the side while reaching for one of the spare, dry cloaks for himself.

She strikes him, suddenly, as someone who is fairly optimistic. ] Summons oft accompany calls for aide. Will you lend yours?

[It doesn't take her long to practically bury herself under the cloak he's offered. It's as welcoming as the experience has been so far. Well, icy lake aside (and even that was combated by the lady who pointed her toward the cliffs).

He's so meticulous. Who is he where he comes from? She's amused by how to the point he is. Having someone like that, however, is always of benefit. He's able to offer insight to things that others might not be able to. She's as curious about him now as she was the moment he initially called her 'maiden.'

Without much thought, she airs a short-lived laugh.]

Hm... I don't see any reason I shouldn't, though they'll really have to tell me what it is that they need. We can only guess right now. If it's something I can help with, then I'd definitely like to.

[A caveat exists wherein if she were asked to do something she couldn't agree with. Aerith doubts that will be coming up. At least, not yet.]

Seems like the right thing to do to me. Although I'd understand if you were feeling apprehensive about it.

[ Somnus sets his wet cloak and coat to the side, draping himself in the dry one instead. It's far more comfortable. Perhaps their hosts will offer them additional luxuries in the future...

He pauses before turning back to look at her, expression unreadable. Apprehensive is not what he feels, but he doesn't correct her. Somnus' voice carries within the vault of the carriage, and he levels his dark gaze upon her. ]

Your Star, are you not concerned for it?

[Huddling under her cloak, eventually she lifts her hands to her hair to let it down. Perhaps the heat of the carriage will help dry it out some, too. Holding her ribbon and the white ball of materia between her hands, she brings her gaze back onto Somnus thoughtfully.

Is she worried about her home world? Aerith, while an honest and straight forward individual, is not always transparent about her thoughts or her feelings, leaving her somewhat enigmatic to those around her.]

I wouldn't say that. [She is warm and sincere in how she gazes at him.] Worrying wouldn't make anything happen any quicker. Sometimes even when it's hardest to do so, we should try to remain composed.

[ The warmth in her gaze is met with one of steel. While his countenance and bearing remains impenetrable, her meaning and words are heard regardless. It seems she's of the same mind, then, only carrying herself far less grimly than he.

Assessing one's priorities in this realm, remaining composed, and moving forward... He knows to do these things already. He remains solid and whole even though he's in a form he's largely unused to. In a concluding tone: ]

Thus we move toward the future.

[ With that he turns, pointing his shoulder to her. ]

[He's so cold. Aerith can't help but wonder what's beneath all of that. Surely he's not ice cold all the way down to the centre. Or maybe he is. It's so hard to tell with some people. As much as she wants to believe that people are multifaceted, there are surely some who eventually hit a point where they no longer are.]

Sometimes that's all we can do for the time being. We're here now. We can do something now. We should.

[Optimism. Bravery. To her, being faced with that adversity means powering through it. In the end, she won't be alone. And even if she is, she can face it all.]

[ Somnus, while not watching her expression, notes the added pauses in her statements as if to convey her earnestness, or reassure herself, despite the hardships that are surely ahead. She is determined to be strong, but perhaps she is weary from their cold trek thus far.

...

He takes a few steps over to the opposite wall of the carriage of the caravan-train, turning around to lean his back against it. ]

Rest now, Maiden. The journey yet begins.

[He's observant.

But there he goes again. 'Maiden.' It makes her sound... fragile? Delicate. Many people have thought that of her. Sometimes this has been... frustrating to deal with, but more often than not, she's not really worn that much on the outside. Let others believe what they wish to. Right or wrong does not necessarily change the truth of things.

So instead, she can't help but correct him again.]

Aerith. My name is Aerith.

[Amused, she turns her gaze back out the window, sitting on the very edge of her seat, bundled beneath her cloak, ever eager for their journey together. She suspects she'll have to remind him at least a few more times before he'll even consider being more familiar with her.]

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

TEST DRIVE MEME ⚔️️ 3

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