avalaughs | TEST DRIVE MEME ⚔️️ I

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TEST DRIVE MEME ⚔️️ I

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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 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. You'll definitely see other new arrivals plopping in. If you can't swim, a red-headed woman known only as the Lady of the Lake will drag you to the shore if she doesn't spot someone else near you helping so no one ends up drowning. She's a little busy casting directive magic to make sure everyone lands safely and playing lifeguard, so if anyone attempts to talk to her, she'll tell them to head up to 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

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 earbuds 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 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.

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.

A ⦿ Get Fresh

Upon arrival in Camelot travelers are ushered to a large set of wash rooms where they can clean up and make themselves presentable for the Welcome Feast. They are informed that once the feast concludes there will be an announcement on where they can seek lodging and how to begin their magic studies.

B ⦿ Be Merry

After they freshen up, travelers are led into the main dining hall. The decorations range from simplistic to a little more grandiose, it is likely everyone will find something familiar. A modern mash up with a medieval flair. The jester makes his rounds, perhaps he has a joke or two to tell, go ahead, give him a listen or perhaps volunteer to participate in one of the jester's shows, like knife-throwing or hypnotism. Within the crowd of staff there are mummers, a juggler, here and there dabbled through small troupes perform mini skits, perhaps they’ll perform a well known verse from a traveler’s world or tell a tale of fancy from this realm.

C ⦿ Eat Well

A banquet is prepared with food that while all “rustic” in appearance are usually a version of modern dishes ranging from basic roast chicken and veggies to Korean-Mexican fusion and French patisserie. The drinks are much the same; while served in old fashioned goblets, they are drinks modern travelers will be familiar with.

Have a seat, meet a new neighbor, find a roommate, maybe a new or old friend? Talk to the person to your left, your right, across from you. Mingle, enjoy the food, the music, it shouldn’t be long before the information promised is provided. Till then take your fill and get to know your fellow travelers.

You've been here a few days now and have gotten a chance to settle in, find a place to stay, and Camelot's citizens have decided that you've been here long enough to start living your life again. Well, your new life.

A group of citizens have decided to give everyone their first quest.

"Hear ye, hear ye!" a man in chain mail with a tablet with his statement typed up on it declares to a crowd from atop a pedestal. There are two other citizens around him with phones to post the video to AOL later to make sure the word gets heard ye all around.

"Those with magic, we beseech thee! Findeth us a grail most holy hidden in the depths of the Brocéliande! This holy grail is known to grant thine wishes three, a most noble quest for noble souls! Great reward will come to those who find it and proclaim at least one of their wishes to find the great Excalibur for King Arthur!"

This is the first you've heard about King Arthur, and it seems curious that he hasn't yet shown his face around town. It also seems strange that this guy is speaking like he's stepped out of a bad period piece, and probably should be the clue that this is more or less an attempt to haze some of the newcomers by sending them into the forest... but no one is telling newcomers this. It's better to get them out there and start praciticing, after all.

A ⦿ Lost, and Lost, and Lost Again

The Brocéliande is well-known around Camelot for being a forest that's both bountiful and mysterious. Oddities are known to happen that may never happen again to the point that even if something weird happens and you can't prove it, most citizens will assume you're telling the truth.

Which is what makes it peculiar when you keep passing the exact same locations over and over again, as if you've been traveling in circles or reaching the end of the map in a video game and coming out the other end. You're stuck in a space loop. The only way out is to successfully find the one difference in each loop five times in a row and collect it. Maybe it's a strange frog, a crystal that wasn't there before, a small wooden step that doesn't lead anywhere, or some other singular item, you've got to find what stands out... pick the wrong item, and you'll have to start your five count over again, and again, and again...

B ⦿ Grail, and Grail, and Grail Again!?

If you either missed the space loop or managed to get out of it, eventually you'll come to find one of... quite a few copies of a grail with holes in the side placed throughout the forest. They look like they might be good for draining noodles, but that's about it. Though they're spread out, it's entirely possible you'll find more than one, but each of them are placed in situations where it's impossible to get to by normal means. You'll have to use magic! It may be hidden in a bird's nest at the top of the tallest tree, inside of a hole in a rock with bars that prevent you from reaching in (perhaps an animal friend could reach it), inside a boiling pond, or inside the body of a bear fir... there are a load of possibilities, and now's a chance for you to try out your brand new magics! Use one of those samples, find something from the bestiary, or come up with your own adventure to get your hands on that less-than-holy grail.

C ⦿ A Quest Completeish

Or it would be, if you could ever find the guy who announced it... The AOL posts have since been deleted. You may end up spending a lot of time trying to find the guy. At this point, citizens will start telling you that you shouldn't take quests unless they're on the quest board or else you're going to get scammed... that's definitely an olden times themed noodle strainer. If that doesn't make you give up, or perhaps motivates you to find the guy to kick his ass, you'll have to head out to the farmland and chase them through a cornfield. (Be careful not to get lost, it's a maize in there.) If one of the boys are caught, they'll explain they were just testing you-- and hey, you got a free addition to your kitchen! If pressed, they'll apologize and give you a bit of money for your trouble. It's not much, but it'll get you at least a meal.

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. This is the first one, ignore this note today!
• 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.
• For the first month only, there will not be a quest board. Starting in December, quests will be posted on the 1st of each month for current players. After that point, quests may be used as TDM prompts in addition to the presented TDM prompts. A link will be provided as a bonus prompt option at the end of the post.
• The first "Arrival" prompts are present on every TDM. 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

[There is no need to rush anything.]

It is. I can help you practice moving without a sound while your invisibility lasts. It won't be very useful if others can hear you.

[Tonberry stops behind Ignis' leg, looks up at carbuncle and Noctis, and with unexpected dexterity, like a small lizard, crawls up Ignis' leg and onto his back, then curls around the back of his neck. There's a twitch in Ignis' eyebrow but he's- he's getting used to this.]

Telepathic messaging and astral projection are the first steps. There are rather, [Ignis frowns, rubbing his chin,] troublesome things that this magic can do. Like hypnotic patterns and forceful suggestions. Which is why I'm somewhat glad to know of its existence. [To get prepared in case someone tries to use it on Noct.]

Edited 2020-11-11 20:02 (UTC)

Yeah, that'll make it even more deadly if I have to use it while fighting, or to sneak around something.

[ the smile on his face drops when the tonberry just... crawls up ignis to curl around the back of his neck. even knowing that's probably ignis' familiar still has him staring intently at it, then ignis. the twitch doesn't go unnoticed, but if ignis isn't removing it, he tries to just accept it. ]

Okay, all of that sounds pretty badass, though. Mine's supposed to be more basic, I guess. Besides the invisibility, it's supposed to involve illusions and making protective shields.

[ trust ignis to think of the concerning uses, while noctis focuses on the practical ones. ]

I mean, I never got the hang of shields, like the Kingsglaive or dad did...

It will definitively take enemies by surprise.

[The Tonberry has been following him since he came from the lake. Ignis had tried everything to get rid of it, have no doubts, but it persisted. Insisting to explain to him about familiars and powers and everything in between. So he just had to, well, get used to it. Which is not today, hence the twitch.]

I am sure there are more advanced spells than invisibility and shields. Illusions can be quite powerful if you master them.

[It is just a logical thing that if he has them, someone else can have these cognitive powers and can misuse them.]

Everyone has their preference, Noct. I can go through many weapons but still settle on daggers and javelin, as the most comfortable ones. The same goes for you.

Yeah, but I was never the sneaky type.

[ honestly he casts his gaze to ignis when he says that - he remembers ignis explaining how to infiltrate an imperial base quite well. but at least there's someone who's used to that who can teach him, he thinks.

he also can't think of anyone who would benefit more from cognitive powers than ignis. if he can send messages or manipulate people - well, it fits.

noctis snorts. ]

I mean, yeah, I can use any weapon in the armiger... I just like shortswords the best. If shields are a part of this, though, I want to figure out how to use them. You never know when it'll come in handy.

You can be when you try.

[Ignis has little doubts about it. Noct might be lazy in the general context and complains about stuff, but he does work in the end. So he can count that Noct will work on whatever he sets his mind to.

And hIgnis will definitively use his powers for their cause. It would seem unethical to use such type and manipulate people, but Ignis takes his job seriously. If that's what he has to do to make sure Noct is safe, then it will be done.]

All in due time, [Ignis nods.] I know we are in a bit of a rush and antsy to get out of this place but do exercise caution during practice. We don't have our types of curatives here.

When you start summoning shields, I will gladly test them out for you.

Edited (clarification) 2020-11-12 23:10 (UTC)

[ he takes the compliment with a light huff, raising a hand to scratch at the back of his head. he is, sadly, a little oblivious to ignis' conflict over using his powers to manipulate others.

however, when ignis mentions curatives noctis grins, shifting to hold carbuncle out, like an animated lion from a particular children's film. ]

Well, I had a little secret. This guy here says he still has his healing powers. You still don't wanna hurt someone too bad, but if we got roughed up a little, he can take care of it afterwards.

[So bashful. It makes Ignis chuckle a bit. All in good humor though, he means what he says.

There's a moment of confusion when Noctis almost shoves poor Carbuncle in his face and he cocks his head at it, curiously. Unsure, he offers both of his hands? For Noct to put it there?]

Is that so? The familiar that came with me has no healing abilities, as you'd assume. [-it's a fucking tonberry-] But it is resilient. Offers decent defense and accuracy. More healing powers would be good, however. We should look up stores and see if they offer their versions of curatives.

[ when ignis offers his hands, noctis indeed hands over avalon's version of shiva's messenger, letting the small creature settle in ignis' hold. carbuncle merely steadies itself and then looks at ignis, rotating its ears forward and wagging its tail.

noctis grins. ]

I'm not surprised, Tonberries are more known for their harming abilities. [ the pun makes him grin more. ] It seems like whatever familiars we got tend to compliment what we're missing or what magical abilities we have now?

[Oh. It's like holding a kitten. Only it's not a kitten and it's a mythical creature that resembles a desert fox with a little horn on its head.

He's afraid to move.
...is petting it allowed? He'll resist.

Ignis grins back and nods.] That is true. However, I haven't experienced any cognitive magic and abilities coming from it. Yet. [He looks at his shoulder where the little green thing is now sleeping.]

Perhaps I will have to study some theory before attempting anything. [It sounds like a dangerous branch of magic to him.]

[ the carbuncle at least seems to have confidence in its own balance, since after a moment it starts trying to walk up ignis' arm. probably right where that tonberry has fallen asleep.

noctis seems... mostly unconcerned by this turn of events. ]

If it makes you more accurate, maybe it can make you more accurate with your cognitive powers? I don't exactly know how that'd work but it's... an idea.

[ at the mention of study, noctis groans. ]

I'm gonna have to look up how to make illusions aren't I.

[Sure, Ignis has two shoulders, Carbuncle can settle on the second, free one. Though he probably looks a tad bit ridiculous like this.

-he's trying to ignore it as he pushes glasses up.]

Perhaps. The better I understand the powers, the better I will be at using them.

[He chuckles,] And yes, back to school you go. Although, this time I will be joining you.

[ noctis' lips twitch up a little bit in amusement at seeing the carbuncle settle on ignis' other shoulder. carbuncle, for its part, bumps its head against ignis' cheek.

still, he keeps a frown on his face when ignis mentions school. ]

Ugh, I hated school the first time around, I doubt I'm going to enjoy a second time. At least I'll have you and Prompto with me.

[...Ignis honestly doesn't know how to react to that except from giving it a small scratch behind one of the large ears.]

Well if you do not want to find yourself blown up by your own magic, studying at least two hours daily will help.

I will, however, try to focus us more on practicing it. The theory is there to guide us.

Well, if you're on the case, I'm sure we'll have this figured out in no time.

[ he shoots ignis a grin. after a moment, he reaches out and picks up carbuncle, curling the messenger up on his back in his arms. ]

Also, I don't think I have to worry about blowing myself up, just yet. No fire, ice or thunder, right?

As always, I will give my all.

[Carbuncle gives a curious squeak when Noctis approaches, seemingly woken up by the proximity, and just tilts his head, then blinks and lies back down.]

Elemental magic is not the only type that can explode. Any type of magic can injure if you misuse it, don't learn how to handle it properly, or don't focus.

[ belly rubs for carbuncle time. ]

I mean, I know that's a risk, but I already used magic... even if I was never good with shields, I know how to avoid backlash. It'll be fine.

[ but, after a moment, he frowns. ]

Wait, yeah, not everyone knows how to do that. Do you need me to teach you how to avoid that?

[ even if ignis was the adviser who took to magic the easiest out of everyone. ]

Then I will leave it to you.

[Aka he will trust you to take care of yourself. He'll still worry but more silently.]

Hmpf, [Ignis huffs, amused, pushing his glasses up,] I am more agile than you give me credit for. I may not have my elemancy, but my body is still in perfect fighting form.

But I never say no to practice and sparring. [That would be ridiculous.]

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TEST DRIVE MEME ⚔️️ I

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