July 2022 Test Drive Meme

[folkie]

JULY 2022 TDM

INTRODUCTION

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Welcome to Folkmore's monthly Test Drive Meme! Please feel free to test drive any and all characters regardless of your intent to apply or whether you have an invite or not.

All TDMs are game canon. You can choose to have your TDM thread be your introduction thread upon acceptance or start fresh. Each TDM will provide a scenario for how characters arrive in-game that particular month.

Playing TDMs will allow characters to immediately obtain canon items from homes especially weapons or other things they may have had on their person when they were pulled from their worlds! There will always be a prompt that provides some sort of "reward" to characters who complete certain tasks.

Current players are allowed to have in-game characters react to TDMs via the Network or make a log with the prompts. Current players are always encouraged to tag new people on the TDM!

TDM threads can be used for spoon spending at any time by characters accepted into the game.

[ Prompt One ★ Prompt Two]

Paper Rings

Content Warnings: Unwanted romantic/sexual attention from a monster, optional sexual themes, optional monster fights, giant insects in 'accidents' prompt.

YOU'RE THE ONE I WANT

Folkmore has many lakes and streams. You wake up suddenly beside one, the world coming into sharp focus the moment you do. It's sunny, and the sounds and sights are warmly nostalgic for the very idea of summer.

You can sit and relax a while. Maybe lounge in the shade. Let your mind drift, and relax. There's a few people around, some still sleeping and some awakening the same as you, but it's far from crowded here.

Suddenly a shadow falls over you. You turn and are greeted by a monster: it looks sort of like an avocado covered in kelp, with oversized hands and a huge mouth. It also looks like it's entirely made of rubber - even its eyes appear to be only painted on.

This monster waves its arms threateningly. “Gaaaaah!” it says. Its voice is muffled. “Gaahhhhhhhhh!”

Somehow this creature is a lot faster than it looks, and the next thing you know it has enfolded you in its embrace.

“You will be Greg’s bride!” the monster shouts, regardless of your gender identification. It looks at whoever happens to be in your general vicinity. “Who this?”

Struggling, you realise that Greg is stronger than any creature you’ve ever encountered before. You can’t seem to get it to let go of you, and it's rocking against you in such a way that it makes a sound like the soles of sneakers on a gym floor. On the plus side, it doesn’t have any genitals that you can see, so at least it’s not as bad as it could be? Still, desperate times call for desperate measures! “That’s my partner!” you claim before you can think about how stupid an idea that is.

“You bride? PROVE IT!"

Oh shit. Now you’re stuck - you and whatever innocent bystander you've dragged into this have to convince Greg that you're a couple! You could admit to something true about love or intimacy under the guise of it being about the other; Greg’s lie detecting abilities are good enough to call you out on untruths, but not good enough to know who you’re talking about.

Or you could just start making out, I guess. Whatever works.

If you're a terrible actor, Greg will abduct you and pull you beneath the water. You better hope your fake partner will try to rescue you!

If you manage to convince him that you're a couple, he will shed a tear from his unblinking eyes before either slinking away or flying into a murderous rage.

If you choose to fight Greg, either in the water or on land, you will find that he's pretty tough for a rubber monster. Any blows to his back or sides will land harmlessly, and the kelp on his body may grab whatever you hit him with. And that big goofy mouth of his hides rows of deathly sharp fangs!

However you get rid of Greg, once he's gone you will find a trunk shaped like a koi fish. Open it and you will find some canon items from home. Clothes or weapons, maybe. Lucky you!

I HATE ACCIDENTS, EXCEPT...

You don't necessarily have to complete the One I Want prompt to find these koi trunks! They seem to be dotted around Folkmore and you might find them just by virtue of exploration! The trunks seem to mysteriously know who is opening them so you won't find someone else's stuff by accident. There are also some unenchanted weapons sticking out of the ground in random places: basic swords, guns, shields, etc. They have no magic, but they're usable!

But be warned: the second you take one of these weapons, you'll have to use it.

As soon as you have pulled a weapon from the ground, a high whining buzz sounds, swelling in volume as somethings come barreling out of the sky at you. They are short humanoid creatures about three feet tall with the heads and wings of cicadas. They are also wearing human clothes - what sort depends on what part of Folkmore you're in. If you're in Wintermute they might be wearing cute sweaters, but if you're in Cruel Summer they might be dressed like your suburban dad on summer vacation. How cute! Except they have very sharp talons and the sound they make can incapacitate you. Better take them down fast!

Or run even faster.

TIME OF MY LIFE

Content Warnings: Mood altering substances, optional alcohol use, optional suggestive themes.

I LIKE SHINY THINGS

Summer isn't all about getting bitten by mosquitoes out at the lake, or sweating your way up a mountain in uncomfortable hiking boots. For the less outdoorsy types, there's still plenty of fun to be had... and all within walking distance of an air conditioner when the weather gets too humid. Close to Epiphany, there appears a gem of a spa, nestled comfortably by a beautiful waterfall. The lobby is spacious and cool, with a distinctly mid-century modern sensibility. The gentleman working the front desk wears a crisp suit of burnt orange with a small golden fox pin on his lapel. He is more than happy to direct you to any of the spa amenities.

There are massage tables, hot tubs, and steam rooms. You can get yourself a manicure, pedicure, or facial. There's a full salon for anything you might want to do to your hair - maybe it's time for a kicky summer 'do? Any kind of pampering you're after, you can find it here! If you need to lie down, there are even some hotel rooms on the upper levels that you can rest in.

There is also a tea room - all soft pinks and sage greens, with plush chairs in sets of two or more around small round tables. You will be seated with someone else, as the tea room is designed to encourage conversation. The waiters in this delightful space are all flamingos - they move around the room with a sort of gangly grace, carrying trays on their backs or with their beaks. Unconventional, but they seem to have no problem understanding people's orders. Speaking of, what's on the menu? Seems every kind of tea has a different effect...

Black tea hypes you UP! Who wants to stay sitting around with a bunch of birds?! Let's go party!
Green tea brings a sense of great peace and mental clarity. You will find it easy to talk about emotional subjects without being overcome with feelings.
Oolong tea calms you and relaxes you deeply. You might even find yourself nodding off!
Milk tea inspires feelings of affection - whoever you're sitting with now seems like they could be your new best friend. (Or more?)

Spending time in the tea room really does encourage you to open up to other people one way or another, and all the other spa activities tend to put people in the mood to open up a little bit.

IN DIRTY DREAMS

If you tire of such relaxing pursuits but you still don't fancy wandering off into the woods, you could always poke around behind the spa, where there is a smaller separate building. If you listen you can hear loud music playing, carried faintly on the summer wind. Some kind of party? Why not check it out? Okay, so there's a big old 'STAFF ONLY' sign on the side of the building, but you could just wander in and come up with an excuse if someone spots you. Or sneak in through the bathroom window or something if you're that worried.

Once inside it becomes apparent that this building functions as a private club for the spa staff. The interior is dark and wood paneled, lit only by some old hanging lights with warm bulbs. At the far end is a bar, and beyond that the glow of a small kitchen. A few tables are scattered along the walls, but the bulk of the long room is taken up by a dancefloor.

And boy oh boy are people getting down.

The music is so loud that you don't have to be able to hear to feel the beat - it pounds through the floorboards like a pulse. It's a compelling rhythm that urges you to join the throng. Even if you lack any and all natural grace, the urge to dance is strong enough that you can cast off your reluctance. You can even find yourself a dance partner, although you might want to keep it a little more G-rated than some of the couples around.

If you tire, you can hit the bar. The bartender isn't checking any IDs, considering they think everyone present is a staff member. Just don't blow your cover!

Comments

[dreamforger]

[Kavinsky dragged a hand over his face, pushing his dark hair back from his face. He looked the other guy over- cute, he decided mentally. He'd have noticed if he'd seen him on the dancefloor, he's sure. Or well, mostly sure, depending on how stoned he'd been at that point. He doesn't look like he's about to expire or require first aid -- maybe just a bottle of water and some company.

Kavinsky's unsteady on his feet, and if Nico's attentive, he seems more lonely than anything. Hungry for attention, for contact, to have someone to hold onto. He tried not to keep Prokopenko literally attached to hip, but without the rest of his boys, it left him casting around for someone to fill the space. And failing that, well. Drugs were an easy antidote for the feelings, if nothing else.]

Yeah, I'm-- well, I mean I'm in this weird place. But I'm not about to puke, if that's what you mean.

[Nico's accent isn't much different from Kavinsky's, actually. Clearly New Jersey, dark eyes appreciative as they linger on his frame, lips curving into a smirk as he blinks slowly, his pupils like saucers.]

You shoulda been dancing. I'd have danced with you.

[unsign]

Oh, it was a first contact! Only, it went all sorts of sideways. We were supposed to just be helping, but then there was this black hole and-- [ and her mom was handcuffed and taken away. After everything, after all of that. Her smile slips off her face, and she looks away ] Yeah, it was wild, but we did it, the Cerritos got to make first contact! Even though we were just supposed to be supporting Captain Gomez.

What was yours?

[unas]

We were delivering supplies to some outposts.

( una is also going to avoid the part where her last moment was also getting (not quite) handcuffed and taken away. her worst fears being realised. but the enterprise had been on that mission just before it )

They've been needing them for some time.

[tenshadows]

( What the hell is this kid even doing?

Megumi just... watches him, waiting for whatever will follow the gesture. This kid is weird.

And then he just. Kind of stares. )

Most people don't like to hear things like that.

( But he doesn't care, really. He's not here to look good for anyone. )

Thanks, I guess.

[tenshadows]

( He might not be the best actor, but at least this guy has someone he cares about. That's something, he muses, and he'll take it.

And those words seem to have Greg's attention. Enough so that the grip around Megumi loosens. It's tempting to free his hands and summon one of his shikigami, but he doesn't want to risk not being able to get free.

So instead, he reaches out for that hand. His hand shifts just the slightest, grips harder, and then he can feel himself being pulled. He breaks free of the the monster's grip, and it lets out a frustrated sound and a few words of resistance before a tear leaves its eyes. And then - he's running off. Leaving the two of them standing there with their hands entwined. )

Thanks. ( Megumi manages after a few seconds, brows furrowing as he moves to pull his hand away. )

[passiveaggression]

Splendid.

[ he knows ed stumbles a bit in this area so it's gratifying to uplift him. ]

[imperfectimposter]

[ She hums in her throat. ] Hotter than England too, I would imagine. [ Eloise takes a sip of her own cube-less tea. The two sugar cubes she placed in it have already melted. ]

You have been there? To Cuba?

[darknighted]

Another of the Fox's tricks.

[Or was that trials? Whatever, they're infuriating, and that just makes Diluc more intent on dealing with these things.

He offers the other man a quick terse nod. That plan works for him. When Dainslief slams the swarm he's managed to catch, Diluc will fill that lull in sound with the unmistakable roar of fire as he swings his sword through the bulk of the creatures. That take smore of the sound out of the equation, though some buzzing still remains.]

[oversleep]

They don't?

_{[ megs i am so sorry he has no idea how to talk to people anymore... ]}

You're welcome. Be proud to be a dog.

[xiaoxiaojiu]

[never underestimate a hungry street urchin okay? that's just asking for trouble.

he hesitates slightly, looking around at the flamingos and other guests before focusing back on the catman, an unsure frown on his face.]

...Are you trying to say demons are better than humans? [because humans are cruel for no reason all the time, y'know.] Anyway, for all I know this is actually the demon realm or something - so that'd explain why you've never seen a human before.

[on one hand he feels like it's probably a bad idea to be chatting with a demon who could kill him any minute, but...well. he's already here, they're already talking, it's not like anything else makes sense in this place, and.....also this is the first time an adult's actually been willing to hold a civil conversation with him before, so maybe he just kinda...wants to keep it up. just for a little bit.]

[culver]

[Briefly, she notes the change in Greg's whining, and a part of her is relieved that it seems like he's going to finally move on to... honestly, just about anywhere else. If someone had asked her ten minutes ago to describe how she thought she might one day be reunited with friends from her own world, this is not even close to how she would have pictured it. The rubber avocado crying in the background really distracts from the importance the moment should have, and she's really doing her best to just ignore him. It's difficult, but she's trying.

Where she's been for four years is a whole other conversation that will require a lot of time to tell, and a lot of text messages. But for now, his assumption serves; he has a grasp on exactly how long it's been since she's seen him. That's the crux of his question, she's answered it, and they can move on for now. Her hand lowers back to her side.

From anyone else, that tone of voice might have made her flinch. She's come so far these past years, and no longer jumps at every raised voice or loud noise, but there are still moments when she feels fourteen again, terrified of everyone and everything around her. But in the face of Heine's acerbic attitude, she stands still, a slight rustle of her wings her only tell.

Because no, she isn't really okay. She hasn't been okay in a long time. But she doesn't have the words for that now, to explain to him what pieces of her are steadfast and what pieces are just barely hanging on. So for a few brief moments, she takes stock of herself, her place here, and everything about herself in this exact moment. Everything else gets shoved aside for later. She's always been so good at compartmentalizing.

A nod, and a gentle exhale. Sure, right now she's okay. More okay than last week, last month, last year when she was so, so certain she'd never see him again. A lot of that uneasiness seems to fall away thanks to just his presence, even if she still holds a small kernel of fear inside (he could disappear in a second, not a word, and she'd have to pick herself back up once again). But yes, right now, she's okay. She has to be.

Jeeze, Greg sure isn't. He's wailing now, and her gaze flicks over Heine's shoulder for a second to look at the poor avocadoy mess, and she cringes a little. She makes a little "come on" gesture to Heine, taking one step back and hoping he'll follow suit. This will all be a whole lot less awkward if they aren't witnessing the rubber man's heartbreak in real time.]

[fxckery]

[Any day of learning is a good day--as is any day of drinking tea with Stede.]

Still prefer yours.

[passiveaggression]

My tea?

[courtinsession]

Flamingos? [He glances over at the birds, thoughtfully.] I don't think so. Otherwise they wouldn't be selling hot tea in the middle of summertime.

[fxckery]

Mm.

[Not that Edward isn't sipping entirely contentedly on his cup here.]

And pattern. Like the one with all the-- gold fiddly bits on black.

[passiveaggression]

Do you mean filigree?

[halsband]

[He doesn't like that little shift of her wings, and though Heine can't be sure it isn't solely attributed to the way he'd spoken, he'll try to catch himself next time. He'll fail and he knows it, but there's something to be said about making an effort or some shit.

It takes Nill too long to decide if she's okay, how to respond, and that bothers him too. She looks fine, right now, and that's what he has to go with; her confirmation and that noticeable release of tension in her breathing. It was too complicated a question to address while the avocado thing cries somewhere behind him; and he spares one disgruntled glance at it before nodding to Nill. They can continue this somewhere else, hopefully devoid of weird distractions; but he has doubts as they walk away, leaving Greg to his dramatics.]

[trichotomy]

And how do I know what's an animal and what's a person?

[ How has he got into this position? ]

[beastliness]

( Dimitri feels similarly. There is no telling what to expect from this encounter for all that it seems civil enough for the moment. He is well aware of what the Empire intends to do to him, and while he hopes the Alliance has no dire ill will towards him given Claude's request for aid... There is no certainty in what Lorenz may or may not think of him.

But at least for the moment, Lorenz seems inclined to speak. While he isn't particularly concerned if he were to come to blows with the other man, he hopes it will not come to that.

Still, those words strike a cord within him, and he finds his gaze turning away for a moment. Reminded of his actions, of the man he'd been. But he takes a breath, lifts his head to meet Lorenz's gaze once more. )

I am not certain I will ever be free of such burdens. Though I have found some reprieve from the demons that haunt me.

[fxckery]

[Maybe it's the sedate nature of the moment, tea warm and lulling in his system. Maybe it's the fact that the girl's wide quiet eyes look so much like the flickers of nerves and panic that still went flitting through Stede's more often than not.]

People get hurt. [The words are easy, blunt. It's a matter of normal conversational fact.] Better it's not you, aye?

[fxckery]

[Being an unkillable demon is very much The Brand. Being a human person who bleeds and runs out of breath and honestly just needs to rest his bum knee after a good deal of physical exertion is the unfortunate reality.

Thank goodness Arashi is clearly still fully capacitated, because Edward is going to need a few moments of simply crashing against a wall to catch up with himself.]

Edward. [Also?] Now there's fucking fire?

[fxckery]

Several times.

[A well-traveled man to boot! Although frankly that one feels less like a win. Anyone who made it to the Caribbean was almost certain to accidentally run into Cuba, possibly without meaning to.]

Not quite as... [Gesturing with his cup is very sloshy, but there's surely no better way to encompass the room around them.] ...as all this. More like England, I'd reckon?

[fxckery]

Why, you'd serve cold tea, mate?

[The mind boggles and surely cannot imagine. Surely.]

[fxckery]

Is that the...?

[Fancy New Words don't always stick, but it's definitely the filigree pattern on his favourite tea set of Stede's that Edward is expertly tracing out on the table.]

robyn's 2010 hit song "call (this random guy) your girlfriend" plays in the background

[thinkfirst]

[ There is literally no one else around.

Flynn checks, a little frantic, confused by the shouting, already moving to try and help because it sure looks like that woman is being dragged bodily into the water—there is no one else around and so she has to be talking to him, and the monster is yelling in a rubbery, sad sort of voice to "Prove it!" and Flynn—

doesn't panic, exactly, but he does hurry over. ]

Um!

[ The monster burbles, unconvinced. Flynn meets the strange woman's eyes and continues, a little hesitant, ]

Yes! That's—that's correct, this is my girlfriend and I am, um, her... girlfriend, also!