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seasonsgreetings2023-10-13 12:35 am
seasonsmods) wrote in seasonsgreetings2023-10-13 12:35 am
Entry tags:
Test Drive Meme #5
Test Drive Meme #5
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.
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?
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.
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?
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.
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.
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".
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.
- 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.
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You bought all these? No wonder you're broke! What's Julie?
[Eventually something else looks interesting, his cardigan suspiciously weighed down by...something, who knows what, and he's pushing the geode along towards Purple so it can also be included in whatever sparkly magical treasures are found at the end.]
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I have put a limit on myself beginning with this month, so hopefully this is a problem that will be remedied...
[AKA: Kagami totally caught onto them and called them out REAL hard with that. Because yes, that's exactly why they're broke.
That and the clothes they buy to match whatever their friends make. It's ridiculous.]
... Julie is a wonderful little monster who can speak with flowers. She spends much time with me, though I believe her schedule is full today...
Which is a shame. I do think you would enjoy playing games with her, so long as your bones are not easily broken.
[Also, yeah, don't mind them just hefting that geode half up with their magic.]
I am not parting with my amethyst cathedral. If my collection interests you, I have other amethysts that I would be willing to share.
cw: casual talk of violence
Hmm...I'm not sure! I normally don't give anyone the option to try~ Unless she wouldn't mind her bones being easily broken. It's only fair when meeting a new friend.
[That just gets him to make a sour face.]
...I didn't want to steal that one anyway. It wouldn't go with the rest of my apartment.
[Definitely not because it's heavy or anything.]
cw: equally casual threats of death
[Sorry if anyone thought they were above Gold Pig's behavior, but no, they'd probably have used the incinerator for the same thing if they were in Gold Pig's position.]
As for Julie, do mind that she is not the one who would cause you any harm. It is the games.
The last game she came up with involved bowling balls and trees. However, we could not play as I wasn't able to lift a bowling ball on my own.
...
Please keep this in mind. If you harm her, I will kill you.
[The way that's said is no less calm and patient as everything else they've said thus far, like it's just part of the conversation.
It's even followed up with Purple opening the door to their room so Kagami can go ahead and wander in.
(That theme they mentioned is pretty much just "stars", though. They've even got star covered bedding to match the pillows they talked about.)]
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Oh? Are you that fond of her? What kind of game, pray tell, would involve bowling balls and trees? And why not just use your magic to make it float?
But you needn't worry. I wouldn't harm someone if I'm not getting anything out of it. And there's nothing here anyone could offer that I want that badly.
[He doesn't take offense. It's endearing to think a millions year old immortal would be that protective over anyone.
He totally plays it cool as he gazes at Purple's room and all the star themed decor. Definitely very collected as he sprints and jumps on Purple's bed...one of Purple's sparkly trinkets flying out of his cardigan pocket as he lands. Where could that have come from?]
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I am that fond of her, yes. I adore her.
[What, like they should be embarrassed about it?? The two would be dating if either of them had any idea where the line between "friendship" and "dating" actually is.]
As for her game... I do not remember the specifics, but I do remember that it involved climbing to the crest of the tree.
It is rare that we do this, but we ruled magic to be cheating for that game in particular.
[This is all said as they float over to their closet, opening it so they can go through it properly.
It's sorted out not by type of clothing, or color, or anything like that, but rather by where they got it - the smallest section is labeled "Julie", the middle one "Duval", and the final, biggest one "Purchased".
Underneath all that? A jewelry stand, filled enough that one or two of the drawers don't seem to close properly. Someone please help this Mage spend their money wisely.]
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Ehhhhhhh?! Are you in love?!
Did you kiss in the tree~? Purple's in love~
[He keeps singing some song he made up on the fly to tease Purple, kicking his feet in the air to do a backflip off the bed. He hovers behind them, looking at what's in their closet.]
...Are you sure you're not in debt by now?
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What?
[They turn to look at him over their shoulder with that, before their expression scrunches up and they shake their head, looking forward at their closet again.]
No. I love her, but I am not in love with her. ... At least, if I understand love correctly.
It is not something that was common in the realm I hail from, so I have very little experience with it.
But as far as I am aware, we are friends. Just friends.
[They're gonna just... rifle through their clothes as they talk. As if it'll make them feel less awkward about all this.
They're definitely grateful Kagami can't see the way their face flushes, though.]
As for my funds, I keep a close eye on them regardless of how much I spend. As I said, I will never allow myself to fall below the ability to sustain myself.
Not ever again.
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Something in his smile softens as he looks down.]
Even if you're "just" friends. Isn't that a nice feeling too? Having someone you love and would kill for...that clearly you're fond enough to get flustered over. It makes life more interesting.
I trust you, of course. [He doesn't sound like he trusts them. He sounds patronizing.] But if you like sparkly things, I'd be more than happy to add to your collection.
[He then reaches for an article of clothing he suspects belongs to Purple and tries it on.]
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I have seen how much others will spend on sustaining themselves; that is a fair amount of money that I may spend on anything else that interests me.
[That's the secret to their budget, right there. While other people spend a large amount of their budget on making sure they're fed, Purple Mage has no need!!!
(They do still buy food sometimes. But it's always treats for others while they're out in town.)]
I do understand your sentiment, as well. My life has changed immensely for the better - not just thanks to my arrival in Ellipsa, but thanks to meeting her, too.
As well as Duval... however, I am certain you and Duval would not get along. He enjoys the solitude, and often puts on a curmudgeonly air to facilitate such, despite being a kind soul underneath.
Speaking of -
Do be careful with that shirt, please. Duval made that by hand.
[Which means, yes, Kagami has permission to try on whatever he wants. All of it's gonna be loose or floppy on him... but still.]
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Who the hell is Duval? [Said while smiling.] But I like grumpy people! They're so very fun to tease and learn about.
Ooooh, he made this?! [Kagami admires the fabric and spins around, posing for Purple.] How do I look~?
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Though, perhaps you deserve a size more befitting yourself?
I have nothing to offer as I am quite a bit taller than most everyone I have met, but such a style would look rather nice on you, were it made to your stature.
[It's basically guaranteed that whatever Kagami's wearing is soft and frilled, like you'd expect from the wardrobe of a vampire. Unfortunately, that's just Purple's preferred style...]
Duval, however, is a talented tailor and a witch. I have yet to see his magic in person... I keep forgetting to ask.
...
I also do not know what a "plushie" is.
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That’s high praise coming from you! …But I like this shirt because it’s yours! And I’m wearing the latest trend~
[Purple is soft. Kagami decides he’s quite fond of them. They’re lovely and cute. He fidgets with the frills while talking.]
What kind of magic does he use…AH?! Purple!
[He covers his mouth as if scandalized, a mix of sympathy and doubt welling up in his eyes.]
I might cry. Do you really not know what a plushie is?
no subject
Speaking of -
It's clear from the way their eyes curve into little crescents, they'd be smiling if they had a mouth. The shirt might be too big for him, but they're endeared either way.
Which means they're going to go ahead and help tie that shirt's collar correctly for him as they talk.]
Duval uses witchcraft, which I have been lead to believe involves the use of plants.
Plants are something else I have little knowledge of, however... Between the VIP room of the nightclub and the desert temple, I did not have chances to see many.
[Honestly? Solid chance Gold Pig just hated plants, anyway.]
As for plushies - whatever they are, there is a chance they existed in Everhood, many eons ago when we were a society of millions.
However, by the end of times, the realm itself was nearly empty... there is much that I have simply forgotten over the ages.
So if it helps to keep you from crying, think of it not that I do not know what they are. I simply need to be reminded.
no subject
Plants…? Oh! Does he perform apothecary? Would you like to see more plants, Purple?
[He blinks up at them. Swallows. His expression is unreadable, but he manages to double down and throws his hands up in exuberance.]
…Then I’ll remind you! I’ll bring you so many plushies, so that all your sparkly crystals and treasures have adorable friends!
no subject
It's a very fond sort of thing, doing this for him by hand. They don't use their hands for much, if anything at all.]
You need not worry; Ellipsa has afforded me many chances to learn of all the plants that Everhood could dream of. In fact, I own many. They fill the kitchen, as I have no need for a room dedicated to food.
The other Mages would be jealous of the life I now lead, were they not on the path to reincarnation without me.
[There's just a hint of wistfulness, saying that, but it's fine. Don't look directly at it, it's not there, honest--]
... Perhaps these plushies would find that a suitable home, as well? Julie has made it into a cozy little area as it is; if they live up to their name in softness, it only makes sense to keep them in the same room as a sunny window and flowers.
no subject
I’d rather you not reincarnate any time soon, Purple. I like you here. And I like being here! I wish to settle in this world…!
[Settle here, for as long as his semi-immortal existence allows. Where he isn’t powerless. He’s treated as someone important, even by those who could easily erase his existence if the whim struck them.]
In your kitchen? Mn…I think they’d like that. Can I see your plants? Did you know I used to work in a flower shop?
no subject
[That little bit of bittersweet vulnerability visible in his expression earns him another hair ruffle. They can't help it - he's just charming once you get past all the spikes and facades.
But there, they move toward the door to their room again.]
I am going to spend as much time as I can, here, without forgetting anyone. That is my plan.
I will only leave Ellipsa when the time has come that I no longer remember those here that I cherish.
[It's something that's on their mind at all times. Just how easy it's going to be to forget.
They try not to think about it... but it's difficult to keep out of their thoughts.]
You may follow me, of course. ... To the kitchen, that is.
It is rather barren in terms of food, but I know Julie has left supplies for tea, should you want any.
no subject
Really?! You’ll stay? In that case, I have an exceptional memory! I can keep reminding you, Purple.
[For as long as he can. There’s no point in voicing what they both already know. His lifespan is long, but compared to Purple’s it’s barely a blink. His body is still human. But he can do what he can and his voice is filled with nothing but optimism.]
I like tea! Does it belong to Julie?
no subject
[They're still sure he's probably not wrong, but still!!
They pause for a moment, opening the door and holding it for him.]
It does, but she is a kind and gracious creature. She will not mind if I were to share it with you.
no subject
[Oops. On their way to the kitchen, Kagami is just going to slip some things into his pockets.]
I would have taken it anyway.
no subject
[As in, from the moment they brought him to their apartment. And they mean that honestly, too!
It's only right to serve a guest some sort of refreshment - or so they've been told.]
... And please put down my alchemist's ring. I use that to remember the correct symbols as I do research.
no subject
[He really needs to do something about this warm sensation.
Oh no! Caught. He smiles blankly.]
I knew it was important. Can you tell me more about it? What about your research?
no subject
Alchemy is so very interesting... the idea of creating precious metals and medicines, merely by enacting an unseen force upon raw materials. Something so complex... for something that was rather easy for the other Mages.
Humans really will go to any length for what they dream of.
[Because honestly, Green Mage used their transfiguration powers for funsies most of the time. Turning something boring into something entirely unrelated just because they're bored.
To think, humans try so hard just to reach an iota of that power!!]
... And you need not worry about "saving me the trouble". I cannot sense the passage of time very well compared to someone like yourself; if going to the kitchen to make tea for you was any trouble at all, I likely would not even notice.
[Speaking of - to the kitchen, now!!
They weren't kidding when they said they're not using it for food, though. There's a set of chairs and a small table, but they're soft, fabric chairs and a coffee table...
And the counters are covered in flowers, all lit up by the open kitchen window above the sink. It's honestly surprisingly nice.]
Hello, my friends - I did not bring Julie today, so I cannot hear you, unfortunately. But it is nice to see you all.
[...
Yes, that's aimed at the flowers. They DID say their friend can talk to plants, after all.]
no subject
[Said with a wan smile.]
Mn, but I’d be delighted to see the results of some of your studies sometime. As long as they don’t include holding me upside down~ And I’m glad to hear it. You’re welcome to make tea for me every day!
[It’s very nice. Kagami smiles, admiring all the flowers, and if there is any room left on the counter he makes his home sitting there by the window.]
It’s so cozy! It’s very kind of you to speak to them. I’m sure they are happy.
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slides this ur way before i sleep
wah...sleep well!
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congrats 2 kagami, gettin to be the 2nd guinea pig for their magic chompers
he’s winning
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