avalaughs | TEST DRIVE MEME ⚔️️ 4

Entry tags:

modpost,
tdm

TEST DRIVE MEME ⚔️️ 4

{ 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

obtain a small can of magic dust from a sprite's wings

sudden repeated visions of 15 seconds of a potential future based on every choice your character could make

B ⦿ Ingredient Two: Deez Nuts

retrieving baskets full of these tiny nuts

the Bear Fir, who won't hesitate to come for you

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.

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

[pity, that. everyone's taking things at face-value? or simply not ready to voice dissent and rock the boat?

again, her mouth presses into a thin line as she considers this. she realizes she's been conversing so easily, so close to stepping over the line and speaking to more than she means to; it's too much to trust that he means no harm or couldn't exploit any information she shares. already, showing her hand as a heavy skeptic paints her in a particular way, one she's just going to have to navigate accordingly. she's done so once before; she'll do it again.]

...Tell me. [she'll tilt her head a little, considering Corwin once more.] Do you think me too mistrustful? Have you found reasons of your own to suspect foul play? The world can be a very different place for a man, you know, so it's good to compare.

[ He nods, thoughtfully considering her question. She's not wrong. The different sexes have very different experiences and views of the world. In some places the balance of power is evenly divided. In most others, however, it most certainly skews heavily in one or the other directions.

Finally he speaks, shaking his head slightly and frowning. ]

I can only tell you what I know. And that is, that I know of other places called Avalon. The first, the place I thought of-- and still consider to be-- the true Avalon, is no longer. I have seen others like it, but they are mere shadows of the first, same in all the ways it counts, but different enough to tell the difference.

This place is... vastly different than any other Avalon I know. To the point where I hesitate to call them by the same name. I cannot say that there is any particular motive or reason behind these differences. Perhaps it is only coincidence. But the timing of it all, from my perspective, seems a bit too calculated to be taken at face value.

[her heart jumps a little at the admission. Avalon, he says one more time, and it further cements the suspicion she had. she's read about such a place! paltry tales, things that didn't captivate her enough to rush to the forefront upon arrival, and yet...somewhere, some time long ago, she turned pages with that name upon it.

and this man says he knew it? a true Avalon, among others? perhaps he's a planeswalker himself -- wouldn't that be something.

still. she doesn't know what there is to gain in sharing he own wanderings and research at this point; it doesn't directly link up to this beyond the barest of bones...and the echoing familiarity of a faraway time in her adolescence. both things she wants to keep to herself for now.

she gives a thoughtful hum at that, her gaze drifting from him as she considers his words alongside her own conspiracies and recollections.]

The old saying goes to not judge a book by its cover, yes? And appearances deceive. All still wise words here and now, I suppose.

I'll say it is...a bit heartening to know I am not out of line for being so suspicious, if you have your own concerns. Other Avalons, you say...Hm.

Other Avalons. [ He confirms, for whatever his account is worth. ] None as welcoming, nor as... forceful, in their uses for outsiders, as this one.

[ Let's just say that in his brother Benedict's Avalon, parents do not name their children Corwin. ]

Again, I have no proof either for or against our suspicions being warranted, but... There is another old saying, isn't there?

Better safe than sorry.

[another small smile at that -- a small bit of solidarity, as much as she can give safely.]

You're right. Gods, I know as much to believe that. [she shakes her head, sweeping at stray curls falling into her face.] It wouldn't be an adventure if one weren't wracked with dread at a given moment, I suppose. How kind, then, to openly offer lessons on how to utterly control another person's body. [...] Consensually, of course. [what an absolutely weird choice for a starter lesson -- she can't get over that.]

[ Corwin's brows furrow as he agrees with her observation. ]

Yes, the whole ritual does seem a bit more invasive than helpful, to me. I'm not sure what benefits there are to having another sorcerer... ensorcelled. Aside from ones of nefarious purpose.

[blithely:] I suppose I could find use for it in the matter of carrying any excess belongings I might accrue during my stay? Or men such as you to rush to my defense of combat were to arise.

Well, the latter I'd be inclined to do if you only asked.

[ Chivalrous gentleman that he is. ]

And as for the former... [ Might as well practice the thing he came here to practice. His gaze zeroes in on the empty chair at the head of the table, and he reaches a hand towards it, twitching his fingers just so. The chair scoots back as though someone has pulled it out, then, with another flick of his wrist, begins to hover some unsteady amount of inches off the ground. ]

[that gets a yelp from her, and Cecelia claps a hand over her mouth as she jolts. it's a brief startle, but it doesn't sit well with her all the same: for a moment, there's a sharpening of her gaze that's more calculating before it is quickly painted with a more palatable alarm.

i thought magics had been scrubbed free of everyone...! is it just me?!]

Well, that--! [she clears her throat, drawing her hand away from her face once she's got a grip on her reactions.] That was a bit dramatic. I'll thank you to warn me next time? But I suppose that's warning in of itself; people here can...magically lift chairs. And things.

[ Her startled yelp breaks Corwin's concentration, and the chair comes tumbling down to earth, landing awkwardly on its back legs and toppling over backwards. Sighing, Corwin stands from his own (stationary) chair and moves to go pick it up physically. ]

My apologies. That's actually... the first time I've tried that in front of someone else. I wasn't even sure I could pull it off. If that hadn't worked, I would have looked the fool.

[ But, the chance to impress a pretty lady is too strong to ignore. ]

[and he meant to test it out on her? is he a gambler or just...?!

Cecelia bottles a bit of fresh indignation, barely noticeable but for the twitching of an ear and a reddening of her face. stupid though it was, it's at least fresh information.

stupid, though.]

I...admit...I don't know what I would've thought should you have just...stood there, dangling sentences and not much else. Your first time, you say? [what an honor. or something.]

[ Look. He's a brilliant tactical strategist. You definitely want him on your side in a war. But when it comes to showing off in front of beautiful women?

No thoughts, head empty. ]

To my shame, yes. It took me a while to come around to the idea of even being a sorcerer.

[ As much as they knew him as Corwin the powerful mage in the true Avalon, the magical arts have always been more of an interest of some of his siblings, not his. ]

[oh gods he's a sorcerer. right, then. at least she has a benchmark.

she politely looks askance so he can collect what remains of his dignity should he need to, idly fiddling with bits of layered cloth from her sleeve.] Was it a very difficult choice? I'd imagine the chance to learn to cast magic would be enticing for many, but then...you're from a different world, obviously.

[ If Corwin knew the distinctions between the various types of mages in Cecelia's world, then he may have chosen a different title. But alas, Dungeons and Dragons hadn't caught much of a foothold yet in 1978.

Chair righted, he meanders back over to his own seat and slumps down into it, shrugging casually. ]

If King Arthur wanted someone from my world who would be a suitable caster of spells, then he should have brought my sister, Fiona, instead of me. She's the one who's showed any interest in magic.

[ And she has the benefits of not being 1) dead, like Bleys, or 2) a lunatic bent on destroying reality, like Brand. ]

[a shade coy, glancing sidelong:] Unless he knows something you don't know.

[ .... ]

Okay, I'll bite. Something like what?

[she shrugs.] Perhaps you're more malleable? A lack of repertoire just means an open canvas in some cases.

[ A pause, to consider the words. Then a hollow laugh. ]

It wouldn't be the first time I've been used in such a manner. But usually the one doing it has the decency to be a family member.

[family plotting? that's not new, either. a picture of the man in front of her is growing clearer and more precise the more he speaks of himself and where he's from. the "of Amber" part is definitely a title befitting nobility, but to what scale...that's still unclear. and he knows of many Avalons? many worlds...or times, perhaps.

and...he can lift chairs hands-free. okay. well.]

A proving ground for your skills in subterfuge, I'm sure. [she smiles wanly, ingratiating.] That means you'll be keener to pick up on the signs of manipulation, yes?

One should hope I ought be able to buck my track record of being taken in so easily.

[ Third time's the charm? How about fourth? Or fifth? Or fifteenth-- Damn, his family is manipulative!

But enough about him. He gives her his most winning smile. ]

If I ever have any doubts as to someone's motives, I'll run it by your wise counsel.

I'm a counselor now? [her eyebrow arches.] My career path changes by the minute around you.

[ He smirks. ] Only if you accept the position. But, you seem to me to have a good head on your shoulders. I think you'd be well suited to offering, at the very least, a second opinion.

[a touch dry:] That would imply some sort of recompense. Unless you expect I'll have all the free time in the world to cater to your needs?

[ Given that he's a spoiled rich noble who's only ever worked as a gun for hire, and that he's a little light on coin at the moment... He proposes another idea. ]

A favor for a favor? You give me advice, I come to your aid when you need protecting. I can do a fair deal more than lift chairs, if I have my sword with me.

I'll keep it in mind.

[she'd be an absolute fool to turn away the chance at a bit of manpower in her corner, especially considering the state of her? and maybe she can figure out why he retains some ability where she has none. is it simply a head start on whatever lessons this realm offers, since he's tenured by a month? she could ask, but...gods, don't seem desperate for it, Cecelia.]

Well, then. [she straightens up in her seat, tilting her head a bit.] Library assistance, potential counsel, a fair enough conversation...what else shall I provide to you today, Corwin of Amber?

TEST DRIVE MEME ⚔️️ 4

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

I THOUGHT I TAGGED THIS BACK BUT MY BRAIN LIED TO ME

(no subject)

(no subject)

(no subject)

(no subject)

(no subject)

(no subject)