seasonsgreetings | Test Drive Meme #5

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Test Drive Meme #5

Test Drive Meme #5
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Arrival

Part 1

You arrive in an unknown space, dressed in white clothes (player choice what kind of clothes, as long as they cover everything). Whatever was happening to you before no longer happens. It's like everything was put on a pause and you were transferred away from the situation without you realizing it happened.

The space that you find yourself in is one of these four options:

An empty landscape filled with snow and ice, almost like a blank canvas.
A field with cherry blossom trees and spring flowers.
A sunny beach near an ocean that seems never ending.
A quiet forest with falling autumn leaves.

All of the spaces seem to continue endlessly. No matter where or how far you walk it almost seems like you're not moving at all. There are no animals here - just those who happened to wake up there at the same time, in the same place. Everyone is wearing the same kind of plain, white clothes.

Despite the possible rollercoaster of emotions you might be feeling, the place somehow feels familiar. Like somehow you belong there.

And it looks like you're not alone.

Part 2

After half an hour has passed the surroundings change as everyone is teleported into a room with all the other new arrivals, no matter what space they woke up in. It's a large place with plenty of seats to sit in and beverages to enjoy. Medical attention is offered to those who need it and the doctors here are very prepared for any challenging situations.

Here, in this room, everyone gets an answer to where they are and why. A hologram of a man appears at the center of the room, waiting to be heard. He brings a message on behalf of the leaders of Ellipsa.

The Message [ Click to Expand ]

Hello, my name is Olwen. I'm one of the leaders of Ellipsa as it currently is. I'm also one of the four who summoned you here.

Our world is in trouble and we need your help. I apologize for tearing you away from your world and forcing you to come here but I hope you understand. The magic we used doesn't let us ask in advance, nor does it let us choose who we bring here.

This world is composed of four Seasonal Segments. All of them represent one of the seasons. They were the places we used to get our resources from, but now they're dangerous places no one should go into unless they have the power to fight back. All of them have their own sets of powerful monsters and natural catastrophes.

We used to have plenty of people here who could control the powers of the four Seasons. We called them Seasonal Power Holders. Unfortunately, due to a tragedy you can read about later, we lost almost all of them. Now only four of us remain and the world is in chaos. We have done our best to protect the world, but we need more power holders to do that.

That's where you come in.

All of you have been assigned to one of the seasons. Whatever space you were in just now is what season you represent. You will learn different skills based on the season and those skills are going to help you save this world.

These powers don't interfere with your own natural powers. They use a new energy that has formed inside of you. It's harmless to your health, but it's vital to your seasonal powers. Your own powers should still work, even if the dark energy outside the city might interfere with them.

Unfortunately bringing you here wasn't as simple as it sounds. We couldn't do anything about how to keep you anchored to this world other than making a simple spell that helps with it. That is, you need to touch someone else who is not from this world ideally at least once a day. It will help you stay in control of your powers and boost your magical energy. If you don't, the consequences aren't very good. But as long as you hold someone's hand or give someone a handshake, you should be fine.

That's all I have to say about the situation. The staff of the Research Center will give you more information about housing and other necessary things. I will, however, promise that you will be sent home once the situation becomes better. That's the least we can do.

The hologram can be viewed in private in a separate room later, should someone wish to look at it again. For now, the staff of the Research Center hands everyone their new smartphones with their small flower lucky charms (the flower is anything the player decides). They're also told that the building next door is where everyone can find a room assigned to them with some of their belongings there and possibly even any animal companions. Those concerned about their mount-sizes companions are welcomed to the stables downstairs to see if their friends are there. The mounts are allowed to stay there until you find a place more suitable for them.

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

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

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

Third type of the stands is for The In Touch Support Group that is led by the Otherwordly Ambassador, Kamisato Ayato. The pamphlets have contact information for businesses looking to help Otherworlders. They also focus more on the lore of the World and what they have discovered so far, as well as a guide on what to think about when preparing to venture out to the Segments.

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?

Light a Candle For You

Part 1

All throughout the city, a festival is taking place. It's the festival to honor the dead. The areas are decorated with aesthetically appropriate lights and different flowers. Upon a closer look it becomes clear that all the flowers are bundles of flowers, based on the otherworlders' flower charms. Where a characters' flower is depends on their Season, but all of the appear in the Nightwake Center district.

The main part of the festivities is to light candles in various places. There are even floating lanterns, that can be either launched to the skies or put on surfaces of water. Those who have lost (= to death) someone at any point in their life will receive a message from them in their dreams and otherwise pleasant dreams about them if they light up a candle during the festivities.

Those who have died before (back in their world or on Ellipsa) will receive a protective light around them if they light up a candle. This light will also let the natives know to treat them with kindness and respect during the festivities. They will even receive special bonuses at some of the shops and restaurants, like discounts or extra items. The light itself will decrease any damage done to them for the rest of the month. The light will dim "when needed", but even as it's not easily noticeable, it will continue to protect.

Characters may receive both of these effects.

Part 2

The second part of the festivities involves making small ghosts made out of paper or cloth. These crafts are for the local ghosts to possess so they can be seen by everyone. Once the ghosts have possessed the crafts they will hover around the place, experiencing the festivities better than in their ethereal form. Only ghosts that wish to move on to the afterlife will possess the crafts.

Some of the ghosts gather at the Blossomcrown Park where magical crests have been set on various tables there. These ghosts are those who have been waiting for this moment to pass onto afterlife. Everyone visiting the bonfire will be given a special flower wreath. The goal is to wait for one of the ghosts to move and take hold of the wreath (literally holding onto it with their craft ghost forms) before placing it on the crests together with another person. This will help the ghosts to cross the border into afterlife. The wreath disappears after the ghost has passed on. This ritual can only be done at this time of the year, as the air is filled with a mysterious essence that helps with passing on. The scientists have yet to properly determine what the essence truly is, but it seems to concentrate on the park and at least it's not dangerous for the living.

The park also has some places to just sit down and enjoy the atmosphere at the park. There are also some food and drink stalls.

We All Become What We Pretend To Be

Part 1

The final part of the festivities is the multi-day Costume Party Masquerade happening in the largest airship of the city. The ship circles around the whole city of Nightwake, occasionally stopping at the dock and taking new passengers (or letting old ones out) before continuing on again. The airship is special, as it has a giant ballroom in the middle. There are also cabins, some more private and some more communal for those who just want a quick place to crash rather than a proper room.

Everyone who boards the airship must wear some sort of a mask, but they also have to be in a costume of some sort. Those who don't have either or both will be guided to a dressing room where the magic will pick them whatever they are missing at random (= of player's choosing) and dress them (their current clothes will be waiting for them at the airship station later). No one escapes the rule of a costume and a mask around here!

A magic is also applied to everyone's mask, making it harder for anyone to recognize the person wearing it (possibly even those who know them very well). This is said to add some level of mystery to the evening. Of course the spell will pause whenever someone takes off their mask and that may reveal a secret to someone. No one will just automatically forget if they saw someone take off their mask.

The music encourages people to dance and be brave in asking a stranger to dance with them. Thanks to the atmosphere of the masquerade, touch energy will feel even better than usual, even if you'd be "fully loaded".

Part 2

Another sort of magic sneaks into the party, as people's costumes start to take over their personalities. Someone dressed up as a king might start acting all regal, while a vampire look-a-like might try to bite someone in their neck. Some might even lose the sight of who they really are and completely take on their new roles for the time they're in the airship and in the costume.

Fairies will start trying to bomb people gone weird with water balloons, as a splash of water on their faces will wake them up from the trance (even if the said person is wearing a mask). They're even teleporting water balloons for others to toss - especially if it looks like someone is acting a bit too dangerously.

Another way is to strip them out of their clothes, but that might be something reserved for the privacy of a cabin, rather than the ballroom.

Even once someone has been freed from the spell they can unfortunately be spellbound again later on - but it's just less likely.

OOC TIPS

- 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 top level as well. New characters can add TDM on their subject line to indicate they're new!

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

- The TDM is game canon so anything in the TDM can happen for your character(s) in the game as well.

- Smut is not allowed on the TDM. You can play situations leading to it, but if the thread is turning into smut, please move it to a private space such a post in your character's journal, or a locked post in the game's log community if you decide to app!

- Check Locations: City to find more areas to explore inside the city. Every place in the districts are open.

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

- You can find monsters to encounter on Beastiary.

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

code bases by tricklet

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

Oooh. I can hear you!

[A telepath! There are so many extraordinary people here. Kagami wonders if the person standing in front of him is a uniquely powered human, or if he’s human at all.]

Now that you mention it, that’s a good point! Every other vampire I’ve met who avoids consuming blood ends up weak and pathetic…maybe I’m just incredibly strong, or maybe I’m picky.

Yes! It's one of the super cool powers that this place can give you. If you're Autumn that is! It really helps me out since I'm mute, so I hope you don't mind too much??

[ Shigeru. Always worries about other people before himself, smh. ]

Are you sure it's not...the costume? I've seen people, who are normally even-tempered, start to act a little strange. And this place always has its ways of messing with us, you know?

[ Shigeru has yet to feel the effects of these changes. ]

You’re right, it is cool~! Especially with your costume, it makes you even more mysterious. I don’t mind. But I’m afraid I’m Spring, so I don’t know how to do the same. Is that okay?

[So he’s one of those overly accommodating types. Kagami smiles serenely.]

You think it’s the costume? Are you sure it’s not simply a reflection of my true self?

Oh! Yes! That-that's fine! I just...forget to ask people sometimes before I start talking. I-I know it's kind of weird and rude?? Um, to-to talk into someone's head without asking so... [ Shigeru is overly accommodating and too nice for his own good! ]

A reflection of your true self? [ What the heck does that mean?! ] Well...can you do other vampire stuff?! Like...change into a bat? Hypnotize people, can't see yourself in the mirror, don't like garlic?!

How is it any more rude than talking the normal way? If people insist on talking and having us listen with our ears, I don’t see why this is any different. Wait, so does that mean if you have an embarrassing thought I’ll hear it?

[The corners of Kagami’s lips tug into an amused smile.] Where did you hear all that? You’ve been watching too many movies.

Well I guess because it's inside their head people might think I can read their minds, or something?? It's just a bit awkward before I tell them I can't do that. But if I have an embarrassing you'll hear it!!

[ Hdajgh he's had so many, don't remind him of all the times his naughty thoughts have been on full blast in someone's head!!! ]

And it's not movie-related, lots of media depicts vampires like that. Some of them even sparkle in sunlight!! But there is a vampire here, Saya. She's not like any of those stereotypes, but you never know?! Different worlds have different rules.

Oh? [Kagami rocks on his heels with a false look of innocence.] What kind of embarrassing thoughts? What would embarrass a cool dragon…? If someone embarrassed you, you could just breathe fire.

[Tell him your embarrassing thoughts, Shigeru!!!]

[Did Eliot sparkle in the sunlight? Kagami never thought about it… And he doesn’t want to. His expression scrunches in disdain.] I see. So I am expected to go up against this vampire Saya to prove my validity. The only thing that sounds consistent is vampires are annoying babies.

Sometimes I just...I just say things without thinking!!! [ Or he's thinking too much?? Hm! Shigeru flusters as he looks away. ] Sometimes I-I just accidentally call a guy hot or-or say how I feel about someone in the heat of the moment. It's embarrassing and I don't appreciate it!!

[ It's the worst, Kagami, the worst. ] You're lucky that you don't have to talk telepathically!!

[ But at the mention of going up against Saya Shigeru will hold out his hands in a placating gesture. ] No! No, don't fight! Saya is nice but she's also incredibly strong!! [ Kagami you do not stand a chance... ]

But you're hot. As far as I can tell with your mask on, anyway. You're certainly not unattractive.

[Blinking, stated as bluntly as he would describe the weather.]

Are they not flattered by your embarrassing internal dialogue? It's nice to hear compliments. I suppose I am lucky though.

[It would make literally Everything impossible.]

Is she now? That's toooo bad... [He shrugs in a lazy gesture. It can't be helped.] You don't believe I'm a vampire, so I must prove myself to you.

P-Please don't-don't say that! I-I can't take compliments from a stranger like that very well!

[ Kagami, NO!!! Shigeru can't handle compliments about his appearance at all. So as usual he just goes completely red and shakes his head as his gloved hands come up to his face. Embarrassing!! He's so embarrassed!!! ] I-I don't know if they are flattered!! But it-it's still really awkward when it happens.

[ Because Shigeru is thirsty af and he would like to not let people know that immediately!!! But let's change the subject though, yes. ] Mm well I guess drinking some of my blood is proof enough? It's better than fighting someone.

[ Violence is not the answer!!! ]

Meaning if we weren't strangers, you'd take it just fine?

[Kagami leans in as he teases in a sing-song voice. Shigeru is cute! And fun to tease...!] Are you blushing...?

Ah? You'd really let me try your blood?! [He jumps in excitement, forgetting to keep teasing Shigeru. Maybe that's for the best??]

[ Please keep bullying him, Kagami!! Shigeru is just way too easy to bully as he shakes his head 'no'. ] No! I-I'm not blushing at all!!

[ He is clearly blushing, even his ears are red!!! But he manages to peel his hands away just to give Kagami a curious look. ] But, sure? I-I mean it's poisonous towards people though. I'm not sure how someone inhuman will react toward it. Are you sure you'd want to?

Oh dear. Are you sick? Do you feel feverish?

[Kagami's voice is syrupy sweet. He's happy to keep bullying Shigeru! His reaction is too fun not to.]

If you're trying to dissuade me, you're doing a poor job of it. Now that I know it's dangerous, I feel I must try it for myself.

No! I-I'm fine! [ Said with a huff because he is not fine!!! Just have a pout from behind the mask as Shigeru crosses his arms over his chest. ]

So you're one of those types, huh? Well, fine, I don't mind if people want to try new things. But I did warn you, okay?! He says that as he slowly rolls up one of his sleeves. ]

Is my arm okay, you think? I've never given a vampire my blood before...it's usually the neck though, right? [ He is getting awkward and flustered again as he looks away. ] Whichever is easier for you.

Are you sure? Wouldn't it be more embarrassing if you passed out just because I complimented you?

[Kagami is silenced by the sight of Shigeru's arm. Is he imagining things, or can he hear his pulse...?]

The arm will suffice, but...do you want me to bite your neck?

That-that won't happen!! I-I'm a very noble dragon, I'd never do something like that! [ Shigeru please... ]

Well biting someone's neck is...pretty hot. [ Hjhdjha oh NO. He didn't mean to think that at the other. Intrusive thoughts - 10 Shigeru - 0.

He flusters again before shaking his head. ]

I-I mean!!! You know like in-in popular media they always make it out to be so alluring and stuff!! [ He just wants to die. ]

M-Maybe try both? I guess that'll keep you full too... [ He doesn't know what he's doing with his life anymore but this is fine. ]

If you’re a noble dragon, does that make me your treasure~?

[He leans in close, a teasing smile gracing his face. It really is fun to bully him!

Kagami’s eyes widen. As much as he’s enjoying this, he wasn’t expecting to hear that.]

Ehh?! Do you really mean that? I can bite your neck?!

[He claps his hands together, hovering around Shigeru in delight.]

Do you think I’m alluring? Someone as hot as you noticed me? Your telepathy is so convenient!

[ That's the worst pickup line he's ever heard but he still manages to blush and look away, that tail of his swaying behind him innocently. ]

You'd...want to be a dragon's treasure? I-I do think you're alluring, you're very mysterious! But also...bright! So, yes, like a treasure of sorts! [ Shigeru is a big dumb idiot!!! He is making himself even more red by saying these things out loud!! ]

But I don't mind a-about the neck thing. It'll be a new experience, right? [ Hm. Shigeru that is not an experience you should be willing to have!! But he also flusters again and shakes his head!!! ]

I-I'm not! I'm not...hot or-or good-looking at all. You are very charming to-to say so, though

You have a way with words. [Kagami glows. Keep complimenting him!]

[This idiot. He can't take it anymore. With an air of decisiveness, he stalks forward, caressing the side of his face with the back of his palm.]

Careful~ If you keep insulting yourself like that, I'll have to prove you wrong. If I didn't think you were enchanting, I wouldn't stick around.

...Okay! Let's try something new!

[He still cradles Shigeru's face as if he's the treasure, pulling back his collar. He stands on his tip-toes to reach the side of his neck and just...simply allows himself a moment to inhale his scent. He's certain he can hear Shigeru's pulse.

And then he chomps down with his completely human teeth.]

Edited 2023-11-18 12:10 (UTC)

[ What a wild ride this masquerade is turning out to be. Shigeru didn't even plan on this happening and somehow, some way, he finds a means to quench his thirst?! The whole segway leading up to the bite has Shigeru pressed firmly up against the wall, his neck, ears, and face all rather flushed now. When Kagami finally bites him with his non!vampire teeth though...Shigeru makes a noise and it is a rather suggestive one?! Not because he went into this with the thought that it's hot, that is a factor, but because it actually felt kinda nice.

Shigeru is actually going to die though as he looks back at Kagami with some expression of 'oh god' and 'I am so sorry' mixed into one. ] I. I didn't mean to do that.

[ Sorry Kagami. This is what you're dealing with. ]

[Funny how things turned out!!! Kagami is ready to bite harder--the warmth of Shigeru's skin is scalding, leaving him yearning for the taste of his blood even more. Maybe Shigeru has tough skin, with being a dragon and all? The noise Shigeru makes stops him from sinking his teeth in. He blinks, eyes round, but then he just...ends up giggling and flashes Shigeru a teasing smile. Shigeru made that sound because of him! Please do it again.]

Oh?

[His voice lowers and his eyes sharpen. His arms circle Shigeru and he leans in, breath warm over the bite mark.]

Can I make you make that sound again?

I. I-!!! [ Shigeru is going to bluescreen at the sudden turn this sure is taking?! He might gasp a little watching Kagami's arm wrap around him and he can feel that heat get ten times more intense as he tries to think?! This is hot but he wasn't prepared for it to go this way!!! ]

I-I guess? [ SHIGERU!!! No! But he looks so turned on as his eyes finally meet Kagami's. There is a soft intake of air from him and he also swallows thickly as he just cranes his neck a little?? Depending on which side Kagami is biting him on there will also be two long noticeable scars on the right side of his neck, near to where his larynx would be. ]

[Honestly Kagami wasn’t prepared for this beautiful, dumb disaster to be into him either, but if Shigeru likes what he’s doing he’s not about to stop! He smiles sweetly and does his best to give him an alluring look behind the mask.]

You’re so sweet. I’ll make sure to bite harder this time.

[And he does, sinking his teeth in and punctuating it with a soft sound. He’s careful to avoid Shigeru’s scars. He doesn’t know if they’re sensitive or not, but…hm. Interesting.]

[ Shigeru doesn't know what he's doing but he's really enjoying this, whatever this is, a whole lot?! He feels like a degenerate but he makes another pleased noise as Kagami bites him harder, a shiver running through him as he lets out a huff of air. ] It-it feels really good when you do that.

[ He's so goddamn red that even with the mask on it's really obvious how flustered he is. ] I-I thought vampires are supposed to have fangs?

[It’s okay Shigeru they can both be degenerates. Shigeru’s reaction is what does it for him. His shivering, the heat of his skin, hearing Shigeru’s praise in his mind…mn. He feels important. Like he’s the center of this stupidly hot man’s universe.

A sweet, muted giggle is Shigeru’s answer to the praise, breath hot against his skin. Being a vampire is the best—!!!

…]

Eh?! [Kagami stops biting long enough to lift his equally flushed face away.]

I don’t have fangs?! Are you sure?

Test Drive Meme #5

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