Seasons Mods (![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png)
seasonsmods) wrote in ![[community profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/community.png)
seasonsgreetings2023-02-12 12:01 pm
seasonsmods) wrote in seasonsgreetings2023-02-12 12:01 pm
Entry tags:
Test Drive Meme #1
Test Drive Meme #1
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 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?
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 your own room if you ask them. But maybe having a roommate isn't all that bad?
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.
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.
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").
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
- 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!
zenos viator galvus | ffxiv | Endwalker Spoilers!
[arrival part 2]
[arrival part 3]
[segments part 1]
(ooc: any specific prompts wanted, let me know. also he does not yet have a roomie assigned. for context, Zenos is around 7'8" tall.)
arrival part 1
No, where was she...
She frowns to herself, trying to focus when something large and heavy bumps into her and she snaps- ]
Oi, watch it-
[ But her words die in her throat as she finds herself facing... ]
... Zenos?!
[ AGAIN?? ]
no subject
A look over confirms suspicions; someone from Eorzea, or whatever they felt like calling the star these days. A miqo'te, and one who recognises him? There's a small sense of deja vu that takes hold, a feeling his should know this and a small annoyance when there's no clear or succinct answer.)
Yes?
no subject
[ Augh. She's facepalming. ]
Not this shite again. I gave you enough of a beating back in Ultima Thule to keep you down this time!
[ And... hmm. Her thoughts are fuzzy now... did she see him? She remembers Zero and everything they just went through but... something seems to be missing. ]
no subject
(Really? That gets Zenos's attention and he narrows his eyes, trying to piece together just what it is this miqo'te is saying. Were they confused? Hit their head? It's a mystery and enough of one to have him a smidgeon curious.)
Yet I remember such a thing quite differently.
also this is after they've gotten to whatever common zone they're in because I can't read at 4am
How differently are we talking here? You challenged me, offered to let me walk away, but I took you up.
Or did you forget your bloody "tests of my reflexes" too?
[ She did smack him quite hard.. ]
all good
What you say happened, but t'was not your face that was there.
no subject
[ She sighs. Even if her memories are very vague right now, at least this thing stands true to her. ]
In worlds like these, you'll encounter many who will make the same claim. And I'll claim it as true. I am the Warrior of Light you fought, the same as the Warrior of Light that faced you.
[ Insert Footfalls here. ]
no subject
(Though Megumi is still getting a slightly puzzled look. Someone claiming to be the warrior of light would be such a silly thing to do back home, why would anyone do it here when the other would know better? Curious.)
To what purpose would many make that claim? Are they all so eager to throw their lives and credibility away?
no subject
[ She shrugs. ]
Where I was drawn to before this, this was fairly common. Many who had been through similar adventures and claiming themselves the Warrior of Light- and being as much. If you don't believe me, then don't. I know what I went through.
[ And she'll look him over, curious. ]
Though I knew they spoke as true as I when I saw it for myself. And from what I know, you have it too, don't you? That resonance from the Echo.
no subject
[No. No, she wants to be shocked, but...
[This is Zenos - large as life and twice as ugly. She should be frightened. She should be appalled. She should be reaching for a rapier that isn't there and, on remembering its absence, have conjured a blade to take its place. And yet, oh and yet: Alisaie's hand is over her mouth, her shoulders are shaking, and an utterly unseemly bubble of laughter is still fighting to escape her lips.]
Gods, you look like a wet couerl--!
[Alisaie cannot help it. She laughs.
[You simply cannot take a man seriously when he looks like he's tried to arm-wrestle Leviathan and lost.]
no subject
Perhaps? The Warrior of Light is around too? Zenos feels the familiar fluttering of hope in his chest at that one; their fight may be done, but things would still be a little interesting if that was the case.)
A consequence of rain, which is usually what happens. At the very least it vouches for the fact I have set foot outside of this place.
(Zenos flicks his hair over his shoulder, ignoring the droplets that arc through the air from the motion as he begins to twist the water from it. Anyone else would have made a show of it.)
no subject
Mayhap. But--
[okay, Alisaie, breathe]
--but I believe you'll find that most have the wit not to stray into a storm without good cause. Would you set yourself against the wind and the rain now? I do believe they have the edge on you yet.
no subject
A storm is merely just that, an event that only changes how something else happens. It does not discriminate with it's ferocity, though I do doubt you could remain standing in such a one. (It just so happens that this "event" has soaked the Garlean through and been enough to turn him straight back to the less brutal meteorological system and just he's not going to comment on that.
The pointy twin is as sharp as ever and Zenos gives the world's slowest shrug.) Seems you are content to stay here.
no subject
For now.
[She shrugs.]
Seems 'tis not much of a view, from the deck. Were we at home, I should say it were quite Primal, in its fury. But nothing I have seen or heard suggests that this world is prey to such - inconveniences. For what good that may avail us.
arrival pt 2
and kuya does so enjoy stirring up the big ones.
sights locked on this one, kuya hums an amused little note as he lifts his hand to tuck his index finger beneath his chin. he doesn't crane his neck to look up, up, up; no, no, he will not give this man the satisfaction of that. instead, he keeps his eyes facing forward to watch the crowd while keeping his neighbor in his periphery. )
Oh? ( his lips curl into a slight grin, easy, taunting, ) You don't find it the least bit interesting?
( kuya doesn't, but like hell he's going to let anyone else know that. besides, it's easier to needle others. )
no subject
They have yet to speak anything that sounds interesting. Only excuses.
(worlds ending isn't a new thing, neither is the existence of other stars and zenos gives a slow shrug.)
no subject
he'll see if he wants to put in the effort. he might get bored before then; he's too capricious for his own good. )
That's part of the fun. Digging into their little secrets to see beyond the veil of excuses.
Segments
Surely you can hardly blame me for being unused to seeing you quite so... drenched.
[Emet-Selch is, for his part, quite thoroughly dry. Though given he doesn't seem to be particularly inclined to cross the bridge himself, this is not likely to be surprising.]
no subject
Not that Zenos will say it out loud, why give Solus the satisfaction? Or Emet. Or whatever he's deciding to call himself these days. Actually —)
— why are you bothering to be here?
no subject
But then again... that is neither here nor there just at the moment.]
Should I not be? Or does it merely surprise you that I might take in interest in that which lies beyond the city?
Segments!
( What, he says, and all of a sudden Mal is curious. The very last time they'd spoken Zenos had opened his own throat, and now here he finds himself meeting the gaze of a dead man who seems to have no idea of who he is. Very curious. )
You are dead.
( He says slowly, his voice soft and his words almost questioning. Mal tilts his head as those pale eyes absorb every ilm of Zenos's bedraggled appearance, as though searching out the tell that will prove him a figment of his imagination — or worse. Unable to find the answer he's looking for his thoughts take a different turn: )
Ah — but perhaps that is the answer. You are dead, and I am dead, and the Mist is nothing like any of us imagined.
( Lifting his hands as though to inspect them, Mal looks first at the backs before turning them over to scrutinise the palms. Zenos seems to fall out of his notice for just a moment as he stares intently at himself, before lifting his gaze to fix the Garlean with an expectant look. )
What do you think?
no subject
(Zenos pauses, taking in Mal's appearance as the other stares at their hands. Viera. Recognition. Obviously from the same star, then. Just like that Zenos begins twisting long hair over his shoulder, intent on wringing the water from it. There's no threat here (allegedly), especially when others seem intent on asking questions.)
Perhaps there is no difference between the dead and the living.
no subject
( No difference between the dead and the living? Mal considers the statement thoughtfully as he watches Zenos wring out his sodden hair: it doesn't sound right to him, but then he supposes there's much about the Mist he's yet to learn, and he's beginning to realise that here are all manner of different beliefs surrounding death spread across Hydaelyn.
Perhaps he shouldn't shrug it off right away. )
Maybe.
( His gaze drifts to Zenos's throat, seeking physical confirmation of his last memory of him. )
If we are to test our theory I will have to defeat you again — though you do not seem to recall that. I suspect you would have greeted me differently if you did.
( With joy, perhaps? A demand for a rematch? Claims that their friendship is stronger than ever now that it's sealed in blood? Who's to say. )
Zenos.
( Mal curls a fist under his chin, one lossy black claw tapping at his lips for a moment. )
You do not know me, do you.