folkooc | September 2022 Test Drive Meme

Entry tags:

*tdm

September 2022 Test Drive Meme

SEPTEMBER 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]

GOLD WAS THE COLOUR

Content Warnings: mood-altering substances.

What a Wonderful Harvest

It's harvest season in Folkmore. Apples, squash, potatoes, onions, peaches, sweet corn... all manner of crops are ready to be gathered, and golden fields fall willingly before the scythe. The air has a chill to it that you can mostly ignore in the sun but runs deep when you stand in the shadows.

After arrival you will find yourself out in said fields, maybe a little disoriented but not in any danger. It's peaceful.

In the farmlands you might be able to hear music floating on the wind. Follow it, or just wander by accident, and you'll find yourself coming upon what looks like some kind of costume party: people dressed up in cloth and vegetables - mostly gourds as masks - are singing and dancing around an enormous pole surmounted by the biggest Jack-O-Lantern you've ever seen.

The pumpkin people seem shy, but they won't turn you away if you wish to join their celebration - there are other Star Children like yourself here, and you might feel a little more comfortable with them. At least you can see their real faces. You can drink some apple cider and carve some pumpkins yourself if you like, or help out by husking some corn.

At some point, you will become aware of the fact that the dancers have stopped, and the object they've been dancing around has moved. The Jack-O-Lantern is looking at you.

The pumpkin king leans down, eternally smiling.

"Trick or treat?" he asks you in a deep voice. You'll have to pick one!

"TRICK."

The partygoers all watch you carefully. The lord of the harvest appears to think for a moment, then nods his massive head. One of the veggie dancers approaches you with a tray upon which are five cups of cider.

"Pick your poison," you're told, and you can only hope it's not literal!

Four of the cups of cider will have no effect whatsoever. But the fifth?

That fifth cup of cider makes you feel more social. Less reserved. Downright friendly, even. You want to talk and joke with people even if that isn't normally something you'd do. You might even join the vegetable dancers for a spin, and drag someone else along with you! Your judgment isn't quite impaired, but your inhibitions are definitely lowered. Might be a quick way to make some new friends, though!

"TREAT."

You are offered a large basket, held so that you cannot see inside. After some fumbling, you pull something out. What is it? It's an envelope. Or a cassette tape. Or a photograph. It might be the mixed tape you created for your high school crush, the poem you wrote about your broken heart, the letter you never mailed to your estranged father. It's something personal that is connected to someone from home somehow. As you hold it in your hands, you will feel an irresistible urge to explain it to the person next to you no matter how embarrassing or painful it might be. You can only hope that they aren't a colossal dick about it.

HELL WAS THE JOURNEY

Content Warnings: aggressive dogs, decapitated spectres, potential violence.

GET AHEAD

The sun sets earlier and earlier every day, but that doesn't mean there's suddenly nothing to do! The warm lights of homes all over Folkmore welcome people inside for parties. Of course, the Spirit People of Folkmore are rarely humanoid, so you may find yourself at a dance for frogs or a cocktail party for round fuzzy critters with giant eyes. Regardless of what kind of creatures you wind up partying with, they are excellent hosts!

When food has been had and drinks are flowing, someone suggests a time honoured tradition: the telling of ghost stories.

The guests take turns, spinning tales both familiar and not. One such tale is that of the Horseman and his Hounds.

This, the storyteller insists, is a true tale, and is as follows:

Folkmore is home to many Spirit People, and many other creatures besides. While most of these wish only to live their lives, there are certain powers that Thirteen leaves to their own devices, no doubt for reasons all her own. When the autumn harvests come and the leaves burn with colour and fall to the ground, the dominant spirit of lonely places is the apparition of a figure on horseback, without a head. Some versions of the story claim the horseman's head is carried before him on the pommel of his saddle, while others say instead the spirit carries a lit Jack-O-Lantern in place of it... and wishes to find a more suitable replacement. No matter the variation, the rest of the legend is the same: in autumn, on lonely roads, unlucky travelers will hear the baying of hounds. Moments later they will see the Horseman upon his stallion, and then the unholy troop will pursue the hapless travelers across hill and valley.

Some tales are told of Star Children fighting off the spectral hounds and challenging the Horseman to a fight, with varying levels of success. All are in agreement, however, that the sure method of survival is to escape over running water. Easy enough in some parts of Folkmore... less so if you happen to be caught out in the desert of Cruel Summer.

All parties must end, and this one does too, which means you now have to make your way home. Not that you're scared or anything, but maybe it's wise to walk with someone else tonight...

Not that it matters. Ultimately you and your companion will find yourself on a lonely stretch of road somewhere, and just as you've managed to convince yourselves that nothing out of the ordinary is going to happen you hear it.

The Hounds.

Turn and you'll see them, dark and sleek, and beyond them their infernal master. Atop a gleaming black stallion, the Horseman is gigantic in height and muffled in a cloak.

Whether you run or stand and fight is entirely up to you. As if to make it more of a fair fight, there are weapons hidden off the road - stumble into a ditch and you might find a rifle or a sword. The Hounds have very sharp teeth but they themselves cannot be injured - if struck they simply turn to black smoke and vanish. The Horseman cannot be killed - he has no head! - but if you fight him to a standstill he will reward you with the gift of something from your homeworld. This can be a weapon or magical item.

If you manage to cross a stream or a river, the spectres will vanish with howling and laughter.

ODDS BODKINS

You're likely to be shaken up after your encounter, so it's relief when you see that there's a bonfire lit not far past the water you've crossed. Perched all around it are a bunch of different owls, many wearing hats. They all swivel their heads to look at you before they hoot and gesture for you to come near. There, set up to one side of the bonfire, is a long low table laden with drinks in many different colours and little cakes and cookies. You always thought owls ate mice, but whooo's to say? Hoo? Get it? On another low table are supplies for patching people up in case your fight with the Horseman got a little intense! The owls don't have hands, but maybe there's a kind stranger nearby who'd be willing to help you? Or maybe you just want to talk to someone who has their head on right!

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

[Tighnari, ever quick on his feet even on unfamiliar terrain, shifts his grip to Aether's hand instead as they race along. Behind them he can hear the steps of the hounds, the hoofbeats, and in spite of himself his ears are pinned back against his head. It's more than the sounds and the appearance of these creatures - they do not smell right, either. Nor will he allow Aether to hang back and face them should they close the distance between them.]

I didn't know you were here! [He calls out while they run.] You must have just arrived.

[The forest watcher hops over a branch in their path, then grunts out a sharp sound of irritation. Why are they still following?]

These things are beginning to get on my nerves.

[Aether keeps up, focusing on their surroundings and on Tighnari as he follows him. His own experience with different creatures tells his gut this is not merely defensive behavior but aggressive. It's like they are being hunted - it's troubling. he's not going to let his thoughts become occupied by that line of thinking. He has Tighnari here and they'll figure something out.]

I didn't know you were here either. [It hasn't been that long since they've met, but during that time he's come to respect and trust him.] I wish we could've met over some of Collei's homemade pita pockets, [He also jumps over that branch, making a smooth landing as he continues to run.] but I guess that's not what's in store for us in this world.

[Aether looks briefly back, hoping enough distance is between them. It's hard to tell, so he doesn't spend much time looking back. He goes back looking forward and side to side, making sure he doesn't trip or get caught up in anything. At least some time in Sumeru has helped him deal with jungle and forest terrain better.] You're more patient than me. As soon as they started charging, that was it.

I try to figure out an animal's motivation for attacking before I decide if it's simply trying to defend itself from a threat. [Tighnari explains, a little breathlessly, while they keep moving. He can still hear the sounds of pursuit and isn't ready to give himself over to any illusions of safety just yet.]

But these brutes just want to frighten us.

[Them and the mounted figure he assumes is their master. How annoying.

There's some more running to do before the forest watcher finally pulls his companion to a halt, his long ears twisting this way and that while he breathes deeply to slow his heart rate down again.] I think... [Listening... listening...]

I think we're in the clear. At least for the moment.

[Spoken like someone who researches and studies. Aether can judge things by body language, but he's more cautious, especially in this world. It is hard to know what true intellect these beings have. Simply assuming a dog in one world is the same as dog in another world is a foolish thing to do as someone with world traveling experience. He can also sense something about them, but he can't quite describe it. It might just be a gut feeling.] They weren't attacking for food or for territory from what I could tell. [There's at least a warning for territory and for food, it's more about quickness and efficiency than a thrill.

He listens to the sounds around them after Tighnari gives the clear. He trusts him, especially since he doubts those ears are just for show. He takes a deep breathe in, exhaling out to catch his breathe a little. He got a few scratches and scrapes, mostly from running quickly than being attacked.]

I think you're right, but we should stick together for now. [Not like he's going to just go his separate ways from a familiar face so quickly in a new world anyway. ] Do you know where the closest town or city is? I was in one earlier, but I started to explore outside of it.

Mm, no.

[They were attacking at the behest of their master, it looked like, but what the horseman's motivations are Tighnari couldn't say. What matters right now is that they've both found somewhere safe for the moment, and the forest watcher will not have to strain his ears too hard to be able to hear if they're about to be beset upon again.

The question, though, has him realising that for all their running he now isn't entirely sure where they are, and the only route he can be certain of is back the way they came. He shakes his head.]

I haven't fully familiarised myself with the area yet, and even less so in the dark. [He admits, not feeling the need to confirm that they ought to stay together because it seems to entirely make sense.] But if we keep following the road we should come across civilisation at some point. I'll keep an ear out for anything.

[Not a pun, but... augh. He does have to wince slightly after he says it.]

[It would've been too easy for them to find their way back, but Aether did hold out a small bit of hope. At least he's lost with someone who has experience with adventuring. Getting lost here should be a cake walk compared to Sumeru's jungles. They shouldn't be too far from where Aether was earlier. At the most he walked a few miles, but depending on the direction they ran, it might be more or less.]

The road has to lead to somewhere important enough. [Roads are built in worlds for specific reasons, usually for trade from his experience. He looks at Tighnari's ears when it's brought up. He doubts they are just for show, so that should be helpful.] You'll probably hear something before we both see it, especially if it gets darker. [The later it gets, the darker it will get until the sun starts to rise.] Do you need a moment? I'm ready to go whenever you are.

Mm? No, I'm ready.

[He's had his moment. One can't risk standing around when enemies are about, even if they aren't currently within earshot. Though he doesn't take Aether's arm or hand again he does gently usher him back towards the path, where he falls into step beside him.

It takes more than a headless horseman and some spectral hounds to shake up Forest Watcher Tighnari.]

Regardless, I'm glad I ran into you. [Being already well aware of Aether's calm nature and capability in battle, he can think of few people he would rather have at his side at the moment.] But where's your little floating friend? Paimon?

[He nods, letting Tighnari take his hand, keeping them together as they find the path together. He's relying on other senses to guide them as the darkness has quite the grip on this area. Once they get closer to where people reside, it should be easier ans safer.

At the question about Paimon, he still has mixed feelings. He is sad he is without someone he's traveled with so long. He can easily imagine her reactions to the food, to the monsters, to finding friends from their world.]

I'm not sure if she's here, but if she is, I know we'll find each other soon enough. [If she's not here, he'll have to make do without her. He'll allow himself to feel sad a bit and miss her, but he still has plenty of important things to do here. Firstly, trying to figure out why he has been brought to such a place. The true reason, not what he has been told so easily.] Maybe I'll start looking for her tomorrow.

[Though the path seems the more sensible option, Tighnari still keeps his ears open for any sounds of approaching snarls or hoofbeats. He'll not find himself crept up on a second time, and definitely not when he has someone else he needs to keep an eye on too.]

I'm sure she'll be the first to let you know she's here if you put out some kind of public message.

[Paimon had seemed very attached to Aether after all. Tighnari smiles slightly, and he reaches up to clasp his hand around the back of the other man's shoulder.] And if not, well, you're not without friends here. There's no need for you to worry about being by yourself.

[The idea is a good one. Even if she is not here, the attempt should be made. It would not sit with him right. If she did ever show up, at least he can say he tried to find her. He'll be fine without her, that's never been the concern, but more of just a familiarity. There goes his fallback of making an emergency food joke.]

Right, I remember being told about the public network. [He briefly looked at it but hasn't gotten a chance to more recently.] I'll look for her in person, too. I can see what this place is all about and try seeing if she's here.

[Tighnari's gesture and words help pull him out of his thoughts and bring encouragement.] Thanks. I'm here for you, too. I know we both can take care of ourselves, but this is a new place.

[At they walk along the path, far off in the distance, there seems to be some lights. Maybe it's where the festival is that he was enjoying early?] Looks like we're getting closer to where there's people.

Mm, I can hear them.

[Even from so far away he can already catch fragments of conversation. It's part of the reason he's seemed so at ease for the last few minutes as they've been walking. His tail swishes idly from side to side while they journey and he barely notices that it's lightly brushing against the back of his companion's legs each time it swings in his direction.

But he's comfortable with Aether, so why would he mind?]

I don't think our friend back there is coming this close to the festivities. We should be fine from here. [He smiles, his earring swaying as his ear twitches.] Shall we get a hot drink? I think we've had enough excitement for the moment.

[Aether has been noticing the tail and how it moves. Of course there are passing thoughts about how it looks and how fluffy it is. He feels like Paimon wanting to rech out and touch it, but he has far better control of himself. Still, the thought does up, especially when he felt Tighnari's tail.]

I think I remember them selling warm drinks made with apples called cider and then there's tea place nearby. [He's open to both, and being warmed with something comforting sounds good about now.]

I should have enough of the local currency here to get something for the both of us. [Earlier, Kaeya paid. He remembers being told how social interaction earns currency. If only things were like that in Teyvat. He's be a billionaire because of how much Paimon talks and talks.]

Oh, you don't need to pay for me.

[He has his own money! Though he won't continue to protest if Aether insists. What's a drink between friends after all, and he can always repay the favour at a later date. Tighnari considers, because while he does like tea some apple cider would really hit the spot right now...]

Let's get the cider, then see where our feet take us.

[Maybe they'll end up getting tea anyway?]

Are you sure? It's the least I can do for you helping me out back there.

[He's gotten in the habit of paying for others: see Paimon and the Archons, but he also does it as a friendly gesture of gratitude too.]

Sounds like a plan. There's probably other drinks and maybe some food, too if it isn't too late.

[He's not sure when the festivities are going to end, but it still appears it's going on still going by sights and sounds. It's not as loud as before but still very present. He starts walking towards the the stalls and vendors with Tighnari, observing what's still open and available.]

[He chuckles lightly, his tail still wagging cheerfully from side to side.]

I'm sure, but if you're going to insist then I'll just be sure to be the one to pay next time.

[It seems like a fair trade to him - isn't that how it's done? What's a little back and forth of payment of food and drink here and there between friends, after all? Tighnari strides towards the vendors with Aether at his side, his ears already swivelling faintly too and fro with the noise and pleasant scents of food enticing his sensitive nose.]

But nothing spicy for me. I'm afraid I can't take it.

[He has a feeling it won't be too long until they see each other again. After all, a new world is full of things to discover and having friends is something he's come to find important. It's not just Tighnari's skills or knowledge, but his personality and reliability.]

I'll remember that. You're lucky I'm more mindful of what others buy me.

[While not as busy as before, there's still a few stragglers and those who appear to have the same idea as they do. Some of the offerings are different than earlier, most likely to match the weather and time of day.]

I know a few people like that. [He makes a mental note, remembering if he were to ever cook something for his friend.] If anything stands out to you, just let me know.

[Lucky, is he? What an interesting way to put it. Tighnari pays it little mind though as they venture closer to the food vendors and he stops idly swaying his tail to make sure he doesn't accidentally hit somebody with it.]

Oh, you do? Then I don't have to worry.

[It's owing to his highly sensitive sense of smell, which may or may not be the reasons behind spice sensitivity in the other people Aether knows... but at least he doesn't need to go any further into explaining it.]

If you see anything with mushrooms in it... [Tighnari is always down for mushroom dishes.]

Feeding Paimon isn't cheap. She may be tiny, but she's probably got an extra stomach or two.

[Yet he still adores her anyway and friendship and seeing her face light up and happy is better than mora.]

Interested in the local mushrooms already? [How very Tighnari of him. He just laughs and does scan around as they walk around. Off in the distance, he might see something.]

It's not mushrooms, but I think there is a vendor selling tea. What if we get some warm drinks first?

[Look, he really likes mushrooms.]

Mm, a warm drink sounds like just the thing after all that running about.

[More for the relaxation than the actual drink itself, but already he can smell the scent of lightly spiced wine. Maybe it would be worth the persistently lingering aftertaste to have something like that just now?

Or maybe just tea, to play it safe.]

And somewhere to take a rest. You must be worn out.

[As they approach the stall, there is a small line, but the wait shouldn't be too long. Getting warm drinks during the night might be a popular thing in this world as it is in many others. The menu shows a variety of warm drinks. Aether isn't sure which t pick, but the smell coming from vendor warms his chest. He'll stick with something that'll keep his mind clear, though.]

A friend offered me a bed for the night. [But what about Tighnari?] What about you? It's been a long day for the both of us.

Me? Oh, don't worry about me. I have a home to go to.

[Tighnari had wasted no time. Camping was all well and good in the warm forests of Sumeru but the season here is a cold one and he has no desire to be sleeping outdoors. The young man had quickly secured himself a treehouse to live in - more spacious than he needs but he can live with that - and had settled right in.]

I'll give you directions to it before we part ways. You're always welcome.

[That is a relief to hear for Aether. He has no idea what this world could have in store for them, and if Tighnari didn't have a place, he would've asked Kaeya or just found something.]

As expected from the top Forest Watcher. You've really put those skills to use ever since you've been here.

[Helping Aether out, finding a safe place to regroup, and finding the way back to town. It was much easier with Tighnari, so it's lucky he ran into him.]

And I'll give you my information, too.

[It's finally their turn to order. He looks at the menu and then picks one.]

Can I have the warm cider please? [He turns to Tighnari.] What would you like?

[He gives a modest little chuckle, then turns his attention to the drinks on offer. After a few moments of thought he gives a small, decisive nod.]

I'll have the same, please.

[They are both so polite.

And with their drinks warming their hands, Tighnari lightly ushers Aether to where they aren't standing in the way and takes a small sip with his eyes half lidded.]

Sometimes the most simple things are the best. [Like apple cider.]

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

September 2022 Test Drive Meme

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject