Test Drive Meme #10

[seasonsmods]

Test Drive Meme #10
LOGS | NETWORK | OOC | MEMES | NAVIGATION

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 (someone near the hologram mumbles that Olwen still hadn't sent them a new message, even if he talked about updating it).

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.

In the Arrival's hall there are also several stands with information pamphlets.

First type of stand is for the local Guilds and about the benefits or joining one.

Second type of stands is for the Welcome Center that aim to show otherworlders what the world is like and help guide people in the beginning of the journey and helps in getting settled into the new world. They even have people to help if you're unfamiliar with the new phones.

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?

Odd, Odder and Otterly Cute

Part 1

To commemorate the success of the Frozen Falls mission, another, a lot bigger, party is being thrown for the masses at the southern beaches of the Great Ocean Lake! The guild leaders and influencers have put a lot of effort into setting up a lakeside shindig for character's enjoyment; this is also a chance for them to show off the increased safety for the zones around Nightwake. However, the hosts aren't the guild leaders - they're much too busy for that. Instead, a group of mysterious creatures known as the Odder Otters are hosting this hootenanny!

Make sure to put on your best swimwear, and remember your sunscreen, before you head down to the lake! It's been filled with chairs and tables for characters to set up at, though you're welcome to bring your own as well. The water jousting beam makes a triumphant return, fondly remembered from Yoimiya's beach party the previous year. Have a friendly battle in the deeper waters of the lake - or maybe it's time to get watery revenge on a rival. Just don't break any noses on the inflatable poles, please. There's also a section of the beach that's been cordoned off, full of inflatables of all kinds of creatures, mythical or otherwise, to lazily float on. The floating fence stops you from going over Forever Falls on an impromptu rapids ride thankfully!

Part 2
Posher Otters are manning various activities that are not directly on the water further down the beach. There's some dunk tanks set up with volunteers for characters to win lake and otter themed prizes at. Feel free to volunteer for a chance at a bigger reward - and if you show up at the right time, maybe you'll get to dunk a guild leader or two into the water. Try your hand at the shooting gallery - can you score a perfect ten? If you're feeling really brave, there's also bungee jumping near Forever Falls for an extra adrenaline rush.

The city guard is also on patrol, making sure any errant monsters drawn in by the noise are taken care of. If your character isn't the type to chill out but is the type to stand guard, you'll be compensated for helping!

Now Drop on the Deck and Flop Like a Fish

Part 1

Some of the Abroader Otters are offering (human-sized) rods for characters to try out fishing! They'll tug on your socks, sandals and the hems of your shorts to get your attention and lead you away from the crowd to a quieter spot. If you're more the type to go for a hands on approach, you're welcome to use your hands (or mouths), and magical powers, to catch some fish (or mussels) for the Otters. Try not to freeze the lake over like the other one!

Any fish caught can be fed to the Otters themselves for their undying devotion, or brought over to where some grills are being manned to feed the masses. Fresh caught seafood isn't the only thing on the menu today; for those of the vegetarian or vegan persuasion, there are separate grills cooking a variety of things like large mushrooms, peaches, pineapples, mango - anything you can think of - as well as potatoes, sweet corn and peppers.

Plenty of juice stands, water fountains, and shaved ice machines are on hand to combat the Summer Segment's heat. Feel free to try that fruit smoothie you've been dreaming about... and there's also a stand of Otters serving cocktails and mocktails for those who'd rather lounge around with a cute little umbrella drink in hand.

Part 2
As it gets darker, the Otters collect stones and driftwood to set up bonfires for characters to stay warm at. There is also a variety of foods to cook - from more savory hot dogs or pineapples, to sweets like marshmallows for s'mores. Eventually, characters will be treated to a magic fireworks show - all of the lights and spectacle, with none of the boom! It's a retelling of the Frozen Falls mission, with students from the Magical Manor showing off their sweet storytelling skills and sublime magic. For characters interested in making their own light show, sparklers are on hand that explode into various designs representing each Season when they finish: pink spring flowers, green summer suns, orange fall leaves, and blue winter snowflakes. These do make some noise, so be careful with them!

Eventually, characters can hop onto an airship and sleep on the way back into Nightwake after a day well spent - or perhaps brave the lake if they'd like to camp. The city guard will be on hand to keep anyone who's interested in an impromptu roughing it safe.

OOC TIPS

Summary of the prompts [ Click to Expand ]

Arrival
• Characters appear in one of the four seasonal spaces, depending on what season they are
• After half an hour they are teleported to the Research Center lobby and given information
• Hologram of Olwen (Winter Guild Leader) plays, explaining the situation
• They're given their smartphone-like device and told about the Starter Apartments next door
• Possibility of finding a roommate!

Odd, Odder and Otterly Cute
• Creatures called Odder Otters (and variations) are helping the guild leaders and social influencers to throw a party
• The party will be on the southern beaches of the (original) Great Ocean Lake
• There are several different activities, like water jousting and dunk tanks
• Characters are also welcome to help the guards to patrol the area

Now Drop on the Deck and Flop Like a Fish
• Otters will encourage people to fish with them (or for them)
• Barbecue with caught fish and various other things is going on at the beach
• During evenings, bonfires are lit up and sparklers are used for storytelling
• Characters can either camp there or use the airship for a relaxing trip home

- Ask your questions related to the TDM here.

- This TDM was submitted to us by one of our players. Please enjoy :D

- Yes, the Otters are from Final Fantasy XIV. How they got here? The same way as everyone else! They just don't have powers! ... maybe. But there are a lot of them.

- 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.

- Test Drive is open for current characters to make a top level as well. New characters can add TDM on their subject line to indicate they're new!

- Current characters cannot access the starting area again to meet new arrivals. They can, however, be at the Research Center when the newbies are teleported in.

- 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.

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

- You can find monsters to encounter on Beastiary.

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

code bases by tricklet

Comments

Re: Now Drop on the Deck and Flop Like a Fish 1

[albionchanged]

"There's not much to tell, that's not why it's strange." Esme considered for awhile, but Macaque seemed nice enough. Maybe he would understand, depending on what he was.

"When I escaped, I expected it had been maybe five years. And then I was in what I thought was some foreign land with magic, but found out the very next day that everything I knew was far in the past. Too far to reach. And only one other person understands that, but she wasn't gone as long as I was. So I'm the oldest...but also not. Because I only remember being taken and escaping."

Re: Now Drop on the Deck and Flop Like a Fish 1

[castaside]

"Ah." A beat, and then: "That sucks."

Macaque doesn't usually share openly with others, but this guy hits the same buttons that MK does. So...

"I went through something similar. Woke up and found that it had been centuries." He was dead, not imprisoned or whatever, but even so.

Re: Now Drop on the Deck and Flop Like a Fish 1

[albionchanged]

"Oh, I'm sorry to hear that, Macaque."

Even if the situations weren't the same, he could genuinely imagine how that must feel since he was the same in that. "It's a terrible thing to have in common...but also nice to know someone understands, in a way."

A beat, then he looked at Macaque directly with open concern in his eyes. "You're not alone are you? Back home? Or here?"

Re: Now Drop on the Deck and Flop Like a Fish 1

[castaside]

Yes, definitely MK-like. Macaque looks surprised at the concern for a moment, then his expression melts into something softer, in spite of himself.

"I was then. I'm not anymore. In either place." And then: "Are you?"

Re: Now Drop on the Deck and Flop Like a Fish 1

[albionchanged]

A look of relief washed over Esme's eyes, and if not for his mask then Macaque would have been able to see his tail start to wag.

"I'm not. At home I've made more friends than I'll ever deserve, and here...well my longest friend is here, and so is Max."

Re: Now Drop on the Deck and Flop Like a Fish 1

[castaside]

It takes most of Macaque's acting skills not to react to the name "Max", but he manages it. This guy is such a good person, what's he doing with Max?

"Who is your oldest friend?"

Re: Now Drop on the Deck and Flop Like a Fish 1

[albionchanged]

Fortunately, unless Macaque was really obvious about reacting, Esme wouldn't notice despite staring him in the eyes at the moment.

"Never Ever? They were with me before I escaped, I think. But they did help me to escape and have stayed by my side through...everything else that happened. They're...I'm lucky they're here."

Re: Now Drop on the Deck and Flop Like a Fish 1

[castaside]

Another person from Cole's world, maybe? His head is spinning a little.

"Well... I'm glad they're with you. I have several people from my world here too. It's a luxury."

Re: Now Drop on the Deck and Flop Like a Fish 1

[albionchanged]

"I don't know what I'd do if they weren't. I don't want to put everything on Max."

Hearing that Macaque has people from home too, Esme brightened. "It is, but one that I'm grateful you have."

There was a tug on his line and he started to reel it in, eyes fixing on the line to watch its tension.

Re: Now Drop on the Deck and Flop Like a Fish 1

[castaside]

Okay, that's twice. He definitely has to ask.

"Is Max very... musically inclined?" Macaque hasn't heard the title itself yet, so he can't ask about it. "Likes to make deals?"

Re: Now Drop on the Deck and Flop Like a Fish 1

[albionchanged]

"Yes. And...no?"

Esme thought for a moment. Macaque seemed to be looking for something. "Does the person you mean have two different eyes?"

Re: Now Drop on the Deck and Flop Like a Fish 1

[castaside]

...No?

"Yes, he does. Blue and green, if I recall."

Re: Now Drop on the Deck and Flop Like a Fish 1

[albionchanged]

"That's right."

Esme finished reeling in his catch before looking fully at Macaque and cocking his head again. "You've already met him then?"

Re: Now Drop on the Deck and Flop Like a Fish 1

[castaside]

The not liking to make deals thing is totally throwing him off.

"I believe so. Twice, in a manner of speaking."

Re: Now Drop on the Deck and Flop Like a Fish 1

[albionchanged]

"You have that same look that my friend and her aunt and uncle had meeting him the first few times."

Pulling the fish off the hook, Esme released it back into the water. Too small. "I think they say he's...a little shit. You look like that."

Re: Now Drop on the Deck and Flop Like a Fish 1

[castaside]

Diplomacy powers, activate.

"I'm more... confused. You said he doesn't like making deals, but that was a huge part of my interactions with him. That and shameless flirting."

Re: Now Drop on the Deck and Flop Like a Fish 1

[albionchanged]

Honestly he didn't mind. He knows full well that a lot of people didn't particularly like Max at first. But he also accepted Macaque's clarification with almost no skepticism.

"Flirting is very him, but he only ever made deals because he had to. But...maybe that changed because of whatever has happened to him?"

Re: Now Drop on the Deck and Flop Like a Fish 1

[castaside]

This guy seems way too nice for Max.

"I couldn't tell you. But he definitely didn't have to make these. They were his idea."

Re: Now Drop on the Deck and Flop Like a Fish 1

[albionchanged]

"I hate to think what he's been through for that to happen...but you made deals with him?"

Esme's brows drew together, perplexed. He really couldn't think of what...or maybe he didn't want to. "Do you want to talk about that?"

Re: Now Drop on the Deck and Flop Like a Fish 1

[castaside]

Macaque looks out over the water.

"Not much to tell. Someone I love needed help, Max would let me help them. For a price. He had me over a barrel and he knew it."

Re: Now Drop on the Deck and Flop Like a Fish 1

[albionchanged]

Esme went quiet for a long moment. There were already so many times any of them had been in that position...

"I'm sorry, Macaque." What else could he really say? Something serious had to be happening that Max couldn't just help him help whoever was in trouble.

Re: Now Drop on the Deck and Flop Like a Fish 1

[castaside]

Huh?

"It's nothing to be sorry about. I made my choice with my eyes open, and I don't regret it." Yet. The day may come.

Re: Now Drop on the Deck and Flop Like a Fish 1

[albionchanged]

"Maybe, but we...all of us who are connected back home, had to find help to protect loved ones. Or to make deals we shouldn't have needed to to do it. Deals for supplies, or lost arms...just to know where to look. Max too. So...I'm sorry you had to."

Re: Now Drop on the Deck and Flop Like a Fish 1

[castaside]

Definitely too nice for Max. Or maybe Max was different long ago?

"It's all right. For the person I'm trying to protect, it's worth it. Even if it ends badly for me, I'll never regret trying."

Re: Now Drop on the Deck and Flop Like a Fish 1

[albionchanged]

Esme would deny that he is, and assert that Max is probably still kind. Just different.

"They probably will, and I will, and...so will Max if he likes you at all. Which I'm sure he does. You seem nice."