avalaughs | TEST DRIVE MEME ⚔️️ 7

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TEST DRIVE MEME ⚔️️ 7

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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 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 still chilly, but not enough that you can't manage on your own. The Lady of the Lake is swimming around under the water, helping to rescue any wayward travelers who look like they're struggling in the water. This month's helpers are giant pillow jellies, a species of jellyfish that is capable of ballooning itself at the surface to create bouncy pads for characters to hop across to the shore, should they choose or not be able to swim. They come in a variety of bioluminescent colors, but do not seem to be very talkative even to animal magic users. Those who try may find themselves being ignored, even if they hear the jellies talking amongst themselves about this and that.

If anyone tries to ask the Lady of the Lake for directions, she will direct you to Archimedes at the Rent-a-Ride. 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.

*Reminder: Your character's familiar may or may not be with your character in their initial plunge. If the familiar isn't partial to water, it may meet your character on the beach or sit atop their head while they swim. Or if they are, they might splash about and swim alongside your character. Familiars have different personalities and body specs and we leave those up to the players.

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 and a pair of special ear buds (the supplier was out of the regular ones) 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.

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.

After the new arrivals come in, they'll find that this month they came in on the middle of a rather tumultuous time... people are arguing and debating about a future decision to be made. King Arthur recently tried to negotiate with Celliwig's people to open the doors to Camelot, but they refused, and the people have been left with a decision: 1. attempt long-distance, slow wooing of Queen Elphame via the Elphame Traders of the next couple of months, 2. attempt to prove a balanced and deeper understanding of the need for both pure and impure hearts by suggesting an acceptance of trials from Celliwig, or 3. band together under Camelot's flag to invade Celliwig. Celliwig is a place of communication between Elphame and Camelot that bypasses the need for weeks of dangerous, often fatal travel, so the choice is very important in regards to how Camelot both presents itself to the fae people in the future. To that end, people with strong beliefs about particular choices have arranged gatherings to draw people in to hear their perspectives on what the choice should be.

A ⦿ Honey Over Vinegar

Tree-Picking Tournament

cookie orchard

B ⦿ A Balanced Approach

bug catching contest

C ⦿ A Show of Strength

The more war-hungry citizens of Camelot seek to go to war. This whole issue will be over if Celliwig itself isn't the one in charge of communication and it's just made directly between Elphame and Camelot, rather than having a mediator who refuses to mediate. They believe that a show of strength is the only way to solve this problem, and as such, they'll be demonstrating that the greatest rewards come from strength by organizing an expedition to a cave at the base of the Ash Mountains. Taking a path squarely between the Dusklight Woods and the edge of the Lands of Rot to the base of the Ash Mountains, this expedition will lead into a cave known as the Giant Cave. It's a pretty on-the-nose name, since it really is a big cave. One of the cool things about this cave is that it's filled with geodes. Those who have enough strength can use provided pickaxes and drills to dig up their own crystals and gold, both great for jewelry and enchanting. In particular, there is a large amount of:

It's not particularly a contest in this case-- you can keep and use what you want, and this show of strength has given you more power than ever, so why not consider the same concept for how to deal with our unneighborly neighbors in Celliwig? It may be sweaty business, but surely hitting some rocks will show you the value of strength!

With the surprisingly tame day in the Giant Cave, one would think that the Ash Mountains were something of a safe place. No one really bothered the travelers, but that's because no one had been home at the time. as it turns out, the Giant Cave is home to a giant... douchebag of a minotaur. Not a giant, despite the name. His name is Simon and he doesn't like to share, and now that a bunch of people have gone and taken his rocks (he didn't even know there were crystals inside, nor does he do anything with them). Now he has to take his revenge, regardless of not knowing who actually took the crystals that were never really his to begin with, they just happened to be in rocks near where he sleeps.

A ⦿ A Stone's Throw from Revenge

vaulting the rocks into Camelot's buildings

B ⦿ There's Safety in Numbers

(Recipe) Buddy System

C ⦿ Gross

Thankfully, the Buddy System wears off before the Minotaur is back for round two. When the Minotaur returns, the castle has since gathered forces to the edge of town to defend it from another attack. It's unclear where the Minotaur went to get healed, but whoever he went to apparently had some advice, however, and the instinctive minotaur gave into a different instinct for part two of his revenge. Rather than go right back to his pile of rocks, he instead travels the day to get to the southernmost part of Camelot and barrels into town unopposed, as most of the troupes are where they had thought he would come from again. After all, minotaurs are not known to be big thinkers. Instead of violently destroying this time, however, the minotaur instead heads straight to lowertown's well-- and takes a pee in it. It turns out, not only does he have a giant-- ahem, but he is a giant dick as well. Now the entire lowertown has to be evacuated due to contaminated water up to other areas of Camelot. Many people who live there are relocated to live in extra castle rooms. After all, Minotaur Urine is known to be incredibly potent and stinky.

Mages who are able to handle the smell are asked to come help perform a ritual of water purification for the lowertown's water system. This ritual involves multiple groups of people performing synchronic magic, a magic type that requires you to be in perfect sync with your partner. Draw a special ritual circle with four candles at equidistant points. Chant a spell in sync with your partner, and blow a special powder made of ground jasper, charcoal, and rosemary into the center of the circle. It will be drawn into the candles' flames and with enough people doing this, all impurities will be removed from the lowertown's water and dissipate into the atmosphere.

KEY POINTS

New arrivals drop into the lake and have to climb up a cliff to the Rent a Ride, where they are given their device and some headphones and can retrieve their personal materials. They travel to Camelot, which is a multiple day journey, so they stop at the Red Springs along the way and stay at an inn there.

There is a vote pending for Camelot and each side of the issue is trying to engage otherworlders to their side of the vote. The slow/steady approach is hosting a cookie harvesting tournament from a grove of cookie trees, the middleground group is hosting a bug-catching contest, and the group that wants war is hosting a mining expedition.

The mining expedition aggros an asshole of a minotaur, who throws rocks at Camelot. Driven away, the townspeople try to help by distributing a spell called "Buddy System" which binds two people together, not realizing it was intended for kindergarteners. (Oops.) The minotaur returns and pees in the lowertown's water, so a ritual of water purification must be performed because it's gross and stinky. The minotaur is still at large.

**** The above key points are a new feature we're going to start including on TDMs and Events. Since it's new, the format is still fluid, so please let us know if you have any feedback for this section here. It should just include brief summaries of each prompt to make parsing information easier and more accessible. The original prompts should still be read and referred to for complete information and details. ****

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.
• A poll will go up a little later this week regarding the mentioned voting, which should be answered ICly by each character you play. The poll will remain open through the 15th so that newly accepted characters may also vote if they choose to.
•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.
• Questions about this TDM's content? Comment here! If you have a question about the game at-large, please head over to the FAQ.

Threaded | Top-Level Comments Only

( he had made note of that little drone. quite an interesting little thing. he'd certainly like to get his hands on it one day, but he's not quite that impolite. )

Ah... ( sort of? this isn't something he usually likes to admit to strangers outside of S, or other skateboarding contexts, because — as far as hobbies go — skateboarding is usually one that gets no respect. the den of delinquents and idiots, really. but he doesn't have much choice, given that he can't exactly stash the skateboard anywhere. )

It's a form of personal transportation.

( which you can do many dangerous tricks on, nbd. )

[Sotha Sil had always admired the Dwemer and their craft, the way that they could mechanise almost anything. He'd sought to replicate that in his own city, though he had certainly put his own particular 'spin' on it.]

I would have liked to show you my city. I think you could have appreciated it.

[He lets out a soft sigh, linking his hands together in his lap once again.]

You mentioned the Nerevarine. I always hoped... I might meet that person. I would have had much to say to them.

That is not a singular trait possessed by humanity, unfortunately.

...You should know my next question will be 'what is a singularity', of course.

[But Gareth knowing her true name all along, that was a little troubling.

Something else about what he said caught her attention as well. Was she included, in that? Did anyone there see her in such a warm familiarity as family?

...No, that was unlikely.]

Like a family, hm?

Back in the previous world we were on, we'd get animal parts once a month. I got hyena things and my laugh would get really irritating. [He sounded like a hyena.]

Taichi got a dog tail. It was pretty fitting.

But here we don't have that. Some of it's way harder here, though. We didn't have to work if we didn't want to in the other world. You made money from touching and so my twin and I had no problems. [It pays to be badly codependent on your twin sometimes.]

Then let’s go get something. There has to be somewhere selling food nearby.

[It would make sense, if caravans of people are a common occurrence, to have food and other amenities available.

They look back at Red as they walk, pursing their lips together.]

Why would I mind? You’re still drop dead gorgeous.

[That’s a bad joke, Bailey, but they laugh anyways.]

But it doesn’t matter what you look like. That’s not why I’m with you. And it’s kind of nice to see what you as… You.

[ It lingers on the edge of his thoughts, even now. For all that he knew, he could take one step in front of this man and find out the hard way who he really was by the end of his sword. Sephiroth's cold yet seemingly professional response does little for Cloud's internal question that needs answering. Literally the only thing standing in the way between him deciding he needs to make him his enemy now or an unsteady ally was currently snarling through its nostrils at them. But Cloud doesn't show any outer weakness.

Right now? This feels like the times in Prismatica where he would legitimately work alongside the One-Winged Angel. No one liked it, but his relationship with him on that planet was already strange as is. If only there was more time...

All this Sephiroth would see is someone that talked and worked like any of SOLDIER's finest. It's what the situation demands as he takes Sephiroth's suggestion to heart instantly.

"Strike from multiple sides." ]

Copy.

[ With a terse huff, Cloud finally releases the suspended debris that he'd stopped before, launching it all right back at the Minotaur whose forced to shield himself with one of his bulky arms. By the time it lowers its defense? At least Cloud has already taken off, rushing straight for the Minotaur head-on as he wordlessly offers himself up as the proverbial bait. Just to see what Sephiroth could do, or what path of magic this realm chose for him. The Minotaur roars as the acerbic swordsman enters its range for physical combat. Fists closed above his head, he slams them down like a hammer as Cloud rolls out of harm's way. The earth beneath their feet bursts apart, rises and falls, becoming uneven from the sheer impact. There's no way Cloud was clashing with his sword in his current state.

But that's not the point. Instead, he launches a weak fireball at the Minotaur's side. ]

Burn!

[ It's very risky, but staying within the minotaur's range and keeping his attention was exactly the plan for now. Make the beast lost itself in a fit of rage so it can only think of smashing the stupid spiky-haired human trying to roast his thick hide. ]

"You know your family has a pretty big ego problem if they want all the art to be about them," Toph said after listening to that. It did make a lot of what she'd observed in the Fire Nation make more sense.

Hehe, thank you~ That means a lot from you!

[ She may not have much taste in food since she only seems to want one thing ever, but she's got really good taste in people. Look at Mankai Company they're all gorgeous except for Taichi who obviously sneaked in?? ]

Ami realises she shouldn't be surprised that he doesn't know what a computer is - someone who runs a forge after all probably comes from an era where technology isn't quite as advanced.

"Um, okay. It's probably easier to just show you actually."

She pauses to put the notebooks carefully into her bag, and pulls out her small laptop at the same time.

Opening it, she types in a password and then turns the screen so Darin can see it.

"A computer is a machine that can be programmed to carry out sequences of arithmetic or logical operations automatically. Generic sets of operations are known as program and they enable the computer to perform a range of tasks."

She types onto the screen again, opening up spreadsheet software and demonstrating how to input data which it then converted into simple totals equations.

"It sounds complicated but it's really quite easy to use once you understand how the programs work."

Ami frowns. "It doesn't hurt them does it? Being bonded?"

She crouches down next to Makoto, reaching a hand out to softly brush along the shell. She was surprised when he didn't feel wet, despite just coming out of the water. She also notices a carving on his back, and traces it with a finger.

"Funny, he reminds me of the Guardian of the North, Genbu..."

Genbu makes a deep throated gurgle, startling Ami. "Genbu? You want me to call you that?"

The turtle nods slowly.

"Well, I guess that's okay then." She straightens and looks at Makoto. "What do you mean channel magic? Do you mean your Jupiter magic?

Shame.

[Still, he laughs.]

Then you best treat me out to a good night, Mr. Bard.

Humanity can be a cruel species.

I'll be more than happy to, Captain.

[On Diluc's tab--- He tilts his head.]

Until then I'm sure there are other things you wish to know about?

Yes, but they are not the only ones.

...

[ Mona finds herself thinking roughly of him, only because he spoiled her well meant feelings. She doesn't have friends, because her pride often gets in the way of how she wants to approach others. It was all she had however, when she were a poor women with nothing but her prestige. Nothing but, the effort she puts into studying and practicing what she learns. Having someone place doubt, or holding no seeming respect for it. Tasted dissatisfying within her mouth.

At the same time, at heart she were a good girl. Earnest, and in truth a little lonely at times. So when he comes to confess his sins and leaves no means of mincing words. Especially where he had said some things that hurt her entirely. Mona cannot help but admire his tact - for the time being. A bit uncertain and untrustworthy to boot.]

Thank you. No it doesn't make any sense, because frankly for starters. Youre a man and I am a woman, it is impossible already for the two of us to have the same experiences entirely. Whatever ideal you have built up, you should really not place such hard restraints upon yourself. [ Mona clicks her tongue, a bit defeated her eyes not meeting his. ] We can start over if youd like, BUT mark my words. I will not let you for a second time stamp all over who I am as a person.

According to history, you'll get to meet them one day, but I don't think the circumstances were very pleasant.

[He's heard a lot of contradictions about the Neravarine regarding who they were. Finn's heard and read various accounts with differing information about what race and gender they were, what their profession was, and even what guilds and noble houses they belonged to.]

What do you think you'll say to them if you meet them?

[She must've had her reasons for taking a lot of pride in herself. Kotarou compares her to Yoshino and Lucia. One was a complete goofball who pridefully saw himself as an outlaw and Kotarou found it endearing. The other was a cleanfreak with a tragic past who took herself very seriously. It was clear that Mona leaned more to the latter than the former. As much as he wished for her to be a little less sensitive about that... Kotarou couldn't force what he wanted onto her. That would've been selfish. Instead, he figures that it'd be much easier to respect her way of life. She's stronger than me in that sense. I'm too weak whenever it comes to deciding what kind of way I wanna live.

But he was determined to become someone who could make friends with anyone, wasn't he? Her words about hard restraints definitely remind him that he should try to be less hard on himself. This time instead of doing stupid posing, Kotarou will get up and get down on one knee... Then delicately, he'll reach out to take Mona's hand and bow his head. It almost looked like a knight taking a queen's hand.]

Very well then! If being an Astrologist is your way of life, then I'll respect it! I'll even help you however I can since you seem to have a lot of big dreams. I don't have much dreams of my own, but I can definitely protect the dreams of others. If you have any advice, then I'll listen to the great Mona-sensei for her wise wisdom.

[There's no sarcasm in his tone or cheerful forcefulness.... There's much more modesty and humbleness this time. Kotarou felt a bit embarrassed positioning himself like this, but damn it... He was determined to make friends with her! Even if it was going to be an uphill battle, Kotarou couldn't give up whenever it came to forming bonds. He'll look back up at her with a bright, yet sheepish smile.]

Thinking back on it... You really are amazing! I guess the star that I was overlooking this whole time was you.

[Oh, so it's not going to be easy, huh? Well, he will at least remember to keep an eye out for her regardless. There's a danger to her and he finds that interesting.]

Perhaps in the future that will change.

[He gives her another look before lowering his arm to let her pass. He really has no reason to keep her here. But he does mean what he said. Maybe he will get her name in the future.

With that in mind, he would have given his own name, but since she put things that way ...]

[Well that catches his attention. If she looks over she'll find him staring directly at her.]

... You have dealt with this sort of situation before?

[If possible Sephiroth would just give away his familiar as he doesn't want any kind of companion like this, but alas that's not possible.]

So those here do not age? Curious. That is almost the same as how time passes in the lifestream. But this does not feel like death.

[He'll stand, thanks. In fact he folds his arms across his chest in what could be seen as an act of defiance.

But it's mostly to do something with his hands other than murdering this person. Which is a very tempting thought. The happy, friendly, confident attitude reminds him a bit too much of Zack.]

I arrived recently, yes. This world is different than what I know. Here I am whole again --

[He breaks his gaze away to briefly look down at one of his hands, which he flexes into a fist before relaxing again.]

But my capabilities are not as they should be.

[The arm lowered following those words spoken. Oh? Well now that was interesting. There was definitely something different about this man outside of that predatory feel behind him.]

Perhaps. [She regarded him with an assessing eye before slipping out and through the door. Elza doubted it would happen, but wouldn't it be something of an amusement if it did?]

[ooc: would be happy for them to run into each other again in the future if you are!]

[ She glances up at him, then back down at the phone again. She doesn't know for sure. She doesn't know anything for sure, and she hates that so much. ]

Maybe. My home's been staked on a tournament, but we were stuck on our own for a year without knowing it. Whatever's really going on here, we're already caught up in it. Getting upset about it won't change that.

No, they do not. I would assume it has something to do with the state our realms are in. frozen in time as they are themselves.

[ Lifestream? Death? That's... Well the first is a word that doesn't have any meaning to Xiao. ]

We are not dead. Not yet.

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TEST DRIVE MEME ⚔️️ 7

notifs just wander off nowadays is2g. also let's pretend i didn't typo in my last tag.

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