avalaughs | TEST DRIVE MEME ⚔️️ 3

Entry tags:

TEST DRIVE MEME ⚔️️ 3

{ QUICK NAV }
Premise ⚔️️ Rules ⚔️️ FAQ ⚔️️ Taken ⚔️️ Reserves ⚔️️ Apply ⚔️️ Locations ⚔️️ Bestiary

⚔️️ 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.

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

[Little does Zuko know that Hikaru's friends with the next in line to the most powerful yakuza group in his region but when does that ever come up? Hikaru never thinks of Kasanoda as next in line to a dangerous yakuza family when Kasanoda is the last person one would assume to be dangerous. He's a nice guy and the opposite of what Gokudera is. But being rich just tends to mean you run into these types.

And look down on them because they're only rich because they kind of forced it but you also keep that to yourself because they're still the freakin' yakuza.

Right now, all Hikaru cares about is Zuko and how bad he looks. He's hurt inside as well but Hikaru thinks if he just keeps being his friend then maybe that will help? He's not panicking anymore so clearly Hikaru has fixed something.]

I've been here for a month. It's nothing like Lunatia, at least.

[That has to be some comfort. For the moment, he's looking for what he should do about Zuko's condition until they can get Katara to take care of him.] And next time I'm not leaving my place without a first-aid kit.

[ If only they could talk about the yakuza, because Zuko would have all sorts of questions for Hikaru that Hikaru probably couldn't answer... Surely it'll come up again. Zuko's already taken a vague interest in yakuza just from watching Kill Will... It's right up his alley. Thankfully, the days in his life where he may have been more inclined toward mafia and yakuza types are more or less behind him, but— never truly. The past is never over; even now this is apparent. ]

A month, really? What's the last thing you remember from Lunatia...?

[ He sounds hesitant asking. This is a loaded question now. He's afraid of the answer. What if Hikaru forgot something? What if Zuko forgot something? Nothing made sense anymore, no predictions, no comfort. Just questions and hopefully comforting answers. But probably not, he feels now. ]

You set our apartment on fire with that microwave and we had to go to the hotel. [And then he frowns, looking off to the side because...] Then Taichi invited me to his place to say goodbye because they were sending everybody away.

[And Hikaru would rather not think about that part because boy did he mess up since then.]

What the fuck... The last thing I remember is going to sleep at the hotel, yeah. But then I woke up in the lake here. But you've been here a month already, and were at Lunatia longer technically...? ...Ugh.

[ Timey-wimey wobbly-wobbly stuff does nothing to help Zuko's mind right now. He just shakes his head in frustration and groans. ]

Yeah, it's really weird? Kaoru was here for a month without me but he remembers everything I do. Then Taichi had stuff happen that I know he didn't have happen before? But he came here when I did and we remember the same stuff.

[Which was a curse in its own way but Hikaru isn't going to whine about his romance drama when Zuko's literally bleeding all over the place. He has some sense.]

So this time bullshit makes no sense. I've been trying to make sense of a timeline but I don't think there is any?

What?! This is so crazy, ugh!

[ Zuko splays his arms and legs out dramatically, exasperated. He groans, letting himself loosen up and looking miserable behind his busted lip and black eye, his aggravation softening into just... unease. ]

Hikaru... Do you ever think about what's happening to us? I mean, just think about it...? All this time and space shit... Our place in the universe, literally. Wouldn't all this drive the average person mad? How are we even connected to reality anymore? Are we?

You have no idea.

[Hikaru sighs because he's been thinking about this a lot. How come he is being brought to different worlds like this and with the same people? Like it's always the same people.]

Like I found out Taichi was born fifteen years after me. Fifteen! And then you're from a whole different world? But here we are, still coming together like this. You'd say it's destiny or something, right? [It's a small jab but he's joking. Well...] I'm joking. [He should tell Zuko he's joking.]

But who even knows anymore. I'm too normal for this.

I mean— it has to be destiny, right? But— ...destiny sucks. I hate this.

[ Time travel, he can get down with, sort of; Aang was frozen in ice for a century, that's something timey-wimey. Fifteen years between Hikaru and Taichi is alarming but somehow could still make some sense in another context, maybe. Space travel, okay, he could accept there are other planets, civilizations on other planets, maybe there would be technology advanced enough in his world someday to travel to them, even — seemed more like Sokka's kind of brainchild than Zuko's, but it's not unheard of. Even if his world, there are alien conspiracists. But time and space travel, within time and space travel— it's all too much. He groans softly again, craning his neck slightly to look through the treetops into the night sky, not even caring if he can see stars through the dark clouds or not. It hurts a little because of his shoulder, but he keeps looking upwards despite the pain, a ruminative look washing over his bloody face in the moonlight. He's inwardly brimming with anger still. He feels frail. He just survived numerous close-range explosions and an attack on his life from a formidable mafia hitman, just the most recent two additions to Zuko's long-standing indestructibility log. But he feels frail in a grander scheme, a deeper sense, and it's tiring as much as it is infuriating. ]

Like— do we just do this now? Go from world to world? Why us, specifically? Why me and my sister, but not the Avatar or the Fire Lord? Why you and your brother but at different times both times, never apart before in your life but still end up doing it symmetrically somehow? It can't be random. If it were random, there'd be more random people— why not bring, like, I dunno, a cabbage merchant or someone normal like that?! None of this makes any sense! It never has!!

Edited 2021-02-26 17:54 (UTC)

[Hikaru had never been much of the type to believe in destiny. The Hitachiin family was much more the type to believe you made your own destiny. Before this, Hikaru would have agreed. But how can he deny that it's definitely weird that it seems like it's all the same people here? Constantly showing up? Even the thing with him and Kaoru had been very, very weird.]

I can't go to another world. Like I think I'm going to go crazy with all the world jumping.

[But Zuko's right. None of this has ever made any sense and it's tiring. Hikaru's thought about it and tried to make it make sense. What was even the point of all of this? Like sure, doing all of this had helped him learn a lot about himself. He had met people who were important to him now and Hikaru didn't regret meeting them. He was glad for Zuko and Taichi.

But this was still too much.]

Like what other worlds can there be? Will I go to your world? Will you come to mine?

I hope not... Because it seems like this only happens when a world is in danger somehow — whether the one we're in like Prismatica, or I guess now all our worlds are on the line... As much as I'd like to see your world, or have you see mine, seems like the circumstances will be bad if we ever do...

[ It's a scary thought. He'd really love to visit Hikaru's world — Gokudera's world seemed to him to be the same world as Hikaru's. Just... Hikaru's probably not involved in the magic mafia. That's Zuko's line of thinking at this point. All his friends are Japanese, after all, barring Tamaki from France and Gokudera from Sicily, who both moved to Japan later on anyway. Their accounts of Japan all seemed to line up. He'd be fascinated to go there and see it for himself, especially after having studied so much about World War II and Japan's involvement, seen movies about yakuza and samurai swords, read about ancient China and its influence on Japan... There was so much that seemed to be a parallel to his own world, too. But it was so different. And inexplicable, unpredictable, where those overlaps are... ]

Yeah, good point. [He sighs.]

Man, I was happy to see you and now I'm all bummed out. Thanks.

[But isn't that just like Zuko? And it's fine because this is just like Zuko and they're friends. Mostly Hikaru is joking even if he is a little sad now.]

[ Zuko's always a little sad, it's true; but that doesn't stop him from laughing at Hikaru's honest joke, because they are friends, and Hikaru's snide humor reaches Zuko well. The prince chuckles, despite how it hurts his face to smile, he can't help but laugh. It is just like him to bum him out, yeah, probably. What'd he expect? ]

I mean, it's not like we got off on a happy note. A professional hitman attacked me and I just survived, like, dozens of dynamites. Sorry to bum you out, buddy...

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

TEST DRIVE MEME ⚔️️ 3

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject