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

[dissonyance]

[ if there's anything that makes leaks feel good... it's this. he'd be lying if he said he wasn't smiling beneath the mask, observing konoe for a few moments before having to deal with his own share of the bugs. them recognizing leaks as the source of that magic has them buzzing angrily, a sound that makes his head ache.

but not to the point where he'll let those talons make quick work of him.

surprisingly, he's not as quick as konoe when it comes to eliminating the odd bug-like creatures. it's that leaks is more deliberate in wielding his fire. efficient. or, it's because he continues to watch the other cat to make sure he doesn't have to multitask.

not to protect konoe, but to defend himself from a possible sword. ]

[kuim]

[He'd considered it, going for Leaks directly after his share of the bugs have been dispatched, but Konoe has questions. So he waits, a little impatiently, as the last of the cicadas are taken care of and smouldering.]

Did you have something to do with this?

[He means this strange world in general and not the bugs, but any thought to clarification or specificity is lost at the moment; the question hissed lowly in an accusatory manner.]

[dissonyance]

[ he scoffs, folding his arms across his chest. if anything leaks has as many question as konoe does. none of his books, lost to the fire what feels like a lifetime ago, mention any kind of magic like this. he felt obligated to follow this fox from one of the last waking moments of his life. the world was already fading around him. light touching darkness. music in his ears. ]

No. [ a curt response as he lifts his head. ] This is a world too whimsical to be of my own volition.

[ and then leaks sighs, a gentle 'hou'. ]

And I would not have armed you.

[kuim]

[Looking over at the cicada carcasses, 'whimsical' seems like such an out of place word. The second comment registers and Konoe gets a little flustered, huffing as his tail lashes once.]

No.

[No, it made no sense to give him a weapon if it were his doing, or any of this.]

I don't understand. What's the point of this?

[They're more questions for himself than Leaks, as he has yet to shake those self-pitying feelings of why things keep happening to him. He's nobody special.]

[dissonyance]

[ his tail stays still as it lurks underneath those robes, barely peeking out of the bottom as he moves. taking a measured step towards konoe, he wonders what kind of reaction he'll continue to garner if he answers those questions, even if they're not for him. ]

Perhaps this world believes you have some kind of value. That you are worth something.

[ leaks adjusts his mask, secures his braid tighter around his neck. ]

Amusing, is it not?

[kuim]

[Leak's calm annoys him, and Konoe wants to grab that braid and pull violently. His fingers tighten around the hilt of his sword and he lifts it slowly, warningly.]

No, it's not!

[A low growling in the back of his throat rises up.]

It's not amusing, it's manipulative. I don't want to be used, for any purpose.

[Even if he's 'valued'.]

[dissonyance]

No one does.

[ because in a sense, leaks is in the same boat. the manipulator being manipulated. does he absolutely hate it? yes. does he have to vocalize it? ]

Either way, it is unfortunate. Whether you like it or not, this was not a decision that either of us had any say in.

[ another step. ]

Or would you rather spend your time and energy fighting something you do not know is worth fighting against?

[kuim]

[His ears flatten a little more with that one step; his fingers itch to just shove his sword into Leak's chest. But... Leaks has no control over this world, this reality. He didn't choose to be here, and if he could leave, he would have. If Konoe even tried anything, would it matter? Isn't that other version of himself left behind the one continuing on with whatever 'destiny' he'd had back there in Sisa? He doesn't know what to do and it irritates him.]

What are you saying... that I should just...

[Wait?]

... have more information.

[dissonyance]

[ this cat has no reason to trust this magician, and yet the only logical path that he can take is the one that leaks must go down as well. he can feel the growing desire of konoe to hoist that weapon and make quick work of him. he anticipates it. and maybe a part of him would like nothing more than for konoe to just... remove him from this world. free him from this place, where he has no control.

leaks nods once. ]

Someone wise would do that. Until then, it makes more sense to figure out more about the surroundings.

[ not that he's in the business of giving konoe's advice. not that he should be doing it. ]

But answer me this: am I a threat to you here?

[kuim]

[Somewhere in those is words in an insult, and Konoe growls quietly as he lowers his sword. His eyes remain on Leaks, watching every move.]

Probably.

[But he hasn't done anything yet.]

[dissonyance]

[ a part of leaks realizes that konoe has mentioned nothing about him wearing his mask. of why he might be concealing his identity when he should know who he looks like--- and this nudges a general fascination and a curiosity that is growing within him. ]

Disliking me will not change our circumstances.

[ a buzzing makes one of his ears flick in that direction, and he softly hums. ]

We should consider... leaving this area. Will you follow me, or would you rather lead?

[ one of them would have to have their back to other. the ultimate trust exercise. ]

[kuim]

[He'd rather they go separate ways; a fleeting thought he wants to snap out loud. It would be foolish to do so, to allow Leaks out there by himself somewhere, doing who knows what. The buzzing is getting louder, and there isn't much time for indecisiveness about it all.]

You go first.

[Konoe refuses to phrase it as "I'll follow you." He points almost angrily in a random direction for emphasis.]

[dissonyance]

[ leaks simply nods. he has no reason to say anything else--- he also doesn't care about what effect his words may have. they could inflame konoe, they could appease him... it doesn't really change what leaks wants to do.

or at least, that's what he tells himself.

the thicker the foliage, the harder it will be for those bugs to give chase, and so leaks heads towards land--- away from the water and those chests and towards trees. something familiar that he would rather be in. ]

When was the last time you saw me?

[ loud enough for konoe to hear with those ears, but hopefully soft enough to not alert the insects. ]

[kuim]

[The question throws him for a moment; wouldn't Leaks know that? Did he mean it in some other way?]

In... the Field of Four Colours. Why?

[The last part is tinged with suspicion as Konoe wonders if he's missing something.]

[dissonyance]

[ there aren't many things that catch leaks by surprise. even his downfall at the hands of his very same cat... it was inevitable. much like all things.

so for him to stop, even for a second. ears swiveling with his turn, his tail immediately going stiff? ]

It is nothing.

[ a lie as they continue to move, weaving through trees. ]

[kuim]

[It's only because he's paying close attention to the other cat does he really register and think about such a physical response. Konoe might have dismissed it as Leaks noticing something or hearing something he hadn't, but then he speaks.]

Hn. If it's nothing, why did you ask?

[Konoe will admit to himself he doesn't actually know Leaks as a person, but somehow it doesn't strike him that the magician would say unnecessary things to make conversation, like anyone else might. No, there was a reason for it, and now Konoe feels unsettled and huffy and annoyed at having to pry.]

[dissonyance]

... to confirm we are from the same place.

[ it's the truth and a lie, and a lack of information all at once. the 'where' means little compared to the 'when' which creates context. leaks stops moving, turns on his heels, staring at konoe with a calmness he hasn't felt in forever and... ]

But it is noted that you are more observant than I originally gave you credit for.

[ the only kind of compliment he knows how to give. perhaps he may even be smiling beneath that mask of his. ]

[kuim]

[His fur bristles at that slight positive acknowledgement, made more unnerving by that lifeless mask turned towards him. It's on the tip of his tongue to demand Leaks remove it, but dread fills the pit of his stomach for reasons unknown and he keeps that thought to himself.]

Where else would I be from?

[A rhetorical question, but he needs to have some sort of response and not let he last word be Leaks's assessment of him. He doesn't feel any more comfortable the longer they walk through the forest, but that wouldn't let up even if he'd gone his own way.]

[dissonyance]

Perhaps you are some illusion. A trick of something from home that would give me pause. It is better to confirm those things now rather than later...

[ before he trusts konoe. or even remotely cares about him, because that has gone very well for those who he pays attention to. ]

... if and when things go sour. Would you disagree? The unknown can be far more dangerous than the known.

[kuim]

[Yes, that would... make sense. Konoe feels like an idiot for not considering it from that perspective.]

I'd know if I was an illusion.

[It's a stupid thing to say, and grumbled because he does agree with everything Leaks says.]

[dissonyance]

I am sure you would.

[ sorry, but leaks has his doubts on that one. while the buzzing persists, leaks has no reason to believe they're in any more danger which allows him to stop and turn, to address the other ribika without rushing. ]

And I am sure you would like me to be one. Not real.

[ or does he? ]

[kuim]

If you're real, you're not in my head.

[Which is better, in his opinion. If this is all an illusion, what would that say about Konoe's thoughts and what he's fixated on?]

But... it's not like we can know either way.

[Unless some of Leaks's magic lends itself to that kind of thing.]