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

[luminatus]

Maybe you should be. But you don't need to be if you behave yourself.

[Eleven huffs and draws his hand back.]

You and your master overplayed your hand.

You took my mates, my family, my home, the World Tree, my light, my body...

I got nothin' left to take, innit.

All I got now is my life and that's not such a precious thing on its own. I'll gladly give it up to...to save the people I can still save.

[His nose crinkles and he blinks back a fresh outpour of tears.

Why was he spared in the Fall?

What had he done to deserve such "mercy"?

There must be a reason.]

So if I have to come at you I will. Remember that.

[leitstern]

[Seconds pass again. Jasper finds himself drawing back as a fresh spring trickles from the young man's face. It elicits feelings of despair that he had trodden down and his brow flattens with unease.

Such sadness is arousing. Such passion is human.]

Come at me? You can barely stand.

[His voice is cold and like he is giving orders.]

Perhaps you ought steady yourself before engaging my attention with such unsteady arguments.

[luminatus]

I'm standing pretty well considering...

[He wipes his eyes on the back of his hand and squares his shoulders.]

And if I come at you, you'll lose. You don't have your master's darkness anymore, do you? I don't--

[A thought flies into his head and he exhales sharply as he punches his fist into his palm.]

ELYSIUM BIRD!

[leitstern]

[Though not frightened of the Luminary, he feels doubtful over his loss of power. The darkness that is both beautiful and comforting no longer answers his call. It has left him in a frightful mood.]

Oh, you are far too bold.

[Whatever this is, he shall endure. He has borne his pain for sixteen years after all.]

[luminatus]

Elysium birds are watchful. They're always waitin' for something shiny.

I'll be watching you like an Elysium bird.

[Right.

Nailed it.]

But I'm hoping you won't do anything stupid 'cause I really don't want to have to chase you around Avalon.

[leitstern]

[Jasper says nothing for a moment and stares without care - not wanting to cause a scene or make a fuss. His gaze narrows and he considers his options.

First his master's will, should his presence arise. But the Lord of Shadows is not a factor that needs his immediate consideration.

Hendrik, perhaps? That would be optimistic. The man's propensity for being so braindead as to wander into another reality would be comedy.

Himself? He simply wants a vacation and not to be harassed.]

Take care, darkspawn. That sounds like a threat.

[luminatus]

It isn't.

It's a warning.

[He lifts a hand against the middle of his chest; the area into which Mordegon had plunged his claws.]

I dunno how much you bought into Mordegon's nonsense about me but I'm not a "Darkspawn".

I'm not evil but I'm not the pinnacle of goodness either. I'm just me.

And I'll finish any fight but that doesn't mean I like goin' around startin' em. Not even with you.

Not even after everything you did... To our world, to my people, to me...

[leitstern]

[The smile that had brightened his face upon witnessing this boy's power be torn away returns. A frosty grin chills his already white skin, elaborating on how he had known the darkspawn myth was a lie. Their world is shared? Yes, though his master shares dominance over it with no one. But to hear himself be disconnected from people, his old kin?

Upon reflection, he doesn't truly miss them.]

There is hardly a need to regale me with history. Only know that I doubt I should act without orders. Whether that is cold comfort I can hardly imagine.

[Nor care. But it is what it is.]

[luminatus]

[Eleven's gaze hardens once more upon seeing that smile. It's not one he recognizes but it sends a chill down his spine that makes old wounds clang along his sides like sharp steel bells.]

....What'll you do if he comes?

Mordegon, I mean.

[leitstern]

[Goodness! That reaction.

As far as emotions go, it keeps him going.]

The solemn vow of a knight is to heed the orders of his master. You must comprehend without his presence I have no need but should that come to pass, I shall let nobody stand in his way.

[Unbound from his oath to his kingdom only to be bound in service. It is a niggling thought he gives no credence to.]

[luminatus]

[Well... As answers go, Eleven isn't sure what he'd been expecting, but he still doesn't like it.]

Why, Jasper?

Why in the Goddess's name did you decide to follow Mordegon?

[leitstern]

[Why? That is a question he needs answering. Why did Hendrik receive everything? Why had he been left with nothing? With neither the love nor admiration of anyone? Why had he lost his friend?

He cannot see why.]

You are a most amusing young man to demand answers. I would recommend you worry more for this world than I.

[Your social link is too low, friend.]

[luminatus]

Nah, mate, you're not getting off that easy.

[He stalks forward again.

Jasper is brushing him off, he knows, but Eleven won't allow it.]

What'd I just get done saying, huh?

You and that monster took everything from me. I said won't seek revenge and I mean it but I do demand answers.

Some kinda explanation is...literally the least you could give me, I think.

[leitstern]

[Jasper brushes away his fringe. That insolent smirk is fracturing his calm, disturbing his contemplation of giving this boy answers. It was a bold inquiry, one worth admiring, but they don't have a personal connection.

Why would he ever wish to communicate his feelings with anyone else other than the one man responsible for them?]

Do you think I have words for a provincial nobody? I have plenty for others but you are not amongst them.

[luminatus]

[He shakes his head and walks closer, until there are mere inches between them.]

If your words are good enough for someone else, they're good enough for me.

I'm what this has all been about, after all.

[leitstern]

Only a man truly full of himself would admit that.

[He clenches his fists, longing to wrap them around the throat of a man a world away.]

Not everything is about you, Luminary.

[luminatus]

But everything is about me... I mean... about the Luminary.

[Eleven sighs and pushes his fingers through his hair.

If he hadn't been born with the light he would still be home in his kingdom. Dundrasil would still stand...

Maybe if he didn't have the light he wouldn't have been born a prince at all. Maybe he would have been a common nobody living a quiet life in the mountains, destined to one day die and be mourned only by his closest family and friends...

Sometimes Eleven wishes that had been the case. Sometimes having the light felt like too much...

But he was born with it, so there are people who depend on him. He can't let them down.]

Your boss sacked my home 'cause of me, had you destroy Cobblestone 'cause of me...

He was waiting in Heliodor for me. Do you really think he would have approached you at all if I hadn't been born? He was desperate. My birth meant it was almost time for him to make his move so he could take my light.

And---and he knew when my soul was on its way. I don't know how, but he bloody well did. Dundrasil had stood for so long and he knew when to...when to...

[He abruptly turns away and looks into the bonfire, tears trickling down his cheeks again, then he is clenching his fists as well, mirroring Jasper's stance.]

[leitstern]

[Jasper stares at the bonfire, eyes narrow. One of the additional reasons for giving up his humanity was to null himself to displays of emotion. The sentiment of it. The bright faith fuelling human hopes and dreams. Light, love, dreams, friendship. He cannot understand why people find them worth their time, finding solace in monsters who see beauty in blackness.

It all leaves him without compassion and warmth. Sympathy is long buried, the price of serving his master. All that remains of his humanity is his appearance - and even that is a lie.

So when the Luminary's voice breaks and he begins crying, he reacts as his master might. With cold indifference.]

You mistake me for one of your companions. There is no need to weep in my presence; take it upon yourself to grow a spine and save me your melodrama.

[It is not the Luminary being reduced to tears that might move him.]

[luminatus]

I'm not cryin' cause I want your sympathy, you bastard! I'm crying because I'm miserable

[He whips around, facing Jasper with a snarl.]

Believe it or not the "Darkspawn" has emotions. They're not just there to manipulate you.

Maybe you can't feel grief anymore, but I can.

[leitstern]

[Jasper wrinkles his nose. There is a fire in this anger and he scripts his performance accordingly. It is his role to be his master's commander; to stand at the head of his cold, ruthless armies. Nowhere is it written in that same script that he is manipulated.]

As you wish to tell me. Regardless, you are clearly talking to the wrong man.

[Obviously. The alternative is worse.]

[luminatus]

Then who?

[Eleven is feeling desperate now.]

Tell me who I need to talk to to understand why all of this happened, why you did it!

[leitstern]

Oh no! It is not for me to play confidant. You are welcome to your questions, of course, but I hardly must answer.

[Jasper breaks off from the fire to look at more of the fireflies. Each one offering a wish for someone. Each one flying free.]

Of course, when you remember whom you are talking to you shall realise what a ridiculous request that is.

[luminatus]

Fine.

Whatever.

[Eleven hisses.]

Just forget it, since I'm clearly so beneath you.

[He turns and stalks away.

As he passes the flames, he gazes into the dancing prismatic color and feels a cold stab of loneliness. How dearly he craves affection right now.

He wishes he to weep into Sylvando's arms, to sit beside Erik and unburden his heart, to seek the comforting presence of Jade and his grandfather, to hear the counsel of the twins...

But for all he knows, they are gone. And the man responsible seems to think so little of him that he'd might as well be a gnat, swatted for the satisfaction of the monster Mordegon and never thought about again.

Suddenly, Eleven feels something snap inside him like a steel trap and his attempt to show quiet resolve shatters.

He wheels in place and lunges at Jasper, aiming a fist at the older man's stomach.]

It's your fault. IT'S YOUR FAULT!

[Nearby, some locals look up and glance at Eleven with the detached sort of interest that is often reserved for people who make spectacles of themselves in public.]

[leitstern]

[The Luminary paces away, staring into the flames on his way, leaving him in calm silence. He is looking at nowhere and nobody and rejoicing in being apart from other living beings. Granted, his affection for humanity lies on the "slaughter them indiscriminately" level, but it could be worse. He could kill them all without purpose.

He begins nervously tapping his fingers on his coattails and finds himself sighing. His feet steady themselves on the ground and root to stop pacing. Hendrik has him clenching his fingers and controlling his breathing. In his distraction he doesn't bother to look at what the Luminary is doing - till he hears some angry words coming in his direction.

A mouthful of rage followed by a fist. It hurts when it connects, pounding the middle of his stomach, but with all his training he steadies himself and recognises it for a poor attempt - made more in anger than designed to wound.

For a long moment he says nothing. Then he looks at the young man with a distinct look of disappointment.]

On the contrary, it is your fault for being born.

[luminatus]

[The words lance through Eleven's heart and he immediately stops in the middle of his following blow.

It's not true.

It's not. He knows it isn't...

...But it still feels true. If not for him the events that had lead to the death of the World Tree would never have happened.

If he'd never left the prison in Heliodor, never left Cobblestone, never been born at all then the world itself would be better off.

He says nothing, just freezes with his fist raised, staring at Jasper as though the essence of his soul has been torn from his chest a second time.]