September 2022 Test Drive Meme

[folkie]

SEPTEMBER 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]

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!

Comments

[descender]

He'd probably share with you, so that works. [Just a quick thought about Mondstadt and his friends there makes them wonder how they are doing. He hopes they are doing all right. He wonders if he will be able to go back. It's strange, he's never wanted to return to a world he's traveled to like this. It was more to see or do something again, a fleeting urge. Yet with Teyvat, he has a grown a great attachment to it.] Are other familiars wolves too? Or does it change? [He's seen a few other with animal features, but he thought they were costumes or outfits as a part of this festival. Or technically, it could be both since not everyone is a familiar based on Kaeya's previous words.]

It could be something different entirely. [Sometimes there are just powerful beings that are not gods. He doesn't want to elaborate on that more now, but he'll tuck it away for now.] Have you and Master Diluc been adjusting to this place all right? This is your first time visiting another world. [He doesn't even remember the first new world he traveled to that well. It's been so long, but he remembers fear, excitement, tears, and his sister smiling.]

[shadowsincryo]

[Kaeya’s grin fades to a small genuine smile. Maybe the first he’s had on his face in public around his world traveling friend. Hard to say. It occurs to him as he turns his thoughts to Diluc that he has been happy of late.

He relaxes,] Diluc and I have been fine. It was strange at first but, it has become comfortable despite all the strange things.

If you don’t run into him yourself you’re always welcome to drop by our home. I’ll make sure you have a map and directions to it before the party is over.

[He pats his pockets. His copy of a map is somewhere on him. He is sure he tucked it behind a grocery list from the other day…] Now, to answer your question - familiars can come in all sorts. Birds, canines, felines. Anything animal related. We can be what our additional traits suggest or something else.

Over time we grow in power and can take more than one shape. I don’t think our hair color always matches fur or feathers or scales. But, that’s how it is for me. You’ll never mistake me for anyone else.

[descender]

[He's someone who's has experience reading body language, especially as someone who has traveled to places and not understood a single word and having to figure things out and communicate. So when he sees Kaeya, he can tell something has transpired. Something good which genuinely makes him happy. He doesn't know everything that has transpired between the two, but seeing they are at least working towards something keeps him hope when it comes to his sister.] So I take it things have gotten better between the two of you? And I'd like that.

[So it seems this world shares animals similar to Teyvat and even other worlds he's been to. He wonders if the animals are different here, just like that fox. Could that fox be a shapeshifter? Yae Miko is one and also a fox. There's a lot to find out and think about, and he doesn't want that to bog down his reunion with Kaeya.] I know I'd never you mistake you for anyone else even with the new additions or if you take another form, especially with that eyepatch.

[shadowsincryo]

[He flicks one ear. His eyepatch has been a defining feature. And the patterns of silver white stars in his fur that are on every form he takes will likely help identify him.

Kaeya crosses his arms over his chest but that relaxed air and small smile hasn’t abated in the slightest. Private as he and Diluc are about their personal matters, Aether is a friend.] Good, we have guest bedrooms if you’d ever like to stay the night. And yes, things are much better between us. Better than they have ever been.

You might even seen Diluc crack a smile or two. Anyway, feel free to ask me all the questions you’ve got. I’ll answer what I can.

[descender]

[He isn't going to pry to much, but it inspirational. While the situations are different, people working things out and becoming stronger is good to see. This is especially true since it involves some of the first friends he made in Teyvat. If Paimon were here, she'd press more details, but since it's just Aether, he can read the situation well enough.]

Thanks, Kaeya. I'll keep the offer in mind. [It seems like the wo of them are pretty well settled here. That'll help him adjust to be around someone familiar.] And seeing him smile? And when you're around? I believe you, but my I'll have to see it, too. [He teases a little back. At least coming to another world has benefited those two in such a way.]

People from other worlds beside Teyvat are here, aren't they? [He's all but confirmed this himself, but confirmation from Kaeya would cement it. Could this be some sort of nexus world? He's not the science and research type - save that for Albedo and Tighnari, but his experiences have taught him several things.]

[shadowsincryo]

[Kaeya nods. A flicker of approval comes and goes in his expression. It’s a good question to ask. Hardly surprising given Aether is more experienced in world traveling.] Yes, they are. I’ve even met someone who came from their world to another and then to this one.

None of us are native to this world’s many strange wonders. [That much is true. They’re all star children, special because they came from their own worlds.]

[descender]

[Aether's face looks more serious as he hears confirmation about this being a place where many others have come from other worlds. He's not overly worried about it, but it is a concerning thing. Bringing outsiders must have a purpose as it can be extremely disruptive to a world. That's why he keeps it private, but since it's such a common fact here, he wonders about the local populace too. Maybe this is just a world created by that one Fox/god. There are stories about such a thing, a god from another world creating their own realm.]

Usually it's startling to locals when people come from other worlds. [Yet no one has seemed to care or be wary of newcomers. In fact, it seems they are quite welcoming. He knows he doesn't blend in. Even with Kaeya's new wolf like additions, he probably would stand out in some way.] Everyone has been friendly so far. [He looks around, seeing how many of the people are enjoying themselves here.] This festival, do you know what it's celebrating? Unless everyone dresses like this normally here.

[shadowsincryo]

The harvest. It’s no weinlesefest, but it is quite festive. The cider isn’t bad either.

As for the locals, they seem as relaxed about us star children as the Fox themself. [He shrugs and stretches one arm over his head. There are some delicious smells coming from the fires specifically for cooking. He bites back a wolf whine.]

I think we should get some snacks and keep talking. Those meat skewers they’re giving a char to are almost done. [He taps the side of his nose with a slight grin on his face. Wolf senses.]

[descender]

[He has noticed the trees looking similar to what he's seen as other worlds as fall. So it makes sense that there is some sort of harvest celebration. It's a shame the two of them might be missing out on weinlesefest, especially for Kaeya and Diluc.] It might be different, but maybe you can find a way to celebrate weinlesefest here.

[Hearing the locals and the Fox seem used to such a thing, this could go many ways. It's another thing to note but not be concerned about just yet. It's very possible world traveling is easier or more accessible here. He can stay here for a bit, but he does need to get back.

At the mention of food, he's no Paimon, but Aether perks up. He's trying to remember what he's been told about currency. He takes out the spoon given to him; he's not sure how much money he has, but he's hoping it's enough to at least buy something. He rather not have this world's version of a satisfying salad.] I'd like that. This world uses this spoon to pay for things, right? I should have enough for some snacks, especially since Paimon isn't here with me. [There's just a tinge of sadness at the end there. He's looked for her but hasn't found her, and it's so strange to be without his consistent traveling companion. He hopes that she's all right. If she's in Teyvat by herself, he knows he has plenty of friends that can watch over her. If she's here, he knows they'll find each other eventually. For now, at least he knows of Kaeya and Diluc.]

[shadowsincryo]

I haven’t seen her. And don’t worry, I can help pay for things. [His tail wags like any happy canine as he takes out his own spoon. He twirls it in his fingers.] I’ve been here a while.

As for Weinlesefest, I have been thinking of ways we could celebrate it still. Have you heard of Thousand wind wine yet?

[The vendor has some painted in barbecue sauce. Some in a marinade. There are little cards by them to say what is on them and the type of meat. His ears flick once.] Oh, marinaded in apple cider. That could be delicious.

[descender]

[He has a feeling he would have run into her by now if she were, so Kaeya telling him he hasn't seen her makes sense. He just gives a little nod to that, but then the mood shifts again as Kaeya offers to pay for him. Paimon might be rubbing off on him, just a little, but at least he's better with his manners.] I'll make it up to you next time we're at a festival. [By then he'll be able to have currency or they'd be back in Teyvat together.]

I don't think so, but maybe Venti has mentioned it before. [But he's always up for learning about such things.] But I'd like to help out it anyway I can.

[As to what to pick, Aether looks at the different kinds. Even in different worlds, grilled meats always smell amazing.] There's so many options. I wonder if they have a local specialty. [He looks around to see what others are getting or have gotten, all of them different.] Why don't you pick for the both of us? The fate of my stomach will be in your hands.

[shadowsincryo]

[Kaeya looks to the meat skewers on their racks. His eyes scan over the cards. What would he recommend for his friend? He sniffs again, debating.

Then he points to the vendor and accepts two still steaming meat skewers that had been marinaded in apple cider. He offers one to Aether.] Thousand wind wine is the original dandelion wine. Here. I think we should enjoy the harvest as much as we can.

[He takes a bite and his wolf teeth make it easier than it was back home. He has gotten used to that. He makes a small happy sound and swallows. It’s nice and isn’t too sweet.]

Now, thousand wind wine. It is made depending on what people want to add to it. The brewing process seals memories of the moment inside.

[descender]

Thanks. [He takes the skewer of meat being offered to him. He gives it a look over, not out of caution but more like to study it. Since he's gotten quite good at cooking, he wonders if it's something he can replicate if him and Kaeya end up liking it.] And enjoying the harvest means eating, drinking, and spending time with friends. That's not so different from Mondstadt.

[He blows on the skewer a little, feeing the heat from it. The mixture of slight tart and subtle sweetness is a nice combination. The glaze is also a very nice touch. It seems with every new place he goes, he learns something new about cooking. He finishes his bite before speaking again.] So it's a unique sort of wine each time. No wonder it's a memorable experience. [He can almost hear Venti in his head saying something about freedom and the special taste of this wine.]

[shadowsincryo]

That’s why it isn’t marketable. The results aren’t consistent. [He says with a wave of the skewer. He takes another bite and his tail wags a few times. It has ceased to be embarrassing how it gives him away.]

You can hear the voices of the past when you open it in later years. It’s a nice way to remember good times and our loved ones.

[His ears lower a bit before he rights them. A thoughtful look comes over him as he rubs his chin thoughtfully.] Between us we could make some incredible wine. How did that song go again? Hm. It’s been a while since I heard it…

[descender]

That's probably why I don't think I've seen it sold. [From his recollection at least. He's bought several drinks for friends and made some himself, but not something like this.] Then it made with friends and family... [He lets that sink in a little. It's a flicker of a thought of making wine with his sister, but then it goes to making wine with his friends.]

I can help get some ingredients. This is a new world, so there's a lot of different ingredients from what you know. [He'll just have to make sure they're safe, but he'll cross that bridge when he gets there.] I'll pick a variety then we can all decide later. If we have enough, maybe we can make several different versions.