seasonsgreetings | Test Drive Meme #1 Overflow

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Test Drive Meme #1 Overflow

Test Drive Meme #1 Overflow
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Arrival

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?

Exploring the City

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").

The Segments

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.

All Aboard

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.

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

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

{ after all these years thoma should know that he would, why he still keeps trying to hide these things is the real question. though half the fun of it is seeing how he tries to get away with it.

the question about finding people to play against does pique his interest to a certain extent, but he still feels as though his time could be better spent at the moment. somehow he feels as though if he brings that up it will just bring protest. }

Perhaps. { it may help them build their network and find people who may actually be good at strategy, but he isn't getting his hopes up for that or that anyone will be willing to play along without a bit of nudging first.

they have to start all over from the bottom again now, don't they? } Or there may be other hobbies we haven't heard of here.

[ Please Ayato, he'd like to think he had some subtlety. Just maybe not enough to hide from the other man, he's always been an open book to him even when he wasn't admitting to everything. ]

Oh- you're right about that. There's bound to be a ton of different hobbies we've never seen before, from both those living here and other visitors like us.

[ While Thoma knew he'd have his hands full just learning about the local food and drink culture, he was rather excited by the possibility of Ayato getting to experience some new things. Perhaps there was a hobby that would suit him well to be found. ]

I've heard a lot of people say there's an active sparring culture here, for one.

While I certainly wouldn't wish to lose my skill with a sword, there's plenty of time to see what's available, besides, { there's a brief pause as he takes another sip of his tea, and the sourness isn't actually that bad at all now, before he continues his train of thought. } there's plenty of other things to consider.

{ and at this his voice lowers, just loud enough for thoma to hear amongst the crowd of people around them. } We've likely only been given a fraction of the information we'll likely need to move forward. We've been asked to help, but been given no solution other than to wait. { and he has no loyalty or dutifulness to them. they aren't the almighty shogun or the people of inazuma. they certainly aren't his family. } Either they are hiding something, or they're clueless about what lies ahead.

{ and here you are thinking about hobbies, thoma???? }

[ Ayato, sir, are you sure you have not just lost your sense of taste from drinking too much of that... ]

[ At those whispered words though, his gaze shifts toward the other man in thought then away. He's well aware that Ayato's loyalties laid with his clan first and foremost, Thoma himself felt the same way toward the Kamisato clan, but he's also aware of how wholeheartedly the other man tends to throw himself into his work without much regard to himself. ]

Either answer bears caution on our part... but I don't think we'll be able to get any answers without working in a position that'd place us in a spot to receive such answers.

Buuut, I don't think there's any way anyone would be willing to give away information easily. Trust would have to be established, which takes time. Which means you'll have some time for yourself as well, Ayato.

[ Ayato please, you can relax a little bit at least!! ]

{ anything is possible... }

We won't, exactly. { nor do they have the shuumatsuban here to help carry out any undercover searches, they're entirely on their own from what they can tell. } So the question is, what line of work will be most beneficial?

{ besides, he came to enjoy calligraphy by using it as a means to an end, there's nothing to say anything else he uses here won't have the same effect. }

There's also the matter that Ayaka would like a house with a garden. { this, at least, is said with a small laugh, because it's honestly such a simple wish in comparison to what they had back home but if that's really what she wants he'll be earnest in helping her get that. }

Hmm... law enforcement tends to be the best way to gather information actively. Passively would be working at busy locations people might visit daily or weekly, like a market or tavern or the like.

[ But the idea of Ayato working at a market stall... he can't even fathom it. ]

For your talents, working within a political or law-related field would be best. Not to mention, those positions tend to pay well, which would coincide with working toward fulfilling Ayaka's request.

[ He hesitates a bit though... Undoubtedly politics or law would put Ayato right back into a position of overworking himself and while the idea of Ayato taking on a career that would give him more free time was a recent one, he'd already hoped quite a bit for it. ]

But I'm certain that no matter what position you take, you'd be able to make the most of it.

{ it is a ridiculous notion, if you think about it. he is good at working with people, he has to be, but something so simple would likely just lead to boredom over time. if anything, his work back home at least kept his mind active. }

I considered the same as well. { so thoma doesn't need to worry about putting thoughts into his head on that, even if both he and ayaka had been incredibly hopeful he'd actually step down a bit now they're here. } It seems the political sphere here may differ a little to home, nor will I have the same bargaining chips at my disposal, but I could make it work.

{ he's managed worse. }

[ Thoma's quiet for a moment longer, considering some of the things he's heard around the city, before he speaks up. ]

How about speaking directly with the guild leaders or city leaders? I've heard you can speak with some of them; if you have a fruitful conversation that may put you in a career more tailored to your capabilities and get you more information than you might get in a more common position.

[ He didn't know anyone himself who'd done such things, but the way people talked about it, it did seem possible. ]

Hmm, { he'd definitely considered something like that as well, though until he can gather information on who and what he can use as leverage to ensure a meeting or fruitful conversation it'll likely be a difficult meeting to have. } if you hear of any names or locations that may prove worthwhile, let me know.

I'll see what I can find as well. So far, we only have the names they've been open about.

[ He straightens up mentally at the instruction, which may as well be physically given the way his gaze sharpens. ]

Of course. I go around the markets, so I can pass along anything I hear there.

[ And whenever he settled on a suitable job for himself, he could pass along information there... it was just a matter of finding a job that he felt suited him during his time here. ]

{ he gets a nod in response to that, before ayato's eyes shift back to the path in front of them again. }

There's a number of locations I'd like to try and visit as well, though I'm not sure how useful they'll be yet.

{ or how he'll find his way, but y'know... }

Do you require any company?

[ The question is immediate on his lips, more than ready to spend his time assisting Ayato. And more importantly, keeping him from getting lost. ]

{ 'require' may not exactly be it, though there is the question of how well he'll remember the directions and get lost.

also he has yet to use public transportation.

but also. }

Dear me, have you missed me that much?

[ Thoma answers without missing a beat, sincere as always. ]

Of course. It may have only been a few weeks that I've been here, but I've spent over half my life by your side.

{ he's given a smile in response to that, despite how many times thoma may say it or show it through his actions, it's reassuring all the same. }

Very well, we can draft a schedule with the easiest path to them all once we're back. It would be more valuable than aimlessly wandering.

Certainly. I've worked out how to pull up and navigate the map on my phone; I can show you the process anytime.

[ Ayato can probably see the imaginery dog ears and wagging tail on Thoma by this point with how eager he is to be of help. He's learned a lot these last few days! ]

{ where would he be in life without ayaka and thoma }

First, I'll need to obtain some writing materials. { he's going to have no allowance left before the end of the month at this rate. }

The supply store isn't too far from here if you'd like to see the selection.

I've taken to keeping notes on this thing to save money.

[ He waggles his phone, Thoma has been working very hard in learning all the uses he can get out of this thing in order to live as frugally as possible. ]

While I may agree, what I have in mind would make it rather unhelpful to have it on that device.

{ thoma he can't update people using the phone and read notes on a phone at the same time yet. }

[ CAN'T HE no okay Thoma has no idea what the capabilities of a phone are so he can't object. ]

Understood! Then should we head to the supply store?

{ i mean you probably can, it's just whether he has the ability to appear competent while he tries. if he finds anything worth sharing to a wider audience he hardly wants to make himself look unreliable by messing up the simplest thing. }

Lead the way. { since he said he knows where it is. }

Of course.

[ And as he walks ahead, he momentarily forgets the atrocity in a cup he's holding and takes a sip of it... only to be sharply reminded of its sickeningly sweet flavor. He turns his head to hide the quick clearing of his throat he needs to do. ]

They're... really strong on their flavors, aren't they?

Hmm? I find it to be quite enjoyable. { actually, most of his sour apple one is gone now, while thoma's is barely touched.

it's a nice change from lavender melon anyway. }

... You continue to impress me in ways I could never imagine, Ayato.

[ And he truly means it. ]

By drinking tea?

{ a small laugh follows, thoma why is your baseline so low...

at least the walk to the supply store shouldn't take too long, and he'll see if he can afford to get two calligraphy sets while he's here. he had promised ayaka a matching set, after all. }

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