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

[ He was trying to be snippy! Saying it's the music and not the player he prefers! But if Venti is offering then... ]

You'd have to find an instrument.

[ Though that is the thing, isn't it? They will be seeing more of each other. There isn't all of Liyue and Mondstadt to search though. ]

Though I suppose it is not a bad thing.

[Snippy? Compliment? What's the difference? Venti chooses not to make it.]

I do have my lyre with me although it doesn't feel quite the same as it once did. And an old flute too.

[Venti hums, putting a finger on his cheek to tap.]

Did you come with anything else to note? Besides the spear?

[ An old flute... Could it be the same one? Xiao is a little curious. ]

I did come with a couple of things.

[ A flute of his own. Just something he keeps around, not that he uses it. However that's not what he shows the other. Rather than that, Xiao lifts up his wrist. His Vision is still embedded there. ]

[Ask him about it, Xiao! ;D]

Ah, your vision!

[Venti does reach out to tap the little trinket on his wrist. But alas, he can't detect the anemo from within it. Part of that is heartbreaking... But, he still smiles.]

I think it's important that you keep that close. Don't forget!

[It's part of who they are, after all.]

[ Maybe he will! ...Once he works up the courage to. ]

It doesn't really serve much of a function here, does it?

[ Because the power within the Vision itself is gone. Taken. Xiao is curious as to how the Anemo Archon is taking that. Their power gone... And in a sense Venti - Barbatos - can no longer sense the Vision nor the Anemo that used to be contained within. ]

Yet... I don't think it is something I could easily part with all the same.

[ He will keep that close. ]

[Venti seems to nod knowingly. He has never needed a vision token himself. His is a fake little trinket just so people don't ask too many questions. But Venti is also not new to having something stolen from him. His gnosis is also gone. Back home in the hands of the Fatui. Now this place has stolen whatever remains of his power as well as he does have this sense of loss in his heart. He just picks to settle on other things for now.]

See it as a mark of home. So we don't forget the direction we have to take.

[He then hums.]

They're talking about newcomers learning new magic! Isn't that interesting?

Edited 2021-02-12 01:53 (UTC)

[ A mark of home, hmm? Putting it that way does make it hurt a little more. He really is lost. All Xiao has ever concerned himself with is the contract he's upheld for a thousand years and more. The Anemo Archon might have lost his power, but Xiao has lost his purpose. His reason to continue to exit.

What direction, then, is he supposed to take? He stares at the phone in his hands, unsure. He feels unsettled and not certain how he should go about things. ]

Yet we do not know what this "new magic" is. It could be ill-suited to us.

[ Though it would not be too unlike their rituals, correct? ]

[Goodness, they both just really need a hard drink.]

Or! [He lifts a finger.] Something exciting and new!

[How about Venti tries to ring in some positivity here. He's not looking forward to learning anything but maybe his magic will be something fun to mess around with.]

If we have the time I think it's best if we find out what we can about this world. That includes this new magic of ours.

[As long as he doesn't have to try that hard to learn...]

[ Exciting and new. Of course "Venti" would put it that way, wouldn't he? He really doesn't seem to be grounded at all. ]

I still fail to see how what was given to us by this would could compare to what has been robbed of us. Time might stand still but being idle while -

[ He had been about to say "while his karmic debt grows" but it's only now that Xiao actually realizes something. There is no pain. He doesn't feel the surge of energies that accumulate due to what is demanded by his role and contract. ]

...

[... Well then. It's right about the moment that Xiao's comment tapers off that Venti goes right ahead and comes right up close to Xiao so they can loop their arms together. Or really it's Venti looping his arm to Xiao's. Very insistently.]

That is all fair and good. [Nothing will ever replace anemo.] But how about we lament over all of the details over a glass or two of wine? A new place means new taverns to see.

[... And for them to both relax.]

Come now!

[ Xiao can't help but startle a little. Oh how easy it is for this bard to just slide right in. The kneejerk reaction is to pull away. ]

Why are you -

[ He has to take a breath. No. Don't. He can't allow himself to actually be flustered. It's not like he hates it. It's just he... It's. It's contact. ]

I do not drink wine.

[ How can he relax!? ]

[Most importantly it's contact that doesn't hurt!]

There will be more than wine. Maybe fresh fruit or some tofu as well.

[Or Venti will make a few inquiries.]

We might as well see the lay of the land!

[ Okay but it won't be Liyue almond tofu... There's a difference! Xiao doubts that it will have the same texture here as it does in his home country. ]

I do not often... Eat human food.

[ Exceptions are made every once and a while but- ]

When I do it is. Alone.

[Too late. Venti is already tugging Xiao along with him. Off they go towards the main streets of Camelot! Arm in arm!]

It's wonderful that today seems like a day to try new things, isn't it? Ehe!

[ There comes another little noise. Something that is almost stuck in his throat and threatening to slip out of his mouth. But it never does. ]

You mean it is a good day to attempt to coerce me into trying new things.

New world new day!

[Why not...? Also he just really wants a glass of wine because it has been one heck of a day. What are the taverns like here.]

I'd like to catch up with you too, Xiao.

[So sorry. No being alone.]

[ The thing is... Xiao has no interest in being around other people. He has avoided it for so long. usually for their own well being and safety. ]

There is... Not much that has changed for me.

[ Surely the Archon doesn't want to really talk about something like Xiao's path of destruction. ]

[Venti is more than all ears when it comes to conversations. He doesn't mind the subject matter it's not like he's never seen war and destruction as well.]

Then we can talk about the future are well. Won't that be nice?

[Xiao is not wiggling his way out of this with his introverted ways.]

[ Talk about the future? Does he mean here? Or back in Teyvat? Either way- ]

You are going to continue to be persistent, aren't you?

[ Just tell him now so he can know what to expect. ]

[Why do Zhongli and Xiao both have to be such stubborn blockheads-]

Only if you're persistent and trying to get out of it.

[He squeezes Xiao's arm.]

I truly want to talk with you more, Xiao! Can't you simply spare one evening of drinks with an old acquaintance? In this strange world, I don't want to be alone.

[ Hey now. He'd very much ask you to not call Rex Lapis a blockhead. Kind of insulting to your senior. Not to mention Xiao won't stand for the Geo Archon to be insulted so.

That's neither here nor there at the moment. The Yaksha supposes that he should just resign himself to this. ]

It would not do any harm to engage in conversation and drink for one night.

[Zhongli is a dumb blockhead and Venti will say it as much as he likes.

... Well, perhaps not when he's trying to coax his charge to drink the afternoon away with him. Speaking of which,]

That's right! Let us be off on our journey!

[And it's off into the busy streets of Camelot for the first time since leaving the caravan. It's just as anyone would think it to be, a fantasy city bustling with horsedrawn carriages, knights and nobles walking the streets, shops and taverns along the roads... It's a lot like Mondstadt, actually.]

Ah, there. I see a tavern just up ahead. The Prancing Pony. Do you see?

[ Yes, it definitely would not work well if Venti's goal is to make Xiao somewhat more agreeable to this idea of being in public. Best keep those thoughts to himself then.

His eyes just narrow slightly at the Archon's chipper attitude. Ideally he would like to get his arm back at some point. It's... it's kind of embarrassing and Xiao doesn't know what to do with such an uncomfortable emotion. Besides, it is something for him to concentrate on rather than the crowds and the hustle and bustle of the city proper. Being around crowds is just...

It's also not comfortable. For a variety of reasons that Xiao doesn't feel the need to express. However, the name of the place they are going to falls from Venti's lips and the Yaksha's attention is ahead rather than elsewhere. ]

A tavern. Is there not a more appropriate place to seek out?

[While he knows that Xiao would rather be elsewhere, no public eyes or faces that might be watching or talking... Venti is quite the opposite. He likes the hustle and bustle of a city that's alive. It's bright and curious with songs and stories to learn.

... But at least he has the courtesy to ask,]

Where else should we go, Xiao?

[Taverns are usually the best place to go for information. And ... wine.]

[ He does take a moment to look towards Venti. Honestly it's such an innocent tone with a face to match. It's completely - ]

I wonder how many are so easily taken in by your appearance alone. How many are completely unaware of your true nature.

[ Being completely underhanded and deceptive. ]

Let's just enter this establishment and be done with it.

[ Because he can't think of another place to go. ]

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