avalaughs | TEST DRIVE MEME ⚔️️ 21

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TEST DRIVE MEME ⚔️️ 21

	QUICK NAV: ⚔️️ Premise ⚔️️ Rules ⚔️️ FAQ ⚔️️ Taken ⚔️️ Reserves ⚔️️ Apply ⚔️️ Locations ⚔️️ Bestiary
⚔️️ View Top-Levels Only ⚔️ IMPORTANT NOTE: The calamity is visible in the north area of the sky from all locations as of February's event. There is currently no sun or moon visible, making the world in a persistent state of dusk for now.

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. The water is cold, but not enough that you can't handle it on your own.

The Lady of the Lake is nearby, and normally the mossatees would still be helping this time of year... but it seems like they haven't shown up. Instead, a very helpful band of octopi have joined the cause. They range in size, from large enough to scoop three characters out of the water with their plethora of wriggling tentacles... to a band of tiny,

palm-sized baby octopi working together to try to heave a single person out of the water. No matter which you get, they all seem to have unique personalities, but animal mages may note that as a species, they all seem to think of the otherworlders as fun little playthings. These little otherworlders are so funny.

If anyone tries to ask the Lady of the Lake for directions, she will direct you to Archimedes at the Rent-a-Ride. 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

person riding horseback and looking at phone

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 and a pair of ear buds and tell them to "Check the Shit Box." The "Shit Box" refers to wardrobe more formally known as the Wardrobe of Finding, a hammerspace-like wardrobe that opens to each person's items and pets when the person touches the handle. From there, Archimedes directs everyone to settle in groups into modernized carriages pulled by horses and gives 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 and rain. There is also a mini-bar that pops out of the console. 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. Newcomers get free inn rooms for their one night stay on the way to Camelot, containing two twin beds, a bathroom, a mini-fridge and microwave, and a TV equipped with a couple of entertaining video games and movies.

Don't want to relax in the room? Take a dip in the communal hot spring. The waters have restorative properties that help horses and travelers recover quickly. 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.

hot springs covered in steam

D ⦿ Light it Up

a magical lantern

With the sun and moon temporarily gone, some fae have put forward a solution to fight the dusk off for a little while. They have made special lanterns holding a spell which, when powered up with any kind of magic, activates a small energy field large enough to comfortably fit up to five people. This field takes its form straight from the magic-providing person’s mind - so whether they're feeling homesick or just really want to be stuck in a deserted island for a while, the lantern will make it happen! Naturally, all of it is an illusion so nothing is actually real... but it feels very real, especially to the person providing the magic. The lantern will not make illusions of other humans or animals - just places, buildings, and flora - and those taking part will be able to move around and explore… but be careful not to get too excited, or you might just end up moving your real body and knocking another person out of the illusion, or falling out of it yourself to a very disorienting awakening.

If you don’t mind being crowded together, the energy field could squeeze in up to ten people, but the risks of someone being nudged out accidentally go up as more people enter. After that, anyone else who tries to step in - invited or not - will find themselves repelled by an invisible wall around the outside of the illusion.

There is, however, a time limit on this. While the spell can last up to twelve hours, it's advised that the lantern isn't used for more than a few hours at a time. If this guidance isn’t followed, it’s possible that after the lantern is deactivated the people who took part will keep seeing the illusory scenery around them for some time afterwards. If a person uses the lantern for the whole twelve hours, the illusion will continue for up to three days in the form of intrusive, imaginary objects and buildings that only they can see, or even faint shades of people from their own worlds.

E ⦿ Getting More Familiar

With Elphame and Camelot in better relations than ever thanks to the efforts of Otherworlders, Queen Elphame and King Arthur are working closely together to accomplish the next step of her plan, despite some tension about her not sharing what she intended to do with the Fisher King from the get-go. But they're talking now, and the place that everyone needs to go next is a place only familiars can reach.

The first thing that needs doing is a little bit of magic practice before anyone can go on the full mission. This will be much easier for those who have been here longer, bonded with their familiars longer, but will certainly not be impossible for those who have just arrived. Team up with another person to help balance

glass sphere in forest

your brand new and unstable magics to accomplish what amounts to changing bodies with your familiar.

Form a circle with another person and both of your familiars at equidistant points on the circle. Your familiar should be to your right. In the center of the circle, a bowl filled with a strong alcohol, enough to cover a chunk of malachite (a stone of transformation, associated with the heart and throat), vervain (to purify the spell of interfering spirits and offer protection, as well as assist in astral connection), purple coneflower (increases ritual powers by calling upon local deities), and violet (dedication and loyalty, to hold steady the bond between familiar and mage). Both mages in the circle should take the deepest breath they can and hold that breath, hold each other's palms up facing each other, and light the bowl on fire. It's important that you hold your breath for as long as you can, because malachite is toxic when exposed to liquid and will be released into the air during the spell. As the spell casts, a light will glow from your chest, up to your throat, and at the moment when you can no longer hold your breath and have to let it out, your soul will exit your body along with that breath. The protective qualities of the vervain will have kicked in by this point, and the fire of the bowl will go out. All four souls will swirl over the bowl slowly, like a turning galaxy, for a few moments, until they burst out and the souls find their way to their new host: yours in your familiar's body and your familiar's in yours.

Result can be unpredictable if you step outside of the lines with this spell, depending on which part you mess up, so players should feel free to come up with their own mishaps based on what each of the above ingredients for the spell are should they wish to go that route.

Once you've managed to become your familiar (and your familiar you... good luck with that), you need to practice being your familiar. Get the hang of moving, the hang of your familiar's characteristics, voice (or lack thereof), and how to function as them. Exactly how to do that will be a personalized experience based on what your familiar is, so there's no clear means to practice... which means it's a good time to send you on a softball, but useful quest to practice before the real thing! Each of you who have done this should head into the Brocéliande and look for silver flowers that look like daffodils. Within them are drops of what appear to be water, but those drops are actually enchanted glass spheres only visible to familiars. Be careful- the silver daffodils are guarded by skunk-like spirits that spray knock-out gas, then they will drag you to a random location in the forest. You really could get lost very easily, but don't come back without your sphere! Those will be super important for bringing back the sun and moon soon.

• All test drive prompts are open to anyone in the game at any time to create your own logs with, as the events within are considered game canon as long as the characters are currently in or join the game during the application period. If new players do not want their TDM to be considered canon, they should state as much on the OOC intro once accepted.
• Both current members and potential new characters can post to this TDM log. Anyone may reply to any threads or start top-levels. Whichever you prefer!
•If nothing here tickles your fancy, try one of this month's Quests for your TDM prompt.
• The first "Arrival" prompts are usually present on every TDM, but contain seasonal tweaks for flavor. This particular one is a little different. 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.

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

No, this would be a first. Also, first time hearing about a kelpie.

[It's also a good thing his relationship with horses is pretty iffy so he's not about to try riding any strange horse that comes about to try coercing them into a ride... somehow. But hey, if it's weak to iron, he's got solutions - similar to the ones to beat out Dullahan.]

Anyway, if we need anything else, Moguo can fetch it fast.

Right, he's a speedster, isn't he?

[Hijikata recalls the battle against the stone giant. Both Zidane and Mogue cut a pretty agile figure back then - granted, Zidane of course has his kinetic magic to help him zip around in the blink of an eye.]

Are you by any chance good with the slingshot? I've got no practice whatsoever, but in doubt my wind magic will have to do to trick.

[Nothing like almost-literally needling some monstrous horses until they go away!]

Yup! Even faster than me sometimes!

[That's not even mentioning the magic boost they both got. Zidane's eyes brighten at the mention of a slingshot.]

Hell yea! Haven't used one for years, but I can't be that rusty, right?

[Besides, hitting the broadside of a horse? How hard could that be?]

If you've ever been good at it you're definitely better than me.

[Has he ever used a slingshot? He can't remember. He was actually a very well-behaved child, and while he got up to some stunts as a teenager trying to survive on his own he certainly didn't come out of it as a master slingshooter.

If it weren't for the goddamn darkness hanging over the whole island the ride along the river would be enjoyable, but as it is he's glad when they're well past its spring and the outline of the bridge between Camelot's farmlands and the wilderness leading up to the White Cliffs comes into view in the distance. While it's still far away he already slows his horse down to a trot.]

I guess we'll have to go a good bit further up the river. It'd make no sense for them to offer people rides across right by the bridge... unless they're trying to get them to do it just for fun, but the locals wouldn't be that gullible, I hope.

[He shouldn't be too sure about that. After all how many people would regularly want to cross the river further north, where the Dusklight Woods begin on the Camelot side? Anyone headed for Atys or Elphame would have crossed over sooner. As as if on cue a warbly voice calls out to them from the water.]

Oh, Sir, you should not underestimate the need. One bridge, so far out in the fields, away from the farmhouses... that costs the people time.

Oh really? Hehe...

[Well, he can't wait to use one again though Hijikata should probably learn how to use one anyway.]

[Aside from the darkness, nothing about the ride itself is particularly eventful. He notes the scenery as they pass, blinks when they near the bridge, and he kind of glances back down the road. Was it really like this? He kind of stopped noticing...]

[Even if the weird voice comes from the water in answer, Zidane kind of... agrees.]

It's true. People don't mind taking shortcuts if it lessens time.

[Hijikata is less inclined to agree with that reasoning (even though it does make sense!).]

People don't mind taking shortcuts if the price is right!

[He summons a few flames in quick succession and makes them float over to the water, where they illuminate a pair of black horses. They look a lot more normal than he expected - in fact they're quite handsome specimen, looking bigger and stronger than even his own stallion.]

What price do you take, huh?

Who asks, Sir?

A knight of Camelot! Look, I'll get to the point: there've been complaints about you! You've got no business trying to lure our people into the river! Get lost or we'll get unpleasant!

[Hijikata is absolutely right, but people can quickly forfeit their lives without actually meaning to. That's the problem with being tricked and all...]

[Hands on his waist, Zidane watches the horses with a slight head tilt still. See, if Kelpie were more shaped like creatures he knew, he'd go along with it too probably; but then again, these ones were talking. And he raises his hand after Hijikata's more serious introduction.]

Hey, not a knight, but here to help out. So, what's with the increase of luring people into the river anyway?

"Luring" is a loaded term. We simply offer our services, Sir. Sadly the people seem to have had bad experiences with fae folk doing business at the river, they are quite hesitant!

No shit they're hesitant; they know what's up!

[The bolder kelpie that's been doing most of the talking makes its way to the riverbank and braces its forelegs against the soil, as if to pull up for a business chat. Raised up like this it looks even more impressive and majestic.]

You seem wary yourself, Sir Knight. Why do you not test our swiftness? Or perhaps your companion is interested? I guarantee that no one on Avalon will carry you down the river faster than us.

Yeah, down down, I can imagine!

[He looks pretty pissy by now. The kelpies' fake innocence and aggravating politeness is worse than if they simply attacked them! He turns to Zidane.]

I guess we've got to let the iron speak!

[The kelpies look notably discomfited at that, tensing up and lowering their ears to the back of their head.]

Sir Knight, you sow strife unprovokedly.

[It turns to Zidane.]

Sir, will you not ride on my back and help me prove that our services are an asset to the area?

[Zidane stands to the side, watching as Hijikata really is getting into a spat with a fae horse because... well, he's here for the ride - and also trying to figure out exactly how he can help. From the way the job had put it, he thought this might have more to do with the increase of fishers around trying to score fish; and maybe it was, but not for the reason of the kelpies eat fish too and the fishermen are taking them.]

[And it looks like the talks are going south when he comes back to the conversation.]

Hm... I guess I could, but if I do, you gotta keep providing a service. We don't want anymore knights coming out this way and actually dealing with you guys without bargaining, right?

[He knows it's not a good idea, but he has ways out if it gets dicey.]

["Bargaining" seems to ping both kelpies. Even the second one draws closer.]

A bargain? I think we can come to an agreement.

[They look at each other and nod, seemingly quite enticed by this new turn of events. Sure, drowning people feeds them well in theory, but it's getting harder and harder to actually convince anyone onto their back, and besides the revenge mob is never any fun to deal with. A sweet deal would be far preferable!]

We will continue to offer our services here, with no harm done to anyone, if we receive a weekly payment of entrails.

Entrails? Charming!

[On the upside those might be procurable from a butcher for a reasonable price, on the other hand Hijikata doesn't trust these kelpies as far as he can throw them (and he probably can't throw a horse at all, fae or not). Even if a bargain is watertight magic, is it worth it? Who knows how much the kelpies were just bullshitting about the people's troubles with the only bridge! But at the end of the day he's not the bargaining expert here.]

[Deals are always excellent.]

Entrails? Sounds good to me; though, gotta ask, the fresher the better or do you guys liked them aged?

[Cause they could probably also get away with moving some hunting trips out this way, or cleaning up the kills and letting the kelpies gets first pick of the prized insides. Look, he's just making plans that betters the deal. He knows Hijikata's probably not for this, but if it works, right?]

Fresh! That way they last the week.

[The other kelpie nods.]

They still taste good a little old, but it happens fast!

[Hijikata sighs and turns away from the dark horses for a moment to lecture Zidane.]

I'm going to let you do this, but for the record, it'll be a deal between them and you as a civilian! I'll just write a report, but otherwise the knights won't be involved in this.

[Look at this bureaucracy... one of the kelpies chimes back in.]

And it should be a wheelbarrow full each time! Heaped!

[Zidane nods, totally getting it. Heck, happens to the parts they prefer to eat anyway. Entrails just make good scraps and bait.]

[Looking Hijikata's way, he nods with a grin.]

You got it. I'm not looking to get you in trouble with all of that.

[... Not right now anyway.]

I think that can be done. I think the town butcher's about to become our new best friend haha!

[The kelpies whinny, which seems to be their way of cheering over the successful agreement.]

We will uphold our end of the trade as long as you uphold yours, Bargainer.

[This is truly great - they can stay in this nice area and continue to interact with the endearingly fearful humans, which is just plain fun even without a drowning endgame, and food will be delivered (only the best parts, too, without bones and hair and clothing to deal with)!

Hijikata lights himself a cigarette as he turns his horse away from the river. Honestly, he's glad they didn't even have to dismount to sort this situation out... even if he can't help but wonder how Zidane can have a good feeling about striking deals with kelpies and their ilk.]

I hope you're keeping book about all the bargains you strike. I bet if you lose track of one it'll have nasty consequences.

Sure.

[He'd say shake on it, but... hooves. Also, let him risk getting stuck how he should and not to the kelpie's leg.]

[Looking at Hijikata again, he nods.]

Don't worry about it. Most bargains I've made haven't been like this so this one's the only one really on the list. Besides, if I fall behind, Atys is a short swim up the river for one of 'em to come bother me.

[This being Zidane's only major bargain is reassuring, but he sure has some guts to let the kelpies know where to find him! They heard that, too, going by their renewed approving whinnying. They move upriver alongside them for a bit.]

We look forward to the first delivery! We will come to this spot at this hour for the next three days.

[The other one chimes in again as well.]

Get home safely in this darkness!

We can handle it!! We don't need an escort; you guys can stay put!

[They sure are fretful about their food order being placed! Hijikata makes Black Star go faster. He wants to get away from this company already.]

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

TEST DRIVE MEME ⚔️️ 21

4A

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