Test Drive Meme #1 Overflow

[seasonsmods]

Test Drive Meme #1 Overflow
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Arrival

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Part 1

You arrive in an unknown space, dressed in white clothes (player choice what kind of clothes, as long as they cover everything). Whatever was happening to you before no longer happens. It's like everything was put on a pause and you were transferred away from the situation without you realizing it happened.

The space that you find yourself in is one of these four options:

An empty landscape filled with snow and ice, almost like a blank canvas.
A field with cherry blossom trees and spring flowers.
A sunny beach near an ocean that seems never ending.
A quiet forest with falling autumn leaves.

All of the spaces seem to continue endlessly. No matter where or how far you walk it almost seems like you're not moving at all. There are no animals here - just those who happened to wake up there at the same time, in the same place. Everyone is wearing the same kind of plain, white clothes.

Despite the possible rollercoaster of emotions you might be feeling, the place somehow feels familiar. Like somehow you belong there.

And it looks like you're not alone.


Part 2

After half an hour has passed the surroundings change as everyone is teleported into a room with all the other new arrivals, no matter what space they woke up in. It's a large place with plenty of seats to sit in and beverages to enjoy. Medical attention is offered to those who need it and the doctors here are very prepared for any challenging situations.

Here, in this room, everyone gets an answer to where they are and why. A hologram of a man appears at the center of the room, waiting to be heard. He brings a message on behalf of the leaders of Ellipsa.

The Message [ Click to Expand ]

Hello, my name is Olwen. I'm one of the leaders of Ellipsa as it currently is. I'm also one of the four who summoned you here.

Our world is in trouble and we need your help. I apologize for tearing you away from your world and forcing you to come here but I hope you understand. The magic we used doesn't let us ask in advance, nor does it let us choose who we bring here.

This world is composed of four Seasonal Segments. All of them represent one of the seasons. They were the places we used to get our resources from, but now they're dangerous places no one should go into unless they have the power to fight back. All of them have their own sets of powerful monsters and natural catastrophes.

We used to have plenty of people here who could control the powers of the four Seasons. We called them Seasonal Power Holders. Unfortunately, due to a tragedy you can read about later, we lost almost all of them. Now only four of us remain and the world is in chaos. We have done our best to protect the world, but we need more power holders to do that.

That's where you come in.

All of you have been assigned to one of the seasons. Whatever space you were in just now is what season you represent. You will learn different skills based on the season and those skills are going to help you save this world.

These powers don't interfere with your own natural powers. They use a new energy that has formed inside of you. It's harmless to your health, but it's vital to your seasonal powers. Your own powers should still work, even if the dark energy outside the city might interfere with them.

Unfortunately bringing you here wasn't as simple as it sounds. We couldn't do anything about how to keep you anchored to this world other than making a simple spell that helps with it. That is, you need to touch someone else who is not from this world ideally at least once a day. It will help you stay in control of your powers and boost your magical energy. If you don't, the consequences aren't very good. But as long as you hold someone's hand or give someone a handshake, you should be fine.

That's all I have to say about the situation. The staff of the Research Center will give you more information about housing and other necessary things. I will, however, promise that you will be sent home once the situation becomes better. That's the least we can do.

The hologram can be viewed in private in a separate room later, should someone wish to look at it again. For now, the staff of the Research Center hands everyone their new smartphones with their small flower lucky charms (the flower is anything the player decides). They're also told that the building next door is where everyone can find a room assigned to them with some of their belongings there and possibly even any animal companions. Those concerned about their mount-sizes companions are welcomed to the stables downstairs to see if their friends are there. The mounts are allowed to stay there until you find a place more suitable for them.

Once you get your smartphone and necessary information, you're urged to go out and find your apartment. After that whatever you want to do is up to you.

Part 3

The building next door is where everyone can find their new apartments. As you enter, you're told by a friendly native that for the first two months you can live anywhere rent-free and five meals a day are paid for you. After that they get a monthly payment that helps with some of their living expenses, but otherwise they have to have a job to support themselves.

All of the apartments are comfortable, two bedroom apartments with all necessary utilities. They are also completely soundproof. Sometimes the magic system, however, does glitch and you might find yourself rooming with a stranger. This is not the intention and the staff will immediately prepare you your own room if you ask them. But maybe having a roommate isn't all that bad?

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Exploring the City

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Part 1

The city outside the Research Center and the apartment building is a very futuristic and bright place. There's a lot of fancy technology and the weather seems almost too perfect all of the time. Even the weather here is artificial and doesn't feel natural at all. This is the center of the whole Nightwake City and it's called the district that never sleeps for a good reason. It feels like any time of the day you choose to go out there's something going on.

Everyone was given some money on their money app BankCrow to spend. Why not go for the Gacha Restaurant on the main street if you're hungry? You can either choose what style/type of food you want (different cuisines, pizza, junk food, etc) OR pick any ingredients and list your allergens before rolling the gacha machine and what comes out is a meal that fits your choices. Most commonly they're mediocre quality (2-3 stars), slightly rarer are the very bad and very good dishes (1 stars and 4 stars) and the rarest of them all is the golden 5 star dish that is the most delicious and sophisticated meal you'll ever taste. But hey, at least the drinks are all the same no matter what meal you end up getting.

If the futuristic city style isn't for you, there are other district with various different atmospheres waiting for you just outside the city center.

In the District Spotlight [ Click to Expand ]

Blossomcrown is a modern city, but not as futuristic as the central district. Cherry blossom trees have been planted on the side of the streets to give some color for the otherwise gray scenery. It's a busy place with a central park full of spring flowers in the middle, that gives some much needed peace and quiet from the hustle and bustle of the city. There's even the famous Botanical Garden open to all visitors. It's a home to many exotic plants that can't be grown anywhere else (that's safe, at least). There are also plenty of butterflies and bees living in the gardens. Attached to the building it also a flower shop where anyone can purchase a plant for themselves - they're even divided by suitability for each district. But if plants aren't your thing, why not check out the concert venue, which is an arena made for holding concerts. It can be transformed into both an outdoor and indoor venue by opening or closing the roof. Anyone can book the venue to hold a concert as long as they have the funds to do it. They will even advertise your concert for you everywhere!

Those who really just want to see something that's not a city, why not try Frostreign? Sure, it's very cold but there aren't very many buildings. It's more like a small village in the middle of Eternal Winter. The easiest ways to move around here are sledding, skiing and sleigh rides, where either excited huskies or chill reindeers will take people on a ride around the district. There are some snowmobiles too for those, who want to try them. One of the most popular locations is the giant, nevermelting ice castle in the center of the town, where kids love to play hide and seek. It's also a popular locations for dates, as the natural magical crystal lights inside the castle make the place look romantic. Another popular spot is the ice hole, where some brave souls go either swimming and some others at least try staying in the icecold water for a little moment before running to the Sauna Spa! It's an area full of different kind of saunas but it also doubles up as an inn, and due to knowing Otherworlders were going to come today, it's even available for booking!

Those who want to test out their powers right away, Dayrise is the place to go! The Grand Colosseum is designated for power holder practice for at least the following week. After that the natives would like to watch sports again rather than continuous fighting, but even then you're welcome to use the colosseum when there's a chance. After testing your powers, the luxurious baths of Dayrise are a good treat. They're all public baths and none of the natives are ashamed of being naked for hours with strangers. They will also encourage anyone coming with a towel to throw it away.

Part 2

Around the city of Nightwake, Valentine's Day is being celebrated. There are plenty of decorations, all in pastel colors (mainly pink). The Spring Segment districts have also contributed by giving all other districts flowers for decorations for some pleasing aromas. Most of the restaurants also have discount for those who dine together instead of alone.

There are plenty of treats that lift up your mood. Eating too much of the treats results in becoming very clingy to the next person they see. The effect usually wears off in half an hour, but it could take longer depending on how many treats you've eaten.

Another popular Valentine's are the game stalls that are intended to be taken on as couples. Anything you win will only be given to your partner. If you play alone, all you get is a round of applause even if you'd do a new high score. These game stalls include a lot of classic from carnivals and festival, racing with horses or vehicles and even video games.

Each district has a small stall that acts as a starting point for the main Valentine's Day challenge. The goal is to travel from one check point to another within the district while holding hands with someone. There is a small task to be done at each checkpoint (like eating a full course meal or popping balloons while still holding hands). The point is to never let go of your partners' hand. Once the pair gets to the end of the course they get a reward.

The reward for getting past the course is a free item from Riki's Rewards (any prize) and a pair of friendship bracelets that sends messages to its pair bracelet (like "I miss you", "Let's meet up").

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The Segments

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Part 1

Exploring the city isn't something that interests you? Well, the four bridges that lead to the Seasonal Segments are always open and you're definitely allowed to go outside. However, due to the summoning magic, the dark energy outside the city has temporary gone haywire and all of the Segments are suffering from their natural disasters at the same time.

Winter Segment is suffering from a raging blizzard and the usual beautiful landscapes are just a white blur for the time being.

Spring Segment is in the middle of a hurricane, with all of the lightest beings being picked up and tossed all over the place with the wind.

Summer Segment is literally on fire. Only the rain forests and jungles, as well as the Great Ocean Lake are safe from it.

Autumn Segment is suffering from a thunderstorm. Chances of getting struck by lightning are quite high should someone step in.

If you're prepared for the weather, no one is going to stop you from going out to explore. It might be a good idea to bring a friend with you. Luckily, the natural catastrophes calm down after two days and the Segments are more normal after that. So it might actually be worth a while to wait before going out.


Part 2

After the storm the sun shines and sheep appear [ Click to Expand ]

When you venture out to the Spring Segment after the storm, there's a herd of Fabric Sheep wandering near the Flower Yard. These sheep are tame and while they usually run and hide, sometimes they look for people to help them get their wool sheared. Luckily natives on the Dayrise bridge are handing out shearing scissors for those who would like to help.

The sheep get scared very easily, but if you don't make too many sudden movements, you will be able to do your job easily. The sheep might even boop you gently as a thanks before heading off again. If you're mean to sheep, however, you might get an angry Gravity Goat chasing you.

Anyone who visits the Flower Yard of any of the Segments will hear a story from a native there. A story of the magic that has been put in place that lets all the otherworlders "respawn" to their respective Flower Yard if they die in Ellipsa. The flower will be the same as it is in everyone's charms. The natives say that more details can be asked from the main four seasonal power holders, but that they've heard it's painless for otherworlders to emerge from the flower.

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All Aboard

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Part 1

After the Segments have settled down, a message appears on everyone's smartphones. Everyone is invited to join some observational cruises at the Airship Station in Nightwake District. There are four different ships leaving at the same time, but if you come back again later you will be able to go to them all eventually. The trip targets are the Seasonal Segments. Of course, there are long instructions as to how one should dress to handle the different weather they would be experiencing while in the air. You have time to shop as the invitation is open for a good while.

The Airship Station is a very modern, almost futuristic, place with a lot of docks with various airships lined up. Most of the ships there are used for in-city transportation and there are various holographic displays that tell how many ships are available and where. Various restaurants are also found here and view from the ones on top of the building is amazing. There's time to look around, but your final destination is the biggest docks at the end of the station.

The point of these cruises is to give otherworlders a chance to see what the Segments are like without interacting with the monsters down below. The ships will fly to the airship station of each Segment and then come back a different route to cover as much of the segment as possible. In total the trip is said to take four days.

Because of the length of the trip, everyone has been provided with a simple two to four person cabin (with their own bathroom/shower) and three meals are served per day throughout the trip. Snacks can also be found from the cafeteria and they're free of charge.

Enjoy the view, bond with your fellow passengers and relax. Staying on the deck is safe, especially if you don't start leaning over the rails to look down.

Part 2

The old lady and her cats [ Click to Expand ]

Each airship station in the segments is unique in their own right. They're not very well-kept like the one in the city and various weather changes have definitely modified them to look old and worn down.

Strangely enough, each of the airship stations has someone living there; an old lady with a herd of different cats depending on the season: winter cats are spirits that can be seen by anyone due to them taking control of stuffed animals, spring cats are part flowers, summer cats look like small lions or tigers and autumn cats are essentially the same as will-o'-the-wisps but in cat shape.

The old ladies explains that they are quite comfortable living there and don't have any plans to "evacuate". They will kindly decline anyone who tries to help them. The airship staff explains there are some special arrangements in place to help them live in the stations as those are safe places to stay in.

Each of the ladies will tell you a story. Winter lady will talk about the Watchtower and who used to live there, spring lady will tell all about the abandoned farm and its owners, summer lady talks about the abandoned castle and its royalty and autumn lady tells about the abandoned mansion and who used to be the lord.

If you talk to the same lady again later the story is different. She tells a different version of the story every time she is talked to. No one is really sure which of the stories is true because of how many versions are circulating around.

The ships only stay docked at the station for as long as the staff of the airship delivers some food and other necessities to the old ladies and then it's back towards the city again. Of course, nothing stops anyone from leaving the ship and experiencing the segments themselves.

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OOC TIPS

- The original TDM post is here!

- Ask your questions related to the TDM here.

- The TDM is available only to friends of the mods and their friends. If you want to play in the TDM, please leave a note here to inform us who invited you over. We will get to you as soon as possible.

- The TDM is game canon so anything in the TDM can happen for your character(s) in the game as well.

- Smut is not allowed on the TDM. You can play situations leading to it, but if the thread is turning into smut, please move it to a private space such a post in your character's journal, or a locked post in the game's log community if you decide to app!

- Check Locations: City to find more areas to explore inside the city. Every place in the districts are open, except for the Guilds for now.

- Similarly, Locations: Segments is useful for outdoors adventures.

- You can find monsters to encounter on Beastiary, including information on the two mentioned on the TDM.

- FAQ has information on characters' smartphones as well as general things about the world that might be handy.

- Feel free to also hit our EMP/ATP meme while you're here!

code bases by tricklet

Comments

[fairlyheroic]

[at least he's good at following direction! And as they go he does get a little more comfortable with singing with her]

Ah . . . it's nice. Who did you say taught you that? Someone important?

[mistsplitter]

Hehe, yes.

[ Just thinking about that important person adds a tint to her cheeks now. But... it would be weird to share that with Zack, right? After all, they only just met, and he doesn't even remember her. If she told him that she's dating his friend, then he'd get weirded out! ]

Someone whom I wish I would never lose again. Someone kind and brave, like a prince from a fairy tale.

[ She can at least be gross without giving away his identity JAJDJAKD ]

Perhaps the two of you would get along. You've been very kind to me since we started this challenge.

[fairlyheroic]

[it's a little strange to hear her talking about someone who isn't Cloud, but it makes sense, doesn't it? If she doesn't remember him, she obviously hasn't met Cloud either, so maybe it's someone from Inazuma. Though, she's never really mentioned someone else . . . hm.

Still, he grins, because she clearly likes whoever she's talking about. It's cute, just like when they first met and she got flustered about his blonde friend]

So would that make you his princess? [of course he has to tease]

You've been kind to me, too. [a laugh] And patient.

[mistsplitter]

Ah, well-

[ A princess!!! Ayaka does hail from noble lineage, but she wouldn't call herself a princess... even if the others do. ]

The White Heron Princess— that is what the people of Inazuma refer to me as.

[ So... she's everyone's princess, right? Hehe. Ayaka laughs a little as she looks away. ]

You remind me of a friend, you see. So I hope you don't mind, but I feel comfortable in your company. I... don't think we will be seeing my friend again, though.

[ If Zack does not remember her at all, it would be very strange to meet another Zack who does. Now that's just impossible! ]

[fairlyheroic]

[White Heron—huh. So that was what her title meant! He doesn't think he ever asked for a translation - and he really didn't need one, after seeing the way the people of Inazuma looked at and treated her. He knew it was important, but he can't say he's too surprised that it actually does mean princess. Ayaka had that kind of air about her.

He almost mentions it just for clarification, but she continues and his smile becomes something both wry and sympathetic. He doesn't think he'll get to see the Ayaka he knew either, though not from lack of wanting. Automatically, he gives her hand a gentle squeeze, not even realizing he's doing it]

Why would I mind? I'm glad you can feel that way with me.

[he may as well be honest]

I'm kind of in the same boat, oddly enough - you remind me of someone, too. One of my best friends. [an important distinction!] I met her doing something just like this, actually.

[mistsplitter]

[ Huh? That's odd— she met Zack through an activity like this, too! So please forgive Ayaka as she stares at him in disbelief. What a coincidence! ]

Zack... [ Yeah, she's going to ask him now. And if she's wrong, and he actually doesn't know her? Then Ayaka will never show her face to him again. ] Was the trial that you had to do with this friend of yours near a volcano?

[fairlyheroic]

[he stops short and turns to her with a look of surprise of his own. Which is probably answer enough, but he's trying his best not to get his hopes up. Because surely, this has to be just one big coincidence.

Right?]

Yeah, it was. [he watches her carefully] It was called a trial of devotion - you had to make it to the top and back by a certain time without letting go of each other.

[mistsplitter]

[ How could she forget? Those trials were challenging in all sorts of ways, to say the least, but those trials also helped in forming bonds and strengthening them.

When she met Zack, she was so excited!! Cloud had talked about him before, about how they're best friends, and have gone on missions together, and being able to meet that very same person felt like a dream come true. She'd been shy around him at first, but Zack was so kind and patient with her through it all, helping her come out of her shell and all.

He was Cloud's friend first, but the two formed a bond of their own and even got married under oni jurisdiction. Thinking she'd lost him, when she is the only one who remembers all that he's done for her, was painful. But hearing him say that? Ayaka isn't in pain, but her eyes are getting watery as she fights the urge to cry, stopping in her tracks and bowing her head so he won't have to see. ]

Zack... I can't believe this...

[ Sniff. Yeah, she's gonna cry. HE MADE HER CRY!!! ]

[fairlyheroic]

H-Hey, don't cry—

[was it something he said? For a panicked moment he scrambles to figure out exactly what he did, but then - it clicks. And he stops short in his tracks to stare, breathing out an awed:] Wait . . . no way.

[not a coincidence. It's actually her, and this second second chance is already far too good to be true. Since when was he this lucky? She was one of his best friends and he had meant that with all of his heart, but it was so much more than those two words could describe and they were oni-married.

A slightly shaky laugh bubbles out, happy and still a little disbelieving] I think you might've been wrong about that friend of yours.

[mistsplitter]

[ Her hold of his hand grows tighter as she tries to sort her feelings out. She's so happy to be remembered, because it means she did not lose a friend. Another time, she would have considered someone forgetting her to be "normal", and that she would want to try again! But this means so much more.

Letting go of his hand when she finally looks up, Zack would see tears streaming down her face despite her happy smile. There's something elegant about it, still, if only because it is Ayaka, but she wouldn't agree that it is. This sort of display is shameful, and not something to be done in public, and yet— ]

I didn't lose you! I thought I did!

[ They've lost the challenge now that they aren't holding hands, but she practically slams into him to hug him, instead. (Does that still count for something?) ]

[fairlyheroic]

[if it doesn't count towards the challenge, well, forget the challenge because this is way more important. He hugs her back immediately, arms going around her as tightly as they can without hurting her. The word choice isn't lost on him but he's too happy to let that linger, either, no bittersweet thoughts about anything allowed]

You can't get rid of me that easily! [not that he had any choice, but for once he's perfectly fine with that if this is the result.

But even with the teasing he still has to -] Geez, I didn't think I'd get to see you again.

[mistsplitter]

[ Ayaka can't help but let out a sigh of relief, one that's been weighing on her for some time now. It's good that Zack doesn't try and hurt her when he hugs her back, because when Cloud and Ayaka saw each other again in this world? Girl let out a squeak from how tight he held her. ]

I was scared you didn't remember me, so I didn't say anything...

[fairlyheroic]

I was going to ask, but I wasn't sure how to say it.

["hey, have you ever been to a different new world before?" isn't exactly something you say to someone you just technically met, or at least Zack doesn't think so. He does hug her a tiny bit tighter, though, before easing up]

I tried to drop a hint, but I'm not the best at those.

[mistsplitter]

Hehe... at least we know now.

[ Taking a step back, and then a deep breath, she cannot hide her smile anymore. Her eyes are shimmering from the tears she's shed, but she's all better now. ]

I'm so glad. Ahaha! To think, we met in the same way again!

[fairlyheroic]

[now that he knows they're happy tears he's not worried. With a brief laugh he steps back too, giving her some space]

I thought it was all just coincidence, but - some coincidence, right?

[mistsplitter]

I suppose this is what fate has written for us.

[ Ah, she's so happy!!! She cannot help but smile right now. ]

Did you go back home, Zack? Because for me, it has been close to a year since we last met.

[fairlyheroic]

If this is what Fate wants, you won't hear me complain.

[he can't stop smiling either - well until she says that]

—hold on, a year? Seriously? I came here straight from Nippon.

[mistsplitter]

Just like Cloud, then...

[ Wait a minute. If he didn't even know she was here, and she didn't know, Cloud doesn't know either!! ]

You should see him, Zack. Seeing you would make him happy, too.

[fairlyheroic]

Cloud too—of course I'd want to see him!

[he lights up just like he did seeing her, though now it seems a little incredulous, too. Zack runs a hand through his hair with a quick laugh]

This really isn't what I expected when I woke up this morning.

[mistsplitter]

[ Ayaka can't help but shake her head at that, laughing a bit when she does. ]

I feel the same way, but I truly am very happy.

[ She takes Zack's hand again now to give it a squeeze. ]

My brother is not here, but... I have Cloud, and I have you. Even Yoimiya is here, too! I do not feel alone at all.

[fairlyheroic]

It kind of feels a little too good to be true, but I'm really happy, too.

[he smiles wider at the squeeze and returns it]

Is your brother at home, at least? Who's Yoimiya?

[mistsplitter]

All the more we must not take this opportunity for granted.

[ There is really more to it now. Learning from past experience? She refuses to go back home again in the same way that she did. She doesn't want to lose her memories again. ]

He has always been so busy... We recently held a fighting tournament, but he wasn't present as he had some meetings to attend to. I just hope he is safe.

Oh- Yoimiya is a friend of mine from home. [ She considerably brightens up talking about her. ] She owns the Naganohara Fireworks!

[fairlyheroic]

I'm taking full advantage. [he laughs] Again.

[he'll just pick up where he left off; Nippon or this new place, the location may have changed, but what he wants to do hasn't. That doesn't matter so much when making sure the people he loves are happy is more important]

Did Taroumaru participate? [he'ss gotta know] If your brother is anything like you, I'm sure he's just fine, but I'll hope he's safe, too.

[he looks thoughtful, trying to remember all the places Ayaka had pointed out when they had visited Inazuma] You'll have to introduce us!

[mistsplitter]

Taroumaru did participate, yes! Hehe, he's gotten better since the two of you sparred.

[ Perhaps there will be a chance for the two to face off again, but it doesn't seem like it will happen any time soon. ]

And of course! I must introduce you to to Yoimiya, too. Hehe... Cloud, too. I'm sure she'd be delighted to meet both of you.

[fairlyheroic]

Haha, I believe it! I'll just have to keep improving too, in case we get to have another spar.

[he knows it probably won't happen, but it's still nice to think about, adding another reason to keep himself as sharp as he can be]

I'm looking forward to it. Any friend of Ayaka's is a friend of mine.