TEST DRIVE MEME ⚔️️ 4

[avalonmods]

{ 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. It's a fast process, as they no longer have to collect possessions and pets from drowning in the waters, so they're only needing to go around hitting the ice that keeps forming on the surface with their shells to keep the surface open for the falling arrivals. 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** 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. It was recently enchanted by Merlin to prevent people from having to fish their waterlogged possessions and pets out of the water with them. 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. 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. For the month of February: there are complimentary chocolates placed on the pillows that make you feel warm and fuzzy when you eat them, all the rooms have been temporarily redecorated after hearing about Valentine's Day after an announcement about an upcoming Valentine's concert to be held by the off-worlders. They wanted to celebrate love too, and help the newcomers feel welcome! Unfortunately, this means that the two-person bedrooms only have one bed this month... maybe you can get a roll-away? 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. As the snows give way to rain and the cold persists across Avalon, it may seem as if some of the local businesses are suddenly short-staffed. A favorite spot might have shorter hours, longer wait times. Whatever it is, it seems that there are fewer Avalonians as the days go on. It is not long before there are signs posted outside local businesses and every clinic, there is an illness striking the populace and adventurers seem to be immune. While the healers can cure this malady, they are short on supplies and some of them are not easy to obtain. All are urged to take up a task and gather these ingredients. Anyone who does obtain one or more of the required ingredients will be given a Fairy-blessed Tincture of Wellbeing from one of the faeries who stayed behind after the tournament. It is said to bring healing no matter where you are when you sprinkle it on the ground in front of you. (Note: The tincture will teleport the nearest healing mage to your location. This information is not included with the tincture... surprise!) A ⦿ Ingredient One: A Can of Sprite Sprites can be found in and around Avalon, and thankfully so. The first task is to obtain a small can of magic dust from a sprite's wings. Now an adventurer may think to capture and take this by force, but be wary: sprites always travel in packs and will be so inclined to curse any would-be attackers dance till they drop, literally. Sprites are mischievous sorts with a wry sense of humor and can be quite fond a flower which grows near the Red Springs called the Cinnabar Paper Bush. Bring them a bouquet and beg for their cooperation, but be cautious of breathing in the flower's pollen-- the sprites will not warn your character that it's a potent ingredient in probability spells, so breathing it in may cause sudden repeated visions of 15 seconds of a potential future based on every choice your character could make in a particular situation. Getting out of the pollen's effects takes a full day of going through visions of parallel possibilities if there's no one to help you, and the sprites will be long gone by then. You'll need another adventurer to use their magic to get you out of this or prevent the pollen from spreading... good luck. B ⦿ Ingredient Two: Deez Nuts Within the Brocéliande there grows a certain tree. Even in winter, this tree produces tiny star shaped nuts that when ground into a powder are a key ingredient in many healing tinctures. However, the nuts are coveted by the wildlife for they taste quite sweet when eaten straight from the tree. Adventurers are tasked with entering the woods and retrieving baskets full of these tiny nuts. A warning was given to not go unarmed, those animals can be very protective of their food supply and they are rumored to be coveted by the Bear Fir, who won't hesitate to come for you. A warning to the wise: do not eat them yourself. They can be quite tempting. A tiny call will induce the desire to devour all of them, burrowing deep within your conscious. Not only would an adventurer fail their task but they would fall gravely ill for a period of two days. With these obstacles in mind, it may be best to team up and go at this task together to make sure everyone comes out alive and well. C ⦿ Ingredient Three: Wait, isn't that a Pokémon? The hills to the south-east of the Red Spring are home to the elusive Hill Trolls, who never leave their hills, but like to engage with any traveler who does come through. Most try to avoid them as they are extremely rude in every way. However, for this particular remedy, there is special bluegrass known as poliwag grass, so named because the seer who discovered this unique grass had seen the creatures it is named for in an alternate world and found them endearing. The catch? Only the Hill Trolls know now wherein the hills the small patches of this grass can be found. Adventurers are tasked with entering the hills, engaging the Trolls, and requesting a guide to the grass. Avalonians will advise doing anything the troll asks of you, it’s the only way to appease them and get the prize. Characters will be set about various household and yard chores by the Hill Trolls, who will lead them to believe that this grass will take several days journey to reach and they simply can not leave their home and yard in such a state when on a long trip like that. Make sure to complete all your tasks, though, try not to be too angry when once their yard and home are spotless the Hill Troll produces a satchel of poliwag grass straight from their cupboard. They didn’t say you had to go on the trip with them and they will need to replenish their supply after, so they're not apologizing for anything. A video is sent to everyone's devices, a strong magic spell making certain that it opens. Morganna's face appears. Morganna, after all, is to be listened to when she speaks. She seems to be looking at her nails as the recording starts, not looking at her captive audience.

”"As infamous as Arthur and Merlin are, there are many magics they are unfamiliar with. They live in the realm of basic magics, the ones you all have touched and trifled with. But there are skills you will need in the future that require something a little stronger. Now if you came to me seeking spells, I would ask a fair price, dears... but it is my universe you are all saving too, so I will offer you a taste." She finally looks directly into the screen. Despite that it's just a recording, it looks as if she's looking directly into your soul. She sees you even without you responding. Her lips curl up in a little smile, friendly and yet mischievious. "Magic is stronger when more than one person performs it. Where you would be able to toss fire, you could create a fire tornado or rip the earth until it spits the fires of hell up as lava. To perform this kind of magic, you must be entirely in sync with your partners. Of one mind, of one movement. Open the attachment and it will place a memory of how to perform Synchronic Magic with a partner into your mind. It will still take practice, of course. Baby steps."

Magic-infused technology is a hell of a thing-- those who listen after the video ends and open up the attachment will find themselves rapidly flooded with what amounts to an instructional video and a visual sample of witches moving exactly in sync. After a little finger painting on each other's face and collar bones and some deep meditation while performing the spell, the caster of the spell will have complete control over the movements of the person the spell is cast upon. For the duration of the spell, the person who the spell was cast upon will mentally reside in the caster's head outside of their body. Their body will do anything the caster's does. For this particular version of the spell to work, it requires the consent of the person it's being cast upon, though there are other forms of the spell that do not that are not. With that knowledge, get practicing. A ⦿ We Succeed Together When a goddess gives instructions to learn something, you learn it, and so some of the locals have set up meditation tents at one of Camelot City's parks. The tents are filled with incense, steam, and have a spell cast on them to provide relaxing sounds-- babbling brook, yoga music, rain on the ocean, a crackling fireplace, the cries of your enemies, the relaxing sound of change falling from your favorite plinko machine... It will respond to your emotions and find the sound that's most relaxing to you to help you clear your mind. If you trust the person you're with, the spell will go smoothly and you'll be able to perform the much simpler practice spell provided in the tent: a shadow dance. Follow the dance steps around the circle on the floor of the tent; shadows will begin dancing along the walls of the tent outside of their light source. Your shadows will be able to separate from your feet and travel without you once the dance is completed. It will return after completing whatever task you need from it. If you need some help developing your trust in the other person, try playing a game of twenty questions or partaking in some of the sparkling ginger shots in front of you-- they've got a heated kick to them that's sure to warm you up and make you fire out a secret to the person you're sharing the tent with. B ⦿ We Fail Apart If you aren't perfectly in sync with your partner to cast Synchronic Magic, all kinds of things can go wrong. People who do not trust each other may end up accidentally sealing the tents shut and trapping themselves inside until they tell each other a secret they've told no one else, thus forcing them to trust each other. People believe the exact opposite at their core could end up temporarily body swapping with their partner until they wipe off the body paint and break the spell. And of course, even if you're completely on the same page and the person controlling both bodies has two left feet, a mistake in the shadow dance could cause the shadows to enter your eyes, turning both of your vision to complete darkness until you've been in sunlight for about 15 minutes straight. I hope you weren't practicing at night. C ⦿ Loss and Gain After performing the Synchronic Magic, magicians of all kinds are going to feel a little strange. It's a magic outside of their field of expertise used to perform further magics, after all, and they've shared their essence with another person to perform it. There's a chance that characters are going to feel very alone after being separated from the synchronic magic. Alone, tired, and wanting to feel connected again even if you're normally the lone wolf type. Synchronic magic makes you feel connected to others in a way that's hard to do otherwise, and without it it leaves a sense of loss and disconnect. It's not a side-effect that was discussed ahead of time, but the citizens of Camelot have prepared for it for anyone who wishes to stick around after their spellcasting. After the magic is done, at the center of the tented area, everyone is invited to gather around a huge, prismatic bonfire taking place in the center of the park that the tents had been set up in. The bonfire is filled with flames of all colors, like a prism reflecting light and warmth, and acts as a beacon for casters' shadows to find their owners and reconnect with them. It also is enchanted to encourage affectionate feelings. This may inspire people to be more... touch-friendly than normal, wanting to hug and hold onto or simple be shoulder-to-shoulder with the people around them. These feelings can easily be fought even if they're present, but fulfilling them will help to eliminate the sense of loss from the synchronic spell ending. At the end of the night, little rainbow fireflies will begin to fly away from the flames, having been hatched within them, and fly off into the night as the flames turn to embers, and then to charcoal. It is said that if you catch a rainbow firefly, you can make a wish on it, and when let go they will take those wishes to the heavens with them. Some wishes may actually be granted, so if your character has a wish, submit it here. 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. • The first "Arrival" prompts are present on every TDM, but contain seasonal tweaks for flavor. All other prompts will change monthly. (This month, please check updated method of inventory collection at the Rent-a-Ride and the "February Special" rooms at the Red Spring.) • The Shadow Dance Ritual is a form of advanced dark magic; this means that yes, after significant practice, a dark magic user may be able to do this on their own with only their own shadow. Even if your character isn't a dark mage, they can do a ritual to perform out-of-discipline magic. More information on rituals and how to unlock them will come in the future! • Please comment with wishes regardless of new/current member status if you want to participate! :) • 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.

Comments

[ofnovalue]

I...

[ It was such a beautiful moment, wasn't it? The prismatic flames casting an array of beautiful lights over them both... the warmth of Agrias' arms comforting her well more than the spring ever could hope. She was alive, and strong, and so very much her precious knight. She had not felt so happy in so long... so very very long...

And that question, and the weight it carried, threatened to drag her back down into those frozen waters. Her hands clenched. And she felt herself shake... ]

I am well, and in the care of Ser Delita, still. He has treated me kindly, and assured my protection. The war will find its end, with our espousal, and he is crowned King of Ivalice.

[ So she lied. She lied to Agrias, knowing she had not the strength to dare tell her the truth... ]

[forgeabettertomorrow]

I mean...I was going to apologize for giving you attitude. Stranger or not, I presumed a lot and I do owe you an apology for that.

[forgeabettertomorrow]

[Darin takes a long swig of his bottle before heaving a satisfied sigh.]

So, think I'll ever get a name outta you?

[fearlessly]

[ GOD, he's one of those know it all types isn't he, just like her brother!! only, apparently, with a much better sense of humor. alphinaud tries to be funny sometimes, but.. it sure does not suit him. ]

Please, leaf out the jokes, this is no laughing matter.

[ alisaie drives the point of her rapier into the soil for the moment, and rests her basket of nuts against her hip. ]

So you are volunteering to stand here and stare at it for me while I take these nuts back, is that what you are saying?

[fearlessly]

If you say so.

[ it certainly doesn't sound like it's no big deal!! but alisaie is pretty comfortable, this spring water feels wonderful on her aching feet, so she's more than happy to stay. in fact, she flops right back down onto her back, folding her hands behind her head.

the stars are all.. different. it feels foreign, and strange, and sad. ]

[fearlessly]

I would have thought the same, not so long ago. It's funny what you get used to.

[fearlessly]

[ angelo, in response, only snorts and stares with his beady piggy eyes, naturally, because while he is very cute and friendly he's not so gifted in the brains department. there's nothing to be done with it, she supposes, when you're mostly made of clay.

alisaie, on the other hand, arches a brow. ]

I don't think you've impressed him.

[ no, angelo doesn't look impressed at all. he mostly looks like a pig. ]

[fearlessly]

[ there you go, get into melee range, punz!! not that the bear fir appears to be doing anything, anyway.. ]

I would be inclined to agree, if I had any..

[ she sure does sound a little bitter about that!! this is where her verfire spell would be... IF SHE HAD ONE!!! ]

[forgeabettertomorrow]

Darin watches Matt with no small degree of respect and fascination. Not only was he kidnapped, but he's so determined to fight back. To do something good for his world.

It really made him feel like a heel for not wanting to go back to his own world. They might have just met, but Matt was a good man.

"...Yeah. You know. I was considering just starting over for myself here but...if I can do something for the people fighting to save all the worlds out there? I should at least give it my all, you know? I can at least put my healing magic to use alongside my smithing skills."

[forgeabettertomorrow]

...Not one for lawn work, are you.

[He gives his companion a wry smile.]

So, what do you do when you're not complaining about chores?

[forgeabettertomorrow]

...Maybe it wants your soul to itself.

[bunwelcome]

[ ovelia's change in demeanor is quite obvious, and fran can only assume it must be her delight at finding a fellow ivalician. they are, after all, very far from home, and fran has yet to come across even one other hailing from their homeland.

but that question gives her pause. ]

Is that strange to you?

[ perhaps she's simply.. sheltered. viera aren't exactly swarming ivalice, but most people have seen one in their life in passing, or at least heard of them, if they live in the city - but perhaps this girl does not. ]

Re: i-a!

[bunwelcome]

[ happy bunny is ALWAYS friend, jade!! not that fran herself seems particularly approachable.. though at least she does not seem unfriendly, as of yet. she is watchful as her familiar bounces about, but she makes no attempt to stop it, for no one as yet seems bothered.

well, now maybe someone is bothered.

fran does not move save for the shift of her eyes, and the slight swivel of her ears. ]

Does it disturb you?

SOUNDS FAKE!!!

[bunwelcome]

[ well, this girl gets more and more strange, doesn't she? lizzie? fran has never heard such a name for a viera; perhaps she has changed it? - but she shows no judgment. fran herself is, after all, an outcast, a viera that has left the wood behind. all the better that lizzie live her own life, in her own way.

still, fran looks puzzled, or as puzzled as she can look, with such a straight face. ]

I do not know this Skatay Range. Does it lie beyond the continent?

[bunwelcome]

[ he...

how is he so... slow!!

fran is a patient woman, most times. very patient. she could watch the grass grow for hours, if needed. and while watching dimitri's slow progress does not annoy her, per se, it certainly does concern her. the longer he takes, the longer it will be before she can finish her own task quickly, and also.. is he okay??

the wind shifts away, and so she begins her work again, beating the remaining dust from this rug before replacing it with a different one. one down. but dimitri has hardly moved.. oh my god. fran feels the wind begin to shift again, and so she stops with a sigh, leaning her spear against the wall again. ]

Do you require assistance?

Re: caravan

[bunwelcome]

[ fran has most assuredly noticed his restless antics, if the weight of her gaze is any indication. she says nothing, and hardly moves save for the flick of her ears in his direction, and the movement of her eyes, but she is surely staring. as if she looks long enough she can will him to sit still for a few moments.

but her annoyance is mild, at best. fran has grown quite used to it, traveling with vaan and penelo and, on occasion, the young lord larsa, has hardened her skin to the energy of youth. except this man does not look young at all. ]

Somehow I do not think that would work.

[ she says, still as a stone even now, though the wind through the carriage window tousles her hair. ]

What have you to trade? That?

[ yes, she means your pink butterfly ball. she's not so sure yet that it isn't just.. a strange decoration.. ]

[bunwelcome]

[ fran isn't exactly unused to a hume's.. shock, when regarding her, and she supposes that this place will not change that. if anything, there are far, far more humes here than there are at home, which is saying something, considering they are quite plentiful in ivalice.

and so she hardly looks twice at the young woman's reaction, though she does look mildly puzzled by her response. ]

Ivalice.

[ she says, and frowns thoughtfully. ]

I've not heard of Japan. Though I suppose that should come as no surprise to me, by now.

[angelolatry]

[She is the one that wrote it so she gives a nod, then points to herself. This seems easier in communicating than possibly getting a little closer than some might be comfortable in writing on their hand the way she did back home with Lloyd, after losing her ability to talk. Colette bites at her lower lip, her gaze lowering but obviously initially widened at that impulse. In blurting out something she never even told Lloyd over all those years.

She takes the phone and types again in further explanation.]

It's me. I can't talk. So I figure using this will help instead. I didn't mean to - to say that though.

[asano_san]

I didn't think it was going to fall off. I meant I was missing out on years of precious memories!

[Great, now he has some nightmare fuel.]

Oh, so going out with me would be humiliating and miserable? I'm likeable. People like me. They just don't like me enough.

[angelolatry]

[Sylvarant, the town of Iselia was her home. She wants those living there to prosper, to be happy. For Lloyd to do so. That was why she went on the Journey. She just. Maybe isn't anticipating Izuku rather quickly picking up that the Journey isn't exactly an easy one in it being the reason she can't taste, can't sleep or feel anything anymore. Can't speak.]

I do. I want Lloyd to do well. To not suffer because of the mana shortage. It's. It is. Sometimes. Part of the Journey, me becoming an Angel is why I can't talk, the transformation, but. I figure it's just part of it. What has to happen. If it means I'll be able to help everyone.

[angelolatry]

[Colette starts, blinking with wide eyes at the shrieking but seems to relax when it appears whoever it was is alright at least. With the cliff beast helping them too. Or at least, she assumes they are okay. She was. But then.....well. Most everyone else here doesn't trip and regularly leave holes imprinted of their body against walls like she does after tripping into them.....

So maybe she is not the best example of this sort of thing. Colette just hopes she makes it without tripping again. As she continues, huddled closer against the wall in trying to get as far from the edge as she could manage at least. In trying not to bump Minato as she walks.]

[airbendings]

[Aang doesn't even realize Zuko is also here yet. Hasn't realized Zuko is watching as he figures the cliffs and all. Though it is obvious even among a crowd how much he does rather stand out. Aside from being so young, the Avatar markings and lack of hair, his clothes, are kind of a giveaway. Still, he makes his way with the cliffs, and. Well, promptly attempts to hide behind someone else at the sound of that voice.

Of course he knows it's Zuko. Has heard him. Heard Zuko calling him. He is just. Not so sure, considering on his end the guy was trying to capture him and all, at least last Aang recalls. So he isn't so sure what to make of Zuko calling out to him like this? Seeming......what? Excited? To see him?

Probably in wanting to capture him here while Aang is without Aapa or any of the others. While he's still confused regarding his bending here?

Though it's probably too much to hope if he just hides among the crowd that he'd make it past Zuko. That Zuko would let him get away with that. Not that it stops this being his immediate instinct in keeping quiet and trying to remain hidden. As if this would really work.]

[birdflipping]

[For want of any better ideas, Nero gives him an awkward pat on the arm. There, there.]

Kinda, but that's not the real surprise. Never thought I'd see you again.

[He looks him over for any sign he might be falling part like before, but he... seems to be well? Physically, if not emotionally. Still frail like before, but at least he isn't falling apart at the seams.]

[birdflipping]

[Nero looks momentarily startled. Even Dante had never asked this much, preferring to keep Nero at arm's length as his mentor-slash-business partner. And while Dante obviously had his reasons in hindsight, it does help give Nero an inkling that maybe Vergil gives a damn after all.

He hesitates, wondering where to begin. Aside from with Nico, who he already has plenty in common with, he's never really talked about his past before.]

Not always. At first I grew up in an orphanage. Everyone looked down on me because no one knew who my parents were, and I got into fights with other kids all the time. [In Fortuna, being as conservative and hyperreligious as it is, something as scandalous as all that was a Big Deal.] But then Kyrie and Credo's parents took me in. They were the kindest people I've ever met... I felt really lucky.

[whatsamada]

Oh good, you're familiar with RPGs!

It's just like that! The more quests you do, the more items you get to help improve your magic! And you also get a companion to help you out too!

The only problem is how slow these upgrades are.

[The struggle of playing an RPG in real life.]