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seasonsgreetings2025-06-13 01:05 pm
seasonshelpers) wrote in seasonsgreetings2025-06-13 01:05 pm
Entry tags:
Test Drive Meme #15
Test Drive Meme #15
LOGS | NETWORK | OOC | MEMES | NAVIGATION
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.
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 staff nearby tells them that the message has finally been properly updated from the original one that can still be found from the records.
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. We wouldn't have resorted to it if we weren't desperate. Our world has lost the majority of power holders who kept the balance in our world and dealt with the dangers of the Segments. Just having one power holder for each Season isn't enough. That's why we have summoned you to become the new Seasonal Power Holders.
This world is composed of four Seasonal Segments. All of them represent one of the seasons: Winter, Spring, Summer and Autumn. 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 have recently managed to regain some footing in the segments and made them safer, but there is still a lot of work to be done. The Darkness still plagues our world, but we are constantly finding ways to fight back.
Otherworlders like you have already made great differences to the world. They have managed to find and free the dragons who in turn helped us expand the area we live in. They also managed to find the Fairy Queen and even the Mermaids and Sirens of the Great Ocean Lake are at peace due to the efforts of a few otherworlders. All of these things we couldn't have accomplished with just four power holders.
My sincere wish is that you would join us in working towards saving this world. We promise to send you home afterwards, or enable a way to travel to your world and back, as a compensation for your efforts here. You're even free to stay here, if that suits you better. This world can also be yours.
I know we're asking you a lot and that it might be hard to trust someone who just talks as a hologram, but you are always free to approach us at our guilds to talk in person.
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-sized 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 of joining one.
Second type of stand 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.
Third type of a stand has various pamphlets about businesses opened by otherworlders.
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.
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 a room of your own. But maybe having a roommate isn't all that bad?
Part 3
The locals have taken upon themselves to advertise the Welcome Center that is run mostly by otherworlders. Newcomers are encouraged to visit it, but sometimes the people might think someone who has been a while is new.
Inside one finds a modern Japanese style lobby with plenty of sofas, soft seats and cushions to sit on. Anyone is welcome to just sit around and eat some home-made snacks. There are also computers for searching information and practicing technology skills. There's usually someone behind the front desk, but if no one seems to be there they might be in the kitchen behind the front desk area.
Upstairs there are many rooms that can be into familiar places for characters (not exactly the same, but similar) with futuristic technology. It's set up to help fight any homesickness and provide a quiet place to relax.
One bonus the Welcome Center provides is a gift basket with some treats, basic ingredients for making meals and some gift cards for the Underground Mall, to possibly shop for new clothes or other necessary items. All of these have been donated by volunteers to help newcomers settle in.
Of course the people working here are always looking for new volunteers to help around! There are plenty of things to do, all in the name of making otherwolders' arrival to a new world more comfortable.
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 of joining one.
Second type of stand 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.
Third type of a stand has various pamphlets about businesses opened by otherworlders.
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.
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 a room of your own. But maybe having a roommate isn't all that bad?
The locals have taken upon themselves to advertise the Welcome Center that is run mostly by otherworlders. Newcomers are encouraged to visit it, but sometimes the people might think someone who has been a while is new.
Inside one finds a modern Japanese style lobby with plenty of sofas, soft seats and cushions to sit on. Anyone is welcome to just sit around and eat some home-made snacks. There are also computers for searching information and practicing technology skills. There's usually someone behind the front desk, but if no one seems to be there they might be in the kitchen behind the front desk area.
Upstairs there are many rooms that can be into familiar places for characters (not exactly the same, but similar) with futuristic technology. It's set up to help fight any homesickness and provide a quiet place to relax.
One bonus the Welcome Center provides is a gift basket with some treats, basic ingredients for making meals and some gift cards for the Underground Mall, to possibly shop for new clothes or other necessary items. All of these have been donated by volunteers to help newcomers settle in.
Of course the people working here are always looking for new volunteers to help around! There are plenty of things to do, all in the name of making otherwolders' arrival to a new world more comfortable.
The City of Nightwake has seen better days. Windows and fixtures are broken, plants are damaged, roads are charred, rubble and garbage litter the streets with some bloodstains in the alleys and sometimes even in the open. Anyone asked will explain that in late May, a number of crises all happened at once, and while things are calm again, parts of the city are still rebuilding.
Magical and mundane repair help of all kinds is requested by various civilian homes and businesses. Anyone who answers the calls for help can be put to work repairing and restoring any items and buildings, replacing windows, repairing doors, building things, and/or cleaning up messes. Any help is appreciated... especially since people are reporting random garbage falling on them from nowhere, thanks to an ongoing quest!
Anyone who volunteers will also be able to learn a new spell that allows them to repair their clothing or armour on the go. Handy when you're out in the Segments and can't just go to the blacksmith!
City council has coordinated the cleanup effort, and snack stations have cropped up near big repair sites so volunteers can get water and food. The snacks vary from place to place, but are always something popular in the district they're in; for example, a stand in Sunwaning might provide curry pan or taiyaki, Dayrise might have fried fish or cream-filled buns, or Coldreach might let you come in for chips or deep-fried pickles.
June and July is also the time of the Solstice, a traditional Ellipsan holiday, and just because everything is in shambles doesn't mean people aren't celebrating. While volunteers take breaks at the snack stations, they're encouraged to weave flower crowns with provided cut flowers that are already enchanted to last longer. Plenty of civilians are already out on the street wearing theirs!
While it's common to make your own flower crown, people are also encouraged to exchange flower crowns with others. Some natives might urge anyone who tries to pay attention to flower language when doing so. After all, while not everyone knows flower language, a crown that says "nice to meet you, can we be friends" is very different from one that says "I hope you lose your fortune" or, for that matter, "elope with me"!
With summer just around the corner, word gets around that there's going to be a giant beach party in Solarpeak. The natives see this as another way to thank the otherworlders for their continual efforts to help across Ellipsa. So, just a couple days before it starts, everyone will receive a message inviting them to come to Solarpeak and join in on the festivities and enjoy the decor and events that they'll be hosting.
Upon entering Solarpeak, visitors will see everything looks ike it's part of the party. There's stalls with a variety of savory foods, drinks, desserts, and frozen treats. Otherworlders can totally find their favorite summer treats in the assortment - the natives did their research!
There's also several events scattered in the sandy landscape and in the pool itself. In the pool - there's floaties, pool noodles, and a variety of fun pool games. On land there's an inflated obstacle course, slip-n-slides, a water gun fight arena, and beach volleyball set up. Party goers are also encouraged to start up their own activities Don't worry - there's plenty of shady spots to relax, too!
Oh - and don't miss the giant bonfire everyday at dark! The bonfire will also include sparklers and smores.
As part of the summer event, Sage Blaze is hosting a cooking competition. Sage is the most recent winner of one of Ellipsa's televised cooking competition shows – Culinary Quest. This competition isn't just about being the best chef, either, it's about learning how to cook with love. Sage will be showing anyone who wants to participate how to make sure that the chefs are cooking with feeling – literally!
People who are tasting the food of the participants will be able to taste the feelings of that participants in the food. That means a dish made with love have a boost in flavor, and if the same dish is made with hate it'll be noticeably less tasty.
While there's no real winner in the competition, participants will walk away with a handy new trick. Sage may also call out when they feel a dish is especially tasty or creative – as long as they can taste the love!
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!
• Welcome Center welcomes newcomers and those who have been here for a while alike
Fix-It Crew
• The city is recovering from a disaster, so buildings and fixtures all over need repairs and cleanup
• Garbage and debris may randomly fall on characters due to someone else using a defective magic item for cleanup
• Characters who take part in repair efforts are taught a spell to repair clothing and armour
• Snack stands offer food and a place to rest to volunteers
• During rest breaks, they can also make enchanted flower crowns for the Solstice holiday
OBLIGATORY BEACH EPISODE
• Solarpeak is hosting a beach/pool party!
• Stalls with food, drink, desserts, and frozen treats.
• There's several pool games, floaties, etc.
• Options to play beach volleyball, water gun fight, slip-n-slide, etc.
• When it gets dark, there's a big bonfire with smores and sparklers.
• Cooking competition where participants learn to "cook with love".
- 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.
- Test Drive is open for current characters to make a toplevel 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 is open.
- Similarly, Locations: Segments is useful for outdoors adventures.
- You can find monsters to encounter in the Bestiary.
- The FAQ has information on characters' smartphones as well as general things about the world that might be handy.
no subject
Mm? Oh, uh. Spring? Which was....wind? Healing? If I remember right. It was all kind of a lot to take in.
[But he does want to learn. To do his best to figure out these abilities. If he could learn to manage One For All, surely he could handle this. And it wouldn't be as likely, hopefully, to get him hurt in the process.]
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Katsuki's thoughtful for a second, as he tries to remember anything he can about Spring. Most of his friends were Summers and Winters, though...]
Spring, huh? Of course you had to be something so bright and happy. That's just like you.
[Izuku reminds him so much of a bunny, sometimes. It really does feel fitting.]
And it's also just like you to be the healer!
Here comes Deku the Cleric! Following the Party around with all his dinky, little healing buffs!
[and of course katsukis talking about video games like a nerd]
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[Both of them owed a lot to the infirmary staff. The doctors and nurses, and their work. He's sure that won't change, even here, that they would need that support. He knows Bakugo said even this place's magic couldn't completely help with his arm, but. Maybe he could use it to support the blonde, at least a little. Somehow.]
You tanks would be dead without the healers!
[Nerds. Both of them.]
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Yeah, but what happens when everyone but the healer gets their shit kicked in by the boss? Huh? You're awful when it comes to combat!
[As if the point of a healer is to be strong at fighting??]
Tanks are awesome! We're so strong and can hold our own even when there's only one of us left! Plus, I'd absolutely DESTROY your dumb Cleric in PvP!
[someone stop them--]
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[Yeah. Just. Ignore the however many hospital/infirmary visits and however many times Izuku had broken something as a result of pushing himself too hard while figuring out his limits. Ignoring said limits because he has zero sense of self-preservation whatsoever.
They aren't even actually playing anything right now, but. The bickering and banter are familiar. He's used to it. It's almost a sort of reassurance in its way, weirdly? Somehow. Izuku still can't help the pout as he protests.]
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[It really was so familiar, wasn't it? The two arguing over absolutely nothing. This was what Katsuki's been missing-- someone to butt heads with over the stupidest of things. He and Shoto get along with each other too well. They have their moments, but when they get mad with each other it usually ends up over something serious and not fun.
This? This was fun. Pissing off Deku was one of Katsuki's favourite hobbies :)]
If I had both my arms I'd challenge 'ya to a PvP battle right now to settle this, but it's hard to play video games with one hand.
[But the moment Katsuki has both his arms it's over for you!!!!]
Consider yourself lucky!
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Ah, that's true. I guess it would be tricky. Do they have video games here? Maybe there's some way we could alter the controller for you to play with until you get your prosthetic....?
[Because of course Izuku is now considering ideas. Ways to help Bakugo in the meantime. Wondering what else he might need help with. It's not like their fighting was about anything that serious anyway.]
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When Izuku wonders if there's a way to alter the controller, Katsuki thinks about that for a moment. He's pretty sure he's seen someone online use a set up like that before, back home. So he's sure there must be something here in Ellipsa like that, too.]
Yeah, there's a ton of video games here. They've got a huge arcade, too.
[Are these two going to have to go play video games together at some point?? Absolutely they are.]
I dunno if there's any controllers like that already available, but I bet we could figure somethin' out. And if not, I can backseat while you play and annoy the hell outta you.
[That's also fun!!! Ordering Izuku around and telling him how to solve puzzles like that one friend no one likes--]
no subject
[Depending on the arcade, what games they have there, it might be that there were some that Bakugo could still play? Maybe. Or they could go there to celebrate once he gets his prosthetic. Either way, Izuku is sure that there would be some option to alter or make a special controller if they had to. Probably. It's just not something he has had to look into before. Especially given he was kind of trying to ignore the warnings about not pushing himself regarding his own arms with his injuries. How that might have consequences later on if he isn't careful.]
Wait, hey! No! You can watch me play, but no backseating, Kacchan!
[It's the moments like this where one is easily reminded that they are just kids. Even if they had accomplished so much. Been through so much.]
no subject
Hah! That'll have to happen at some point, too.]
But what if you get stuck on a boss and make me watch the same opening cutscene over and over again?
[He's not going to just sit there and say nothing???]
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[But only if he asks for help! He doesn't want Bakugo constantly chiming in and frustrating him. Izuku wouldn't mind, though, hanging out just the three of them. Usually, it was just a bunch of their class together in the dorms or the baths. So it would be kind of nice? Just the three of them doing something together.]
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[Katsuki has to retort with something in return, unable to just simply agree. Huffing and puffing with the grumpiest look on his face. But that grumpy pout softens as he finds himself staring at Izuku and just.. taking it in, again, that the boy was really here. Looking over every inch of him to make sure he's real. That he's not some weird doppelganger or illusion that'll fade by the end of the day-- and satisfied that every detail was right.
You can't really blame him after such a roller-coaster of a time here to want to double check....]
...it's good to have you back, Deku.
[Katsuki smiles again, a fond look in his eyes and he just has to ruffle those curls one more time--]
no subject
[He could definitely be stubborn. But that's usually more the case when it comes to pushing himself to help others. Focusing more on everyone else than considering his own safety. Still, he notes that the blonde's expression seems to soften some, and he closes one eye as the other reaches for his hair again. As if his hair weren't already enough of a mess from the beach.]
Ah? Y-yeah. Sorry you had to wait.
no subject
The last thing I probably said to you was the apology, right?
[When he had poured his heart out for the other boy and let him know that he was so ashamed of how he used to treat him.]
Ever since then, I've been wanting to make it up to you for all the shit I put you through. I know you'll tell me that the apology's enough, but I don't feel like it is. And I was so ready to end this stupid war so we could finally start doing other stuff together.
Friend stuff.
[There's so many years where they could have-- they should have been spending their days together. So much time lost.]
I've been really pissed that you weren't here with me because of that.
no subject
Kacchan...
[That's all that Izuku had really wanted. For them to work things out. Sure, they would probably still bicker at times, but that didn't mean that they couldn't make an effort to move on. Together.]
Friend stuff?
no subject
Yeah. Friend stuff.
[Katsuki repeats.]
Stuff that we should've been doin' together our whole lives. Like going to arcades or the mall or somethin'.
[...does Katsuki even enjoy going to malls? Or is that just something he thinks friends do? Who knows, honestly.]
There's plenty of Hero stuff we can do together, too. Lots of criminals and monsters that need an ass kicking.
no subject
[Malls, arcades, movies. That sort of thing. Izuku just wasn't necessarily quite sure what the other had in mind when he was saying 'friend stuff'. Things he says they should have been doing all this time. Well, even if later, at least they were getting to it now? Better late than never, right? Or something along those lines. Izuku nods, smiling in agreement.]
Ah, are there heroes here, too?
no subject
Yeah, kinda. We were all brought here to help save this world in the first place, and there's these missions that they put out every once in a while for everyone to do.
[As the two of the boys continue to talk, Katsuki can feel his stomach starting to grumble so he reaches into the pocket of his shorts and pulls out a little juice box he's been carrying around. It's, of course, got blood inside and is probably a really cute way for him to consume it??? He likes how it makes him feel a little normal, at least.
He also can't really get the straw to work with his one hand, so he holds the box out for Izuku as he continues. Expecting the other boy to help him with it without needing to actually ask.]
They call 'em Quests, and they pay pretty damn good. There's a variety of Hero work to do, too. Not just battling monsters, but gathering materials or helping rebuild stuff or clean up the streets.
[It's actually quite nice to have so many Hero-like things to do!]
no subject
[Izuku doesn't think twice about instinctively reaching to help Bakugo with the drink. He doesn't need to be asked. He doesn't stop to think that it might not actually be juice inside, about Bakugo's diet as a vampire now. He shifts and crosses his legs as he hands it back to Bakugo once the drink is opened.]
I don't mind helping out where I can. But I do want to help you, too. If you need it, at least when you're adjusting to the automail once you get that.
no subject
I've been doin' plenty of Quests even with my fucked up arm! I ain't letting a stupid injury stop me from being a Hero!
[Katsuki almost seems offended that Izuku would suggest they look only after he gets his automail. He can do battles with one arm!!!]
But I know shit will get done a lot quicker if I let you tag along and help. And I'm really gonna need it after I get that damn arm installed.
[He's both excited and dreading it...]
I heard it's gonna hurt like a bitch and take a while for me to get used to.
no subject
[At the least, the blonde doesn't seem too stubborn about not accepting that he will likely need support. Izuku is glad that it sounds like it won't be too much of a fight for the other to agree to let him help where he can. He nods, pursing his lips briefly before biting his lower one.]
It probably will. I mean, I'm not sure on the specifics with this automail, but. I'm sure there will be some period where you'll need to adjust and learn to use it. It'll take time. But I'll be there. And so will Todoroki-san.
no subject
Yeah. I know you both will.
[And it still feels so great that Katsuki has his favourite people here with him. He could really care less, now, if anyone else from home were to show up. He's happy as a clam with his best friends by his side.]
I heard it'll have to be hooked directly up to my nerves, so more of my arm is going to need to be removed. But Winry told me she'll be using her healing magic as she installs it, so it shouldn't be needing to recover from that part for too long.
[It still sounds a w f u l though. But... if it's for the sake of being a Hero... he'll do it!!]
At least it better not take long to heal. I swear to God if it's another six months until I'm at 100% again I'm going to start biting people!
no subject
Uh? Directly to the nerves? Oh, so that way you can move it through those connections? Something like that? Huh. Interesting....
[Izuku nods as Bakugo says about the healing magic. Hopefully, that would help at least somewhat in dealing with the recovery. Prosthetics were advancing, but as far as Izuku was aware, it wasn't quite to that sort of point. But then, he hadn't had reason to look into it so much before. Now he does. For Bakugo's sake.]
It'll take however long it takes. You don't want to mess it up by overdoing it too soon, Kacchan.
no subject
...I know.
[Katsuki huffs, but he doesn't argue against Izuku. He knows if he's not careful he could ruin the whole entire recovery process and that would set him back even more.]
But it's so frustrating that I'm this behind everybody. I want to be back to where I was.
[He sighs, and idly his left hand reaches to rub at his healing amputation.]
My Quirk was just starting to level up, too. And I can't even play around with it 'cuz if I use my Quirk too hard it could blow the injury wide open.
I have to use it carefully, and with small bursts. And that just ain't fun.
no subject
[He might just mostly be saying what the other already knows, really. But all the same. That doesn't mean it isn't true. That Izuku isn't fretting. That he won't worry. Still, he vows that he will do whatever he can to support his friend. His expression softens, one hand raising to Bakugo's.]
You can do this. You're probably the strongest person I know, Kacchan.
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