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!
no subject
V— V—! Viiiilll!!!
[He can't help it; he's so overcome with relief that he immediately reaches out to give him a hug, as if needing to confirm that he's really standing there.]
no subject
And so, he allows Kalim his hug, and places a hand on his back once he does but doesn't pull away. ]
Keep crying like that and you're going to make everyone think I've been cruel to you.
[ A light bit of humor- but he maintains his composure. As clouded as his mind is right now, making sure Kalim is safe is more important, knowing...
He pauses, looking down at Kalim as he holds him. ]
Jamil didn't show up here?
no subject
I've tried looking everywhere and asking after him, but I haven't found him yet. I'm sure that wherever he is, he's doing just fine, but... I'd feel better if I knew for sure.
no subject
He reaches into his pocket to pull out a handkerchief and hand it to Kalim first, though. As he talks, he thinks over when he last saw Jamil...
But there's no guarantee what he knows was even real. He sighs and looks up at Kalim. ]
Wipe your face, first. Jamil is more than capable of looking after himself and if he ends up here, we'll find him.
[ He glances at the restaurant and back at him- Kalim's looking exhausted, which isn't surprising. ]
Let's get you something to eat, first. You look like you're about to fall over. Come along.
no subject
Thank you, Vil. And you're right; I know that Jamil will be just fine, even if he's on his own. Ah, but he's not here now, so...
[Kalim presses an arm against his stomach as it lets out another low rumble. He's actually super hungry, but if Jamil is here somewhere, shouldn't he wait for him?]
no subject
So he nods to his words in acknowledgement before noting the pause and he turns to look at the restaurant before them. A frown appears on his expression, as he ends up looking thoughtful. ]
... we can't be sure what we'll get from this place, but it's worth a try. Why don't you pick something you'd like? I'll have it with you.
[ He knows Jamil tests items for poisons before Kalim has them, so this may be the best way to reassure Kalim it's alright.
Not that Vil wouldn't be able to at least make out if something was wrong with their meal. ]
no subject
Are you really okay with that? Thank you! That makes me feel better about the whole thing. I will admit that I was really curious to try out this place, too... Doesn't it sound exciting to see what kind of food comes out?
no subject
The enthusiasm is nice to see after the confusion and disorientation he's been feeling, so he simply nods with a casual wave of his fingers to gesture "it's fine" before he approaches the panels to look over their offerings while he talks.
They seem to have considered a bit of everything at least... ]
It's a curious way of doing it, thats for certain. It seems like we'll be getting items of varying quality regardless of what we pick.
[ He gestures Kalim over, looking at the lists. ]
Looks like they'll have things you may be used to. This kebab and chutney combination looks like it could be interesting. Or there's this shawarma duo set here that you can pick the fillings for. And perhaps this after meal tea to go with it?
[ Vil will try it. He hasn't eaten either, so... it's good enough. ]
no subject
That all sounds perfect! And since we're eating it together, why don't we just go ahead and order it all? I'm sure you've got to be just as hungry as I am with everything that's been going on.
[Of course, he means "everything" in the sense of even before being summoned here, but he doesn't realize that that may not be applicable to Vil as well.]
no subject
Of course, all of these are simply excuses to justify the fact that he is worried for Kalim's well-being, knowing his circumstances.
His remark makes him release a huff of amusement, then. ]
Let's not waste what little we've been given to spend, right now. I don't know how long we'll be here, but I certainly don't want to be lacking funds when we need them. Let's see if you're still hungry after these meals and we can see about having more.
[ And he'll place an order down for the shawarma with a side of lassi to be added to their orders as well- something refreshing! And he'll look at the additional dessert of rice pudding, just to sweeten it up. ]
... time to see what turns up. Ready?
[ Come on Gacha, make magic happen! ]
no subject
[Kalim does not yet realize how little they have indeed been given, but that is a lesson that will surely follow sooner than later. Does he even know the value of a thaumark? Time will certainly tell.
But for now, he awaits the arrival of the meal with great anticipation. This is the part he's most curious about, after all! It doesn't take long at all, but it feels like an eternity. The more excited he gets about something, the harder it is to be patient.
When the meal is finally ready, Kalim lets out all of his pent-up enthusiasm, amazed to see a dish that looks exactly like home cooking despite being in another world entirely.]
Whoa, it looks perfect! Almost like they took what was on my mind and made it into reality!
[That said, there's the matter of the taste, which will only come with having tried it. Of course, he's going to... let Vil handle that first.]
no subject
But he does watch Kalim as he gets excited over what they receive. A three star meal- not bad. They can take it to their table, first, and Vil will pick up the provided utensils- a fork in this case, to first try the shawarma, and take a bite.
And he'll brighten. ]
Interesting. The flavors are harmonious and have a kick of spice thanks to the chutney. Even someone unused to it would be able to appreciate the flavors and the soft texture of the wrap.
[ He'll savor it for a bit, before reaching for the lassi and sipping. ]
... and this helps even out the heat of the spice.
[ He can play it casual, so it doesn't feel like it's some kind of solemn situation. Kalim doesn't need that kind of stress. ]
Give it a try.
no subject
Also, Vil is quite the pro at navigating Kalim's emotions. And simply by the way that he carries himself with such grace and confidence, it's easy for Kalim to follow along in his pace. He doesn't yet have to think about all of those little things, like how to order the food or the fact that they need utensils. Soon, surely... but for now, he continues on as he would before in blissful ignorance.
He takes a seat opposite Vil and watches his reaction closely... Firstly, to make sure that he's okay after having tried it, but also because he wants to see his review of the cuisine. And of course, as gracious as he is, Vil is not only kind in his analysis but thoughtful as well. Hearing such detailed praise for his culture is enough to make Kalim happy, but now it's his turn to try the food for himself. After he takes a bite, it's clear that he's pleased enough with the taste.]
It's really good! Not as much as Jamil's, but it's pretty amazing just to be eating this meal in a different world. It tastes like home...
[That is, the Scalding Sands. But it carries memories of Scarabia and Night Raven College as a whole, too. For instance:]
This actually takes me back to Beanfest, when Jamil prepared so much for me, and I was able to share it with everyone. I'm sure that this meal tastes better, too, just because I'm able to eat it together with you, Vil.
no subject
[ Vil is also going to sit down and prepare himself accordingly to eat. The reminder of Beanfest, however, makes his gaze soften. It almost feels like an eternity ago that they all were playing so casually and in such a carefree way.
It was also Vil's last year to play it, so he gave it his all, being eliminated second to last.
A small smile appears on his face at Kalim's words as he carefully begins to eat, taking care not to spill or stain his face. Once he's swallowed, he looks over at Kalim to see if he's doing fine, before returning to his meal. ]
I am glad I ran into you. The place I was in before was hardly as... welcoming as this. Though my memories seem to be fuzzy at the moment.
[ He exhales softly. ]
I would have liked to try Jamil's shawarma too. I'm sure it was as delicious as it smelled at the time. Though I never did understand why you chose to prepare it where you could have been caught so easily, at the time...
no subject
And I was caught pretty easily, aha ha! But it just seemed like the perfect time and the perfect place to set it all up, and with everyone I was able to share it with, I still think it was the right decision.
[And that's because what he remembers about Beanfest is all of the smiles, and those smiles were the brightest when everyone was enjoying Jamil's delicious cooking. Even if Kalim did get captured there, it made for the perfect memory.
As such, he's happy to reminisce about it, but having gotten that out of the way, there's a couple of other things that Vil mentioned that seemed a bit odd. Vil's been conscientious of Kalim's feeling this whole time, so it's possible that he's trying to avoid any excess worry, but it's pretty easy to spot when Vil projects anything but an air of complete confidence.]
But speaking of memory... You said that yours is a bit fuzzy? What do you mean "place before?" Are you talking about the stage...?
[It doesn't sound like it, considering they had received quite a welcome response from the crowd despite having lost the competition. But if Vil's memories are hazy, then perhaps that's still a possibility.]
no subject