folkooc | July 2022 Test Drive Meme

Entry tags:

*tdm

July 2022 Test Drive Meme

JULY 2022 TDM

INTRODUCTION

[ TDM Questions ★ Jump to Comments ★ Full Navigation ]
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!

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

[ Did Steve panic? Yes. Was he not looking to get drowned a second time in the last two months? Yes. And was Loki the only person who hadn't fled? Also, yes.

Steve steps backward, away from Greg, towards Loki, whom he somehow doesn't immediately recognize. ]

Yes. Sweetheart, I'm sorry about this, we had uh, a misunderstanding. Could we please just go to lunch?

[ Oh no, unfortunately, Greg doesn't think that's enough proof. And Steve doesn't want to drag poor, unwitting stranger Loki into uncomfortable schemes in order to save him. But maybe, just a little more won't hurt. ]

To. Plan. For the wedding.

The wedding!

[Loki’s face lights up as she grabs Steve’s hand, enveloping both their forms in magic. When the green glow fades, Steve will find himself in an elaborate green ballgown. White’s boring, after all. Meanwhile Loki’s scruffy look is replaced with a matching green suit. She’s still not wearing shoes.]

Greg, will you officiate?

[Greg is about to cry.]

[ Oh, wow, Steve is certainly not anticipating this, but the magic seems to be really selling the bit. And in that case, Steve is not complaining a lick about being in a dress. ]

Oh, yes. Greg, we need an officiant. But what do you think? Green's really her color, isn't it?

[ He tries to do his best adoring look as he clasps his hands around one of hers, and that seems to be the last straw as Greg starts bursting into tears and... melting into the ground? Steve is trying really hard to hold it together. ]

[As soon as Greg’s firmly out of sight, Loki bursts out laughing, lets go of Steve’s hand, and immediately goes searching through the loot.

If Loki herself isn’t immediately recognizable, the scepter she pulls out is. It’s a 1:1 replica of her counterpart’s, after all. She looks it over, seemingly disappointed.]

A simple encounter AND the drop is our own stuff? Who’s GMing this?

[ Uh. Yeah, well, that kinda makes it obvious, doesn't it? ]

A fox. You didn't get the memo?

[ He goes to retrieve things that are his, but he has to pick up his skirts to do it. ]

Thanks, by the way. You could've left me to fend for myself. Why didn't you?

[ He's not exactly used to Lokis doing him any favors. Not that he's complaining, again, but he's having a moment. ]

[ PS, because I had to ]

Sometimes I say witty things that don’t require an answer.

[She shoots back with a pout, then moves her scepter to over her shoulders, leaning back on it.]

Likewise, am I not allowed to be kind every once in a while? I thought it’d be fun. And it was!

I'm still trying to figure out if you're from the future, the past, or a different universe than me.

And if you knew about the last time a Loki played with that scepter around me, you'd understand why I'm a little nervous.

[ She's definitely showing it off. ]

I do owe you one, though.

Different universe, I’m afraid. Or there’s a future I haven’t accounted for.

[She’s not showing it off! Thanos who? After all,]

I just got this thing, y’know. But I suppose it’s fine if there’s some brand synergy with my other selves. Who are you supposed to be anyhow? There’s far too many handsome blondes in our line of work for me to narrow it down so easily.

[ He narrows his eyes just a little bit. ]

You're not working with an army of chitauri?

[ Way to give her ideas, Steve. On the bright side, he's definitely not showing her how it works. ]

I'm Steve Rogers. Used to be Captain America. It's alright if we've never met, that might be better.

[ He is starting to be a little sorry, she doesn't seem quite as awful and petulant as his Loki... ]

No? Should I be?

[That's Earth-19999 if she remembers correctly.]

We've met. I'm usually the reason your little gang gets started in most universes. Presumably in yours as well then?

Yes.

Guess I should thank you for the Avengers.

[ At least. ]

Sorry, do we usually get off on the wrong foot?

You're welcome!

[said with a cheery grin that probably doesn't match all the events that've caused the Avengers to form over and over again.]

Mm, tends to be my fault given the whole "villain" thing.

[ Again, that's why he hadn't thought that Loki would save him from anything. ]

So, um. Sorry to ask you another favor, but.

Could I have my clothes back?

[ Not that this isn't a nice ballgown, but. Not really his style. ]

Hm? Oh right. You pull it off so well I nearly forgot. Except you'd rather pull it off literally apparently.

[Boring! And ungrateful! She turns away from him and the dress dissolves back into his regular clothes. When Loki faces him again, he's shifted to a male form. Rather hypocritically, he's abandoned the suit as well and is back to his typical scruffy look.]

While we're on the topic, is my brother here?

Haven't seen any of him, but he could show up.

[ Yep, Steve's feeling a lot better now that he's not wearing a ballgown. Those things are seriously restrictive. ]

You miss him? Me too. He left Earth a couple years ago. I haven't seen him since.

"Miss" isn't quite the right word for it.

[He frowns, remembering their last interaction.]

Still, I wouldn't worry about him. He always comes back to Midgard, even if it takes a couple of centuries.

Yeah, well. I don't have centuries.

[ But then he perks up. ]

You wanna talk about it, or?

Don't you?

[He's seen some of King Loki's memories. When humanity destroys itself, and Thor decides to give them a second chance, the first man will be named "Steve". It's not hard to guess his namesake.]

Eh, I wouldn't want to bore you. None of it would make sense, given the differences in our universes.

It wouldn't bore me.

[ He shrugs. ]

But you don't have to talk about it if you don't want.

And I don't know what happens to your Steve Rogers, but I got some pretty bad news and I'm thinking I'm not gonna make it another ten years, so. No, I don't.

[He gasps, though the concern is very clearly put on.]

I’m devastated! Or I would be if our stories ever wrapped up as neatly as that. I mean, I wouldn’t be in that case either, but you get the sentiment regardless.

And if I must, [Steve just said he didn’t have to?] Thor and I had a one-sided fight to the near death that ended in him declaring to all of Asgard I wasn’t even worth speaking to because I metaphorically killed the representation of my younger self and innocence who had taken the place of evil bad guy Loki after he kicked the bucket in the Siege of Asgard. I went through another ego death and then the world sorta ended so we had no time to catch up and make amends. Last I saw him he was attending our father’s funeral with my future self so I assume we patch things up eventually, but no way of confirming that as I was merely projecting my consciousness and not a full player in that story.

Normal brother stuff, basically.

[ He nods. ]

Normal for you two, anyway.

[ Yeah, he sees why Thor was upset about Loki killing Loki and superseding him - even if it were in the same universe, he imagines that if he just went back in time and killed himself, he wouldn't get a warm welcome from his fellow Avengers. What was Loki thinking with that one? ]

You know whatever you do, he's always going to love you, right? It's Thor.

[ He doesn't even know why he's trying to console a Loki but hey, he does feel a little gratitude. ]

[Loki rolls his eyes. He's already moved past that whole thing which is the only reason he chose to share it. That, and he wanted to confuse Steve, but clearly that didn't go as planned.]

You should be telling yourself that, if you're so worried over my brother's non-Midgardian exploits.

[He swings the scepter back around, aiming it at the other.]

Remind me, how should I be using this?

[ No, sorry Loki, you'll find that Steve is stubborn and annoying. ]

Didn't mean it as a slei-- hey!

[ He slides back and reaches up to block the staff. ]

Knock it off, Loki.

What? You're not really scared, are you?

[The trickster grins, clearly amused. It's just a repurposed version of Freyja's staff, calm down.]

And here I thought you owed me one... not a smart thing to say to someone like me.

Yeah, and don't I know it.

You still gotta be reasonable.

[ Which is not something he should expect from Loki, but gosh darn if he doesn't at least make an attempt. ]

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