avalaughs | TEST DRIVE MEME ⚔️️ 3

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TEST DRIVE MEME ⚔️️ 3

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⚔️️ Top-Levels Only ⚔️️

A ⦿ Soaking in Your Arrival

KERPLUNK, SPLASH!

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

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

B ⦿ The Caravan to Camelot

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

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

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

C ⦿ The Red Spring

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

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

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

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

A ⦿ Foot Races

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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(ARRIVAL):
💠 [A] [Free Fallin'] 💠

OH FUZZBUCKEEEEEETS-!

[That at least seemed to be last words that Douxie managed to cry out before being fully submerged in the icy depths. It was all a sudden whirlwind honestly. He didn't expect transportation magic on him so suddenly, sure he was currently on the duty from protecting his friend Nari from the Arcane Order. But this was just completely out of nowhere, even for them!

No time to speculate though, Douxie was currently being tossed into this cold abyss after all. It wasn't until he felt the hands of someone take hold and released his lips to fill his body with the warm potion given to him. Finally able open his eyes as he felt his body able to move and strength recover into his body did he see this lady under water who seemed to be helping others in this endeavor. Not the only one in this predicament it seems.

Figuring Douxie needed to come to the surface to breath first before asking questions. He took a chance of his recovered strength and started to swim to shore. Taking a gasp of breath as he splashed out onto the white sand. Looking around him, vision still blurry from water. He let himself rest as he eventually crawled down to sit and survey this world around him.]

Where... Where am I?

💠 [B] [Brave New World] 💠

[Finding out about this new familiar, Douxie noticed the creature did at least look a lot similar to his own one back home, Archie. Hopefully after a while they will get to know each other better. At least until he can get back home.

What confused this young bard the most, was that this place was also called Camelot. It certainly wasn't the one he was familiar with... Or grew up in 900 or so years ago. It wasn't too long ago that it was just a floating fortress that crashed on his former king. But here, it was once again an actual place, but not like in the old days, nor did it look anything like he remembered.

Once introduced to Archimedes who was offering rides, Douxie took it upon himself to try to learn as much as he could about this world. He asked around what he could before given a new smart phone. Taking no time but to place his hood up with his headphones in like he did back home. His eyes darting quickly as he browsed this world's online service to see everything he can find out. Sitting in the carriage, seemingly very tense in reading whatever he can find on his phone.]

💠 [C] [Old Black Magic] 💠

[Thankfully the ride was taking a break from the journey in the Red Spring. This gave a chance for Douxie to learn about his new magic. He was a little miffed that after 900 years of learning about his powers with his master Merlin, it seems he's gotta start over again for this world.

Douxie took his turn to enter the training grounds outside of the inn with his new familiar. Taking a breath as he tried to wave his hand movements of his old magic, hoping something will come out, but no luck. He gave a grumble as he tried to recite another incantation but again nothing.

Giving a huff as Douxie sat down trying to think, playing with a rock in his hand. Debating with himself to not be stubborn and ask for help, because he metaphorically an old dog being taught new tricks.

Although... the rock seems to now be floating in hand on accidental kinetic energy, but he wasn't noticing through his frustration.]

(Snow Games):
💠 [B] [Sleigh Ride] 💠

[Seems that this Camelot wasn't so bad. They had some snow games, one of them being xled races. Douxie walked along the path watching groups go around in their own starting points. Looking at the sleds with curious observation.

Well seeing as Douxie had kinetic powers, it could be proved quite useful in this race. Now... To find a partner. His black gloves rubbing his chin as he gave a hum. Wondering if there was anyone who was available to participate with him at least.]

(Mirror Mirror):
💠 [B] [Owner of a Lonely Heart] 💠

So... Pure of heart?

[After reading the plaque, Douxie give out a hum as he observed the depths of the rapid stream. Frowning, Douxie held himself close. He's no one special, really. He doesn't consider he'd be someone as important like that. Pure of heart must be considered someone known for everything they do.

Douxie? He always considered himself to just be the pawn in the game of life... Well so to speak, anyway. Sure he's helped others so many times, but he always believed that one should be loyal to your friends. That hardly counts, he's no hero really, just a helper to make things right before things go wrong. Douxie gave a sigh as he sat down trying to think. Maybe there was another way around this.]

You know, that's the question of the hour.

[Thancred's standing nearby, nutkin on shoulder as he's looking at the newest person to climb out of the water. He was watching for anyone he might know. Walking over, he stands nearby.]

Myself, I'm hoping we get answers soon.

[Hearing a nearby voice, Douxie felt relief that there was at least someone who could talk to him. Taking his time to stand up, making sure that harsh splash didn't do much damage to himself he looked up toward the man.]

Ah, so you've just "dropped" in too, eh?

[Stepping in a little closer as he observed the world around them.]

I've never seen this place before, nothing from my world... And I should know, been 'round it my whole long life.

[That was a horrible joke, but he's going to let it slide for now.]

Same. And I've been in two different worlds. Three, now.

[Gives a short whistle, that's quite impressive for someone he just met. Douxie rubbed his chin.]

I myself know about many worlds, but my Master had me mostly confined to one back home.

So why do they want beings from other worlds like us then...?

[He shrugs.]

That I couldn't tell you, but I'd love to know the answer myself. I'm not fond of falling into bodies of water as a way to enter a world.

[A pause, back up.]

Master? Are you a student of something?

[Douxie gave a nod.]

Yeah, sorcerer, been training under Merlin for a good 900 years, give or take.

[Rubs the back of his neck.]

Bit of an embarrassment I couldn't defend myself from this kind of magic. But what ever transported us here must have been really powerful.

[He tried to hold out his hand to try an incantation but nothing worked. He gave out a "tch".]

And nuked my own magic on top of it!

[Stop.]

Did you just say nine hundred years? You look in your twenties, if that.

[He raises an eyebrow.]

Huh. I couldn't do magic back home, so I didn't notice. I'll take your word on it.

[Gives a chuckle in amusement.]

I know, I get that alot actually.

[Waves his hand dismissively.]

Comes with the gift of magic, our bodies can keep on preserve for a long time.

[Nods.]

Seems this world has a lot of magic in place already. I'll have to investigate... Oh-The name is Douxie by the way, what's yours?

I'm not surprised you do. That magic of yours works really well.

[He points towards where the other new arrivals are heading.]

Should we head that way too? See whats next?

[Then a smile.]

Thancred. Nice to meet you.

[Gives a nod as he began to walk that way so they can start their trip to finding out about this land.]

Pleasure to meet you Thancred, so what kind of world is yours?

Hmm. What kind of answer are you looking for? Environment? People? Cause I'd just say it's a typical world.

[He walks with him, eyeing the stairs they have to climb.]

Not overly exciting, but not overly dull either.

Bit of both, although I find the environment most interesting. Folks are pretty similar no matter where you go, it's just how they look that might be different, but it's alright.

Mine has a life both above and below ground. Humans, people who look like us, reside the above where the sun and trees grow with the creatures who live off the land and sea. While trolls live underground where magic resides and crystals take shape.

Magic is not very popular above ground for a while unfortunately. You can blame King Arthur for that back in the day.

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TEST DRIVE MEME ⚔️️ 3

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