avalaughs | TEST DRIVE MEME ⚔️️ 4

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TEST DRIVE MEME ⚔️️ 4

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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 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

[Jasper tilts his head aside. His finger strokes his chin. One path could see him admitting this arrangement is his design, another might hear him deny involvement. Whether or not he is lying is immaterial; both gift him the reaction he craves. He sees it in cleched fists and gritted teeth. He hears it in his old friend's stubbornness. It brightens him up, honestly.]

Oh? Surely that is rich coming from you!

[The way Hendrik had treated him was the worst kind of comedy.]

It is fortune alone that you are here. Would to heaven you ever realize you are not special.

[Hendrik's feet are moving before he can even acknowledge that that they are, taking him two steps further into the room. That he doesn't strike a wall with his tall frame is somewhat impressive.]

Heaven? You do jest, to make such remarks after all you have done.

[Hendrik's voice rises in a growl at that particularly wording; his temper is raw and brought to the surface simply being in Jasper's presence.]

Oh, Sir Hendrik.

[In between focusing his interest and ire on his old companion, Jasper finds himself raising a hand to silence the mechanical lady that has become his familiar. It lacks the habit of speech but he shall have nobody speaking on his behalf.]

Well, my dear friend, that there is little to laugh about in the world is no consequence of mine.

[His concern for his countrymen is as lifeless and colourless as his ghostly face. And because his old friend had responded so well to humour...]

Indeed. It is a problem for the great hero of Heliodor, I should think!

[The way Jasper gestures at the ... monster beside him gives Hendrik pause, but he manages to keep his furious eyes focused.]

To think you would say such things with the blood of those who were your countrymen on your hands. You have no shame and no honor.

[One could almost see the knotted cords in Hendrik's neck as he stands tense and ready to advance. His familiar remains squashed under his arm, starting to kick its clawed feet as the grip becomes uncomfortable.]

How could you become so depraved?

[The more those clawed feet kick and struggle, the greater his look of indifference. He looks calm and without feeling for the accusations about his countrymen. That his old friend asks such a question confirms his ignorance; how blind he is now and how he has been.]

Indeed.

What a high and mighty man you are that you judge everyone but yourself.

[His stare is full of equal fury.]

That itself is the essence of depravity, surely?

I am not the one who disavowed his oath to side with the-- the Lord of Shadows.

[It's still a difficult fact to swallow, and he hates that Jasper's actions and revelations from the king have him questioning everything he has done for almost half of his life.

It's that fact that has him demanding again.]

Why? Why would you do such a thing?

[Ignorance is a bitter pill to swallow. It wastes their time, wastes their lives. He had hoped, much to his disgust, that Hendrik would see that splinter of wood in his eye and remove it. He had waited and squandered his time in the vein hope his friend viewed him as an equal.

Well, no longer.]

"Why"? You dare ask "why"?

[His voice is bitter and venomous.]

If anyone asks "why" it should be I. You always thought yourself so much better than me.

[If he was not so tense and angry, Hendrik may have noticed the absence of jeering in the response. But all he can see is his former comrade, draped in dark clothes that deeply contrasted his former wear and glaring at him with terrible red eyes.

The very sight makes him want to turn away before he harbors thoughts of tearing out the man's eyes.

But he has also been struck down from the back far too recently, too painfully, to turn away from a possible threat. So he advances a step, sweeping his free arm across in rejection.]

What? What lies are you weaving now?

And now you accuse me of dishonesty? Have you not bothered to understand me these last thirty years?

[The gesture both embitters and enrages. His red eyes narrow and focus on Hendrik to the expense of everything and everyone. His body does not flinch nor his fists clench, a testament to his pride. Dismissed again? It shall not stand!

He refuses to back away and finishes his point.]

Though of course I hardly need your answer. Time has provided me with explanation enough.

Accuse you? Your existence is dishonesty at this point!

[His voice rises into another roar. How dare he. How dare he.

A monster. A demon. At some point, Jasper sold his soul to the monster that had worn His Majesty's skin like a costume.]

You knew. You knew for years about His Majesty and said nothing! Your crimes are beyond understanding!

[Jasper smiles. He grins like a sabrecat from ear to ear, finding solace in Hendrik's anger. It might have cost him his home, it might have cost him his family, but it is good to see his friend react at all. To acknowlege he is here and alive - if not in his right frame of mind, as those who once knew him might say.

Not that thier opinions matter.

He inspects his nails without care, without attention. Like this is an inconvenience. What is it, truly? Anger which needs no words. His smile as Hendrik speaks of Carnelian is answer enough.]

[The wide smile that stretches across Jasper's face brings a sickening feeling to Hendrik's stomach. He's made terribly aware of the fact that he has never seen Jasper smile like that before, and it is at the expense of their king, their kingdom-- skies above, the whole world suffers under that smile.

His feet are carrying him forward again as his mind remains in a flurry. He rears back his arm and sends his clenched fist hurtling into his former comrade's face.

His shocked familiar remains mercifully silent the entire while.]

[Seconds pass. They crawl by with each step his old friend makes, stomping one foot after another, wearing his outrage on his face. Clenching his fingers and balling his fist. He counts every footstep and awaits what will come with time. The worst of Hendrik's wrath, meted out like divine punishment, one he has every right to make. His nose cracks and for the most part he struggles to think as time catches up with him. Blood rushes to his head as he doubles over, face flooding with warmth. How funny that this man pays attention at last.

And so he begins to laugh.

Between sore twinges and twangs and beneath the burning pain? There is pleasure in pulling his old friend's strings. He continues his ungracious guffaw as he feels spit rolling inside his mouth. His unbalanced way of viewing the world is leading him to think this exchange matters. Truth be told, he rather enjoys it.]

Oh, Hendrik!

[His shoulders heave with the rush of adrenaline that pushed him forward and brought violence to the forefront of his mind. The laughter that rings out in response makes him once again feel sick, riling his mind and nerves with disgust and rage.

What was all of this? Was this truly the man he had sworn to protect the kingdom with when they were children? Just like that wide, cruel smile, he had never heard such raucous laughter deriving pleasure from a situation.

Even in those moments he had alone, in the perpetual darkness that had fallen over the country, he had never imagined such things of Jasper.

...Was this even Jasper?

He steps back, disturbed. The possibility only now occurs to him as he remembers where he is -- in a land where the sun still shines, where the Lord of Shadows should have no power.]

[Jasper straightens a minute later. One hand supporting the small of his back, second clenching his nose. He doesn't acknowledge Hendrik and does his best to ignore his blows. His usual calm breathing is haggard from adrenaline - though whether it is from their fight or his enjoyment of it he cannot say. He starts breathing and finds it a struggle. His nose runs and wheezes and he looks altogether human.

By the time he collects himself, he looks like a man put through his paces. He waves a hand to his familiar, orders it to collect something from the bathroom and makes a great show of not letting his friend find satisfaction. Not that Hendrik would, his thoughts remind him.]

I pray that made you happy.

[He doesn't sound happy.]

[There is utter silence in Hendrik's head as he watches this strange display of recovery. It feels like a performance, so deliberate and surreal from where he is standing. Or perhaps the surreal quality comes from him slowly detaching from the situation, puzzled.

There is a gravelly undertone to his voice when he finally speaks, another step backwards taking him further away from this ... monster.]

What are you talking about?

[The anger is slow to dissipate, but it is subdued by how he almost whispers those words.]

[Seconds pass. Jasper smiles again and holds back words. Time goes a long way towards making the heat dissipate and he wonders if Hendrik shall retain this lesson.

Doubtful when he cannot even perceive it. He looks sorrowful for an instant before indignation boils and bubbles inside him.

A disgust he cannot stomach sees him turn around and seat himself at the dresser. His expression sours in the mirror, serious as it has ever been. His familiar emerges from the bathroom and squeezes Hendrik by; he claims the light paper roll it hands over and ignores those semi-circular eyes that look downcast and downhearted. After sixteen years of being ignored, he figures Hendrik can wait another minute.]

Oh do figure it out, Hendrik. I am not your teacher.

[The familiar floating past him has Hendrik backing up further, almost to the same distance he had been upon noticing the other occupants of the room. His own familiar scrabbles against his grip, a squawk escaping as it finds itself clinging by only its tail when Hendrik releases it.

The distance gives Hendrik a moment to think more about what is going on, even as he continues to deal with the growing desire to completely detach from the situation.

But he cares too much to do so.]

If you think that had any chance of making me happy, you do not know me.

[He doesn't relish in causing pain. And he finds it strange the word pray would be invoked in this case.]

[The comment is ignored for a second as Jasper clicks fingers at his familiar. One hand delivers his brush as the second fans out his hair. If anything, he seems determined to ignore Hendrik as long as possible. Only they both know he cannot manage that. Mechanical fingers pluck strands from his jacket before combing gently, treating him with a reverence his friend long stopped offering.

He sneezes into the paper roll. Expelling mucus and other unsavoury things; not his venom as Hendrik might like. His fingers gently investigate the warmest spots on his face. Perhaps there shall be swelling tomorrow? He takes his familiar's hand as it rests on his shoulder and guides it away.]

So neither of us knows the other? Delightful.

[His voice doesn't sound delighted.]

[Ignored as he is at the moment, Hendrik slowly turns his attention down to his familiar. Wary, beady eyes peer up at him before disappearing as the platypunk sits down on his foot. It would almost be bothersome if the platypunk had any weight to it.

He doesn't look up at the sneeze. His attention is only truly tugged upon by those words, voice subdued in deep contrast to the earlier derision.

It's enough to make him think about his own words.]

Apparently not. Not for years.

[Jasper acknowledges nothing for a while. Being an intelligent man with something of an angry streak, he is biting down his tongue to prevent Hendrik seeing him at a loss for words. His face remains impassive and calm - and he closes his eyes and enjoys the feel of the brush working through his hair.

It almost lulls him into not speaking at all.]

And so ended our affection.

[His lips curl.]

Could you be any more pathetic?

[Hendrik's face hardens again as the insult flies, hands curling into loose fists before he's even realized. He truly does care too much.]

If being human is pathetic, then I suppose I am as pathetic as I can be.

[It is not something he would have so readily said several months back, but self-deprecation has a way of worming its way into exposed wounds.

His words also stand as his implicit observation to the inhuman features he sees.]

Ah! Finally you are blessed with an uncommon capacity for insight!

[The gravity of what Hendrik is saying finally sinks in. He sees his old self looking at his red eyes in the mirror, but his negative thoughts struggle to burrow further. All he sees when looking at himself is power. So what if the sacrifice he made for it is a loss of colour?]

Now, are you going to pick your beast up from the floor or are you going to neglect his welfare as well?

I do not see how that is any of your concern.

[Hendrik's response is clipped in the face of further insults, but he reaches for the little platypunk anyway. This time, the familiar is ready for being hefted up, wrapping its tail around Hendrik's arm to hold on. The action allows him to turn away smoothly, heading back towards the entrance of the room and his dropped belongings.]

It became my concern when you burdened me with its presence.

[Jasper bites at Hendrik with his voice, punctuating his words with anger and frustration in equal measure. His own familiar gently collects his hair and lifts it up, grasping it into a bunch to brush underneath. The frustration burning in his chest engulfs it when it begins adjusting his shoulders and tilting his head, finding no pleasure in close contact. He resists being touched upon either, returning them to where they were.

All while he watches Hendrik turn his back.]

Another ill display of manners from you. Have you not learned the consequence for turning one's back, friend?

TEST DRIVE MEME ⚔️️ 4

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