folkooc | October 2022 Test Drive Meme

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*tdm

October 2022 Test Drive Meme

OCTOBER 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]

SHINING

Content Warnings: Possible insanity via freezing. Temporary nullification of abilities.

COLD AS YOU

You were falling...

The world snaps into place all at once; you are laying on the ground, surrounded on all sides by towering bushes that stretch up towards a beautiful sunset sky. The bushes were clearly flowered at one point, but now the flowers have died and all that remains are browning leaves that are beginning to fall. On the chill air you can sometimes hear the sound of music, too faint to completely determine.

As you stand, you are filled with an intense desire to find someone. You might have an idea of who, but chances are you do not - you just know that somewhere ahead of you is someone that you need to reach. Whether they are friend or lover or enemy remains to be seen.

You wander the maze. If you're the impatient type and you have the ability, you might try to fly out but you will simply be vaulted right back down if you do. Something clearly expects you to play by rules which were never actually explained. As you move through the twisting passages of nature, you will notice that there is a frost creeping along the branches on either side of you. This frost brings a deep chill with it, and it encourages you to move faster, to find that nameless person now now now! If you take a very long time to wander the maze you may very well be on the verge of freezing and half mad with the desire to find someone. If you try to force your way through the bushes, the frost will crawl over your limbs and inspire both the freezing and near madness at once.

When you find your Person, the cold evaporates. The air suddenly feels merely crisp, and the leaves on the bushes seem more vibrant. The two of you now can focus on finding the way out - so much easier now - but any sense of urgency will have passed and you may just walk for hours, talking and sharing things about yourselves.

It is possible to solve the maze alone, but it is much easier (and more pleasant!) with someone else.

KEEP YOUR BRITTLE HEART WARM

When you exit the hedge maze you will find a stunning display of lights: hundreds of candles and lanterns decorate the ground and hang from trees, illuminating a clear path over a gently sloping hill. When you crest the hill you can look down and see a beautiful hot spring sprawled out below. It too is lit up by hundreds of lights, all of them glowing under the late autumn sky as it darkens towards night. There are changing rooms where you can stash your clothes (yes, there are bathing suits for the very shy) and bathing stations to ensure that you are clean before entering.

The water of the springs soothes madness and heals physical injuries or any frostbite that may have been sustained in the maze. It also relaxes you, making you perhaps more likely to open up to anybody else present.

The hot spring is staffed by many mice. They don't speak, but they squeak to one another in such a way that it sounds like they are singing - high lilting chants that seem to promise that everything will be okay. They are happy enough to band together to bring you towels or hot tea. The spring is open 24/7, always with lights to fight the cold and darkness of winter.

HIGH STRANGENESS

Content Warnings: Monster sighting, optional violence.

GLITCH

Folkmore has trains and of course the cat bus, but it also has roads, mostly utilized by horses and bicycles. Maybe you're looking for the convivence store, or maybe you just like walking. However it happens, you find yourself on a lonely road at dusk. It is unusually quiet, almost as if the world is holding its breath.

Suddenly you hear the sound of wings. A man-sized creature soars above you, something with huge red glowing eyes. It drops something at your feet: a walkie-talkie. The creature lands some distance away, staring at you, and a thought arises unbidden in your mind:

Help them.

The walkie crackles and you can hear someone speaking, asking if anyone is there. It is another Star Child, brought into this trial as well. They are in danger somewhere nearby; maybe stuck on the edge of a cliff, or trapped on a rope bridge - whatever it is, they need someone else to help them get to safety. If they have any powers, they have been temporarily nullified, but if the rescuer has powers they remain intact. That's where you come in! Using the walkie you must communicate with one another so that the rescuer can reach the person in trouble in time!

But what if you don't make it in time? Or decide that you're not the hero type? Well. The rescue-ee will suffer a terrible fate... for a few seconds. Then the entire world fuzzes and resets, but this time the roles have been reversed. Both parties will remember what has already happened, so if you just ran off into the woods with no intent of helping the first time you miiiight get your just desserts! This process will repeat over and over, people switching sides every time, until someone is finally rescued or the sun rises. Whichever comes first!

If you do succeed at a rescue, you will hear the rustle of huge wings once more. This time you don't see the mysterious creature, but you will find a mystery trunk. Inside you will each find some of your canon clothes and a canon item. Looks like teamwork is rewarded! Nearby, there will also be some unenchanted weapons sticking out of the ground: basic swords, guns, shields, etc.

BAD OMEN

You don't necessarily have to have completed the rescue trial to get some goodies, though! Those aforementioned weapons are scattered all over Folkmore. But if you just go to grab any of them you'd better be prepared to fight; after all, nothing comes for free!

As soon as you have pulled a weapon out of the ground, a tall, man in a black suit and hat will appear from seemingly nowhere and attack you. He has no weapons but he is extremely strong. He's also just really creepy - his face looks like it might be fake, somehow. The only way he can be killed is with a wound to the heart - any other supposedly mortal injury will result in another man in black appearing. It is possible for someone with no combat training to beat these creatures, but they really might appreciate a little help from someone with more experience!

The good news is that they won't mess up your clothes any, as none of these creatures bleed. Because that is totally normal.

Good luck!

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

Then that shall be more than a modest improvement!

[The opportunity of a proper bed and roof over his head is certainly alluring relative to sleeping out under the stars as was the only option really afforded to him back on the Continent.]

My travel companion was quite generous in giving away his day's earnings to those who needed it, but you see, we arguably needed it just as well. So, that left us without a place to sleep for the night.

Sounds like an amiable gentleman.

[Oh, poor, sweet Airy. But in her defense, she's basing this analysis solely off the notion of someone giving away his coin to the poor.

She folds her hands behind her back, her hips and her braid swishing behind her.]

Sleeping outside isn't so bad though. There are just tricks to it.

I never slept inside, until I was nearly ten.

[And she immediately regrets saying that. She's been testing being open about who and what she is but...it's still a bit awkward. Especially with people she's only just met.]

Really?

[Just when Jaskier thinks she can't possibly get more interesting, she seems to find a way. She claims to not be a lady, and yet, she clearly understands all manner of things pertaining to court life that only those allowed to participate would be given. She also holds quite the high position as well, but claims no birthright to it. It's mere talent in languages while also holding quite the education in music as well.]

[And yet she slept beneath the stars for nearly all her childhood. Jaskier can think of no reason why anyone would do that by choice except in the absence of choice.]

Even when it snowed or rained terribly? You never once slept indoors?

[Well, if she's going to be honest...

At least she can start small.]

It never snowed in Deleo. It was nearly tropical, actually. A rain forest. Always warm.

It did rain quite a bit. But it's easy enough to craft a canopy out of leaves. Or, if it got too bad, to find a cave to wait it out.

[Some might let it drop there out of politeness, but while Jaskier never goes out of his way to be necessarily rude or insensitive, politeness really doesn't cross his mind before anything else. He finds it absolutely perplexing that anyone would opt to sleep outside when there appears to be plenty of resources at their disposal. He doesn't hesitate to start asking those questions.]

Then why not build a shelter of some sort? If you're in a forest, there would be plenty of lumber to construct something. Or you could make something cozy out of a cave, I suppose.

[The cave seems a bit glum though, if you ask Jaskier.]

[Because building a structure would draw attention. Because building a structure would operate against vigilance. And because building a structure would make them seem too much like Humans, a species Ariadne's mother couldn't tolerate.

She can't say any of this. Well. She can. She's even tried, once or twice.

But is it really good manners to just come out and say that you're not what you appear to be?]

My parents both grew up as nomads. I suppose they wanted to raise us in the same tradition.

[Much as she had taken so many of Jaskier's earlier questions at face value, Jaskier takes this answer at face value as well. And it really only serves to spark more questions from Jaskier as he perks up.]

Really? Can't say that I've ever met a nomad before. Well. Geralt notwithstanding. But then again, I'm not sure he really counts. Witchers are supposed to have their schools and whatnot if the rumors are true. [He waves a hand suddenly, dismissing any further thought or talk of Geralt because he's not here and she is.] How strange it must have been to find yourself at court then and no longer moving about! Tell me—and be honest, I will absolutely know if you're lying—do you miss it? Being outside and sleeping beneath the stars? Or what about all the traveling and places you must have seen? Do you find it terribly depressing to be kept to one place? Or now that you've experienced the opposite, would you be unable to ever return to that life?

[A couple of questions pile up at the mention of "Geralt," but Jaskier dismisses the topic quite abruptly.

She'll have to keep the name in mind.]

Of course, I miss it sometimes.

[There's no reason to lie about that. Not really. Except to hide what she is...]

But I think I've been a little spoiled. I like having a bed. And I really like all the marvelous things that can come out of a palace kitchen.

[She giggles.]

When I first moved to the palace with Aunt Lysia, I used to spend hours watching the cooks work. Eventually, they banned me from the kitchen.

...that fire was only partly my fault, though. And it was a small fire!

[Enamored is probably not what Jaskier should exactly feel at the sound of her giggle, but in typical Jaskier fashion, he's not limited to mere endearment. Not when it comes coupled with the prospect of a story so soon after. Besides, it's always wonderful to hear when others are willing to indulge themselves and it sounds like she isn't at all ashamed to admit there are some things she couldn't easily give up now that she's known them for herself.]

Oh, you can't say that you partly started a fire and leave it that. Go on. Tell me what happened and I'll be the judge if you've more than just part of the fault.

[Ariadne shrugs. Despite her many flaws, she's quite capable of laughing at herself. A good thing too, considering how often she seems to misuse language. At least, according to the other inhabitants of this strange place.

Idioms are indeed her weakness. And she's still waiting for someone to explain the terribly confusing origins of the word 'horney' that Ethan taught her, before promptly disappearing.]

There isn't much to say. I watched the cooks bake bread and I thought it looked easy enough. I thought I would try doing it myself.

...it turns out...it's not so easy.

[By no means could Jaskier be ever considered remotely skilled when it comes to the culinary arts. He's spent his entire life dependent upon the talents of others to fill his belly each day and night. Still, he cannot help the bubble of disbelieving laughter that comes after her admission. While Jaskier could understand perhaps making something not altogether that edible—simple as bread seems on its surface, Jaskier knows well enough that it's not quite as straightforward—but managing to set fire in the kitchen over bread? Jaskier would like to think one would notice before it got to that point.]

I'm sorry, you managed to set bread aflame? Just what did you do?

[She has the good sense and grace to laugh right along with him. It is pretty ridiculous, after all. And since no one was hurt, her guilt isn't as extreme as it might otherwise be.

Still, she can only shake her head.]

I have absolutely no idea! All I know is I was banished from the kitchens that day.

And I haven't used my own kitchen yet!

Ah, so a self-imposed banishment, is it? [he says with another laugh.] Perhaps for the best we not lift it though until someone can teach you properly. I would volunteer my services out of gratitude for helping us find our way out of this place, but I'm afraid I'd be of little help. Not exactly setting bread on fire, but I could never make a promise it'd be edible.

[Although Jaskier probably wouldn't hesitate to be the guinea pig. Even if it's terrible, free food is still free food.]

Fortunately, there's plenty of food available in these parts.

[Which has been a delightful adjustment for her to make.]

Plenty of inns and taverns and what they call "restaurants." With some truly elaborate options.

[She really does love this place. And lets out a contented little sigh to express it.]

[Jaskier noticeably perks up once more at the mention of inns and taverns. He might not have an instrument at present—and he certainly has not idea how long it will take to acquire one—but that does little to dampen his desire to perform.]

Interesting, interesting! And the, um, the entertainment options? How are those?

Well...

[She glances around at the maze, her mouth pulling to one side. It isn't exactly entertainment.

On the other hand, she's not bored.]

There are festivals. Quite often, actually. And we're often put through "trials" by Thirteen. Sometimes they're fun. Other times...

[A small gesture around.]

[He crinkles his nose.]

I suppose these..."trials" are meant to part of that whole finding one's true potential... thing, yes?

[It's likely obvious by his tone that he doesn't exactly find the word trials to be apt to this particular situation. It feels more like an inconvenience than a trial. Not that he's eager for a proper trial. Jaskier has already been through his exams and he would like to imagine formal examination is somewhat behind him now that he's graduated university. But when compared to a test of his knowledge or ability, this doesn't particularly feel as though it's accomplishing any of that and he lacks a proper alternative at present.]

[She nods, far less disgusted by the whole thing. Mostly because she's been lucky. So far, she's escaped all of the trials not only unharmed, but even better for it.

Not everyone is as lucky. Ariadne's beginning to understand that part. But still in an abstract sort of way.]

The part I haven't quite figured out yet is the way that Thirteen likes to sort us. It's a bit strange.

I'm sorry... Sort us?

[Jaskier cocks his head to one side curiously.]

[She nods again, clasping her hands behind her back.]

Yes. Apparently, there are three groups: Legends, Myths, and Familiars.

[It's hard not to shudder at the word 'familiar,' but apparently, it's different here from back home. Thank the gods.

Or thank Thirteen, rather.]

I'm not quite sure how it works, but the group you're in manifests itself in your body, after a while.

[Jaskier nods a little as he listening to her explain, only perhaps a moment away from asking more about what all that is supposed to mean. After all, it's not as though he's unfamiliar with the terms themselves, but he's certain they must mean something different here in this place. But then she throws him for yet another loop and he looks at her abruptly with plain confusion.]

In my what?

[No? No, thank you?]

[Her expression is entirely sympathetic.]

I know, I know, it sounds a little scary. But it's not...not so bad.

[For her, anyway.

To demonstrate, she pauses, spreading her arms, lifting them above her head like a ballerina. And like waves of heat off of the pavement, the air around her ripples. And two glorious wings, with feathers so black that they reflect rainbows, appear on her back.]

[Jaskier's expression scrunches a little as she begins her demonstration, uncertain of where exactly this is heading. He can't help but start a little when the wings suddenly appear. He hadn't been anticipating that at all, and for a moment, Jaskier stands there somewhat agape.]

Well! [he starts, when he finally remembers how to speak.] I mean, they look lovely on you. [Jaskier means that sincerely, and he hopes she knows that despite some of the nervousness that remains in his tone. Jaskier still isn't altogether keen about anything changing about himself. He happens to quite like how he is right now without any sort of...changes.] Honestly, you must turn the heads of every person in a room even without them, but with them? No one stands a chance.

But I can't imagine the same would hold true for me.

Turn heads?

[Yeah, she has no idea what that means. But what's very clear to her is his sense of uneasiness, so she waves it off dismissively.

Daintily, she folds the wings behind her back and allows them to vanish. As if to prove that it's all right, that things can be hidden. She, of all people, knows about hiding the truth.]

It's all right, Jaskier. Not everyone changes. And not all the changes are so...dramatic.

[Her bad.]

No? [To say that Jaskier seems relieved to hear that is a bit of a stretch, but it's certainly not adding to the unease or tension.]

That's... [He nods a little as if she should know the word he's looking for here. Jaskier really doesn't want to insult her since she seems quite comfortable with her wings. Never mind that he wasn't talking out his ass. They really do look quite lovely on her. But it's a different matter when it comes to himself.] Good.

[Clearing his throat, he presses on to ask something perhaps a bit personal rather than any other questions the purpose of their bodies being changed by this place.]

I don't mean to pry, [he says as everyone who absolutely means to stick their noses where it doesn't belong always prefaces before doing as much,] but why hide them? They are gorgeous, you know. And you seem to take a lot of—and, forgive me if I'm being presumptuous in saying this, but it seems to be a comfort for you in this place and with Thirteen.

I would think you would display what she's given you with pride.

[It's not exactly accusatory. Jaskier's tone isn't harsh enough to offer that sort of criticism. It's a gentler curiosity because it really does only seem natural that Ariadne would want her wings to be on display for all to see as evidence of this being she's placed her faith and trust in if nothing else.]

October 2022 Test Drive Meme

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