folkooc | October 2022 Test Drive Meme

Entry tags:

*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

[ A what? Is the first thing that popped into Jayce's head, followed by a WHAT THE FUCK!? one. He didn't voice it because he was polite enough to keep it to himself. The reason for that second thought was that once the dust created by the giant-vehicle-cat settles, instead of Manabu there's a dog next to him. A dog with the same fur color as the hair of the man he was talking to just a few seconds ago, only covered in glitter.

Everything is Super Normal. ]

I'm starting to think I'm hallucinating. [ He says it out loud and mostly to himself, but the Catbus lets out a soft yowl. On the side of its body—and that is such a weird thing to see— a door appears and opens, to let them inside. ] Oh yes, definitely a hallucination.

[ What has his life become? Maybe he fell off the cliff trying to help Manabu and this is just a surreal dream caused by his dying mind. So far is the explanation that makes the most sense. Jayce looks at the dog. ]

You are a very cute, though. Very shinny. [ He reaches down to pat the dog on the head lightly, because at least he gets to see a doggie pet before dying. ]

Edited (html damn it) 2022-11-17 22:39 (UTC)

Hey! [PATS?!?! you dare. Jayce gets one surprise pet before Manabu ducks his hand with a growl-whine.] I'm not hanging out in your hallucinations - I've been stuck here for months!

[he slinks under the hand and approaches the hairy cat-steps.]

We need to get to the nearest train station! [the bus mrrs and just grins ahead of them, blinking its big, illuminated eyes while Manabu struggles to hop up the steps.]

[ He puts his hand away as if he's been burned because, oh shit, it talks. ]

Wait, it's really you? Manabu? [ Jayce sounds incredulous for a moment because, dude, warn a guy before shapeshifting. However, Manabu had dog ears even when he appeared human, so Jayce is inclined to...perhaps believe it is him.He is also still inclined to believe he's still losing his mind. ]

Okay. [ He says, softly, watching the dog move past him. And then, more quickly, to himself. ] Okay, okay, okay...yeah.

[ He's still standing outside, unsure about stepping further down into this spiral of nonsense. But the giant Catbus then turns to stare directly at him and flicks an ear before opening its mouth to yawn, showing very large and pointy fangs.

Jayce quickly gets into the bus. Or tries...Manabu's dog legs were not designed to help him walk up the stairs, and he is in the way. ]

Please don't bite me. [ It's all Jayce says before bending down and wrapping his arms around the dog, holding him up gently but firmly, bridal style. Then he steps inside the Catbus in one long stride. ]

He-HEY!!

[Manabu squirms, little legs bicycling as he's conveyed throughout the ask to not get bit. he stops flailing after the steppies are done, but he's not happy about this. in fact, Jayce may find the dog is strangely warm...and running an electric current?

congrats on the suddenly-frizzy hair, Jayce.

oh, and all the glitter. that...he can't really control that. it's new.

unhappily:] You could've asked permission first... Just because I look like a dog doesn't mean you stop treating me like a person!

I'm just trying to help! [ He argues, his voice a little strained, because it's true. Jayce is concerned that he might end up dropping Manabu or holding him too tight if he keeps wiggling so much.

The electric current is new and somewhat concerning. Luckily, Jayce has spent a lot of time working with magical gemstones that happen to be great electric conductors, and he's only mildly surprised this time. Also, there's a reason why he keeps his hair gelled back, and electricity is part of it. The gel helps marginally. ]

You are really not helping your case in the 'this is not a dream' argument. [ There's so much glitter everywhere now, and half of it is on Jayce. His coat, his black shirt, his skin, the electrified hair... It's going to be a pain in the ass to clean. ] I would have helped you get up the steps if you were a person too. But..you are right, sorr--AH!

[ Apparently, since they are both now inside, the Catbus sees no reason to stay still anymore. It has closed the door and started running forward. Very, very, very fast. Sometimes even up trees, rocks, utility poles, and whatever else crosses its path as he moves to the next destination.

The sudden jolt has caused Jayce to fall back on his ass, but he, fortunately, lands on one of the available seats, with Manabu still on his lap. Someone stop this hallucination, he wants to get down. ]

[Manabu yelps, helplessly flopped in Jayce's lap - the safest place to be in a bus-shaped animal with NO SAFETY RESTRAINTS.......honestly, this realm's safety codes leave a whole lot to be desired, and Manabu isn't even enamored with the SDF's safety codes!!!!

flecks of glitter sprinkle with each jostle and bump; if this trip goes on too long, Jayce is gonna have a very disco-ready set of trousers. but only on the front side.

there's no real chance for carrying on conversation in this chaos, but thankfully the ride is brief...ish. ten minutes, maybe? and it comes with a violent halt as the bus skids down from its out-and-out gallop to stop in front of the Willow train station. outside, the terrain has changed from something arid to the idyllic greens of Willow.

the moment the world stops jittering:] G-get us out of here...before new passengers get on...

[ There are many things Jayce is trying to hold onto at the same time. He is trying to hold the sparkle dog properly in his lap with an arm so Manabu doesn't fall. He is trying to hold onto the trunk containing his giant hammer and the bag with Manabu's pistol. And he is trying to hold onto his sanity. He has given up on trying to hold onto the but seat because he doesn't have enough arms, so it's an interesting ride, to say the least. Especially when the Catbus begins to run on the powerlines, which are 200 feet above the ground.

By the time the ten minutes of hell are over, Jayce is rumpled. His hair is a mess, and the front of his clothing looks like a unicorn puked all over him. There is so much glitter. So much. ]

I think my organs have rearranged themselves. [ It would explain why he has the sensation that his heart is on his throat and his intestines are wrapped around his kidneys.At Manabu's suggestion, he nods numbly and stands up on shaky legs. Jayce is holding Manabu with an arm around the dog's waist, pressing him against his chest like he's some sort of oversized teddy bear, while he uses his other hand to carry the items they found.

After stepping out of the Catbus, he mutters a broken 'Thank you.' and the Catbus grins in return before running off again. They are at the train station now, success!

...more or less. ]

[would it be more or less dignified if Manabu threw up as a dog? he sure feels like hurling, dangling limp in Jayce's arm as the wobbling world takes on a more ordered sensation with his steps.

he blinks hard a few times, turning his head so his good eye can get a sense of where they're at, take a few careful sniffs as to not overload his senses with new, stomach-jarring smells.]

...Okay. Well. At, at least it took us to the right spot...this is the train station I requested...

[ It would be inconvenient, but Jayce wouldn't blame him if his stomach gave up. He's only feeling marginally better than Manabu himself. He drops the trunk on the ground and then leans forward to place the dog down, much more gently. ]

Are you okay? [ Jayce decides to sit on the ground as well after a moment, one hand placed on Manabu's back, rubbing small circles. He doesn't do it in the way one would pet a dog, but rather in the way he would comfort a sick human. ]

That is something. Can I ask why you're a dog? The fox mentioned familiars, but briefly and in a way that wasn't very clear. You can't change back?

[he seems to melt to the ground with legs of jelly when set down, laying there in the midst of backrubs in something of a fugue state.]

I, I'm a dog because...whenever I sneeze...I keep changing between them. I still haven't figured out how to change on command. [because magic is STUPID. it's absolutely not a mindset problem, it's a SYSTEM problem!!!!!!]

[ You, poor thing. Jayce keeps rubbing his back, both in no rush to move for at least a few minutes. Sometimes his hand slides up and fingers scratch the back of Manabu's ears lightly, too. ]

That's really inconvenient. Maybe we could get you to sneeze again, so you can turn back into a human.

[ Right, the system. Of course, of course...Jayce would agree that the fox should have explained to them their roles and how the new power works a bit better. ]

I assume that willing really hard didn't work?

[Manabu will absolutely not acknowledge that ear scritches feel really nice and comforting and good because he is not a dog and it's demeaning.

...his foot will involuntarily thump now and then for want to scratch, however, and he just has to accept that as a thing that's happening, just fueling his indignation.]

If it did, I'd be a person again right now. You can stop touching me, I'm fine. I gotta show you the spoon-thing, remember? [he gets to his feet and scoots under the hand, shaking himself off. glitter everywhere.]

There should be a place nearby. Sign with a horse on it. Let's go there.

[ Having someone play with his hair is something Jayce likes, and he can't even turn into a dog. Nothing wrong about enjoying these sorts of touches, Manabu.

The foot thumping takes Jayce by surprise the first time, and he has to bite his lower lip to stop himself from smiling. He can more or less keep his face under control after that, and keep giving Manabu scritches. ]

Fair point. What I meant is that perhaps you are sabotaging yourself unconsciously. Maybe putting up some mental blocks?

[ But it's not as if Jayce has a ton of experience with shapeshifting. Actually, he's got none at all. His hand retreats, and then he scrunches up his nose and squints his eyes when Manabu shakes himself and covers HIM more in glitter. Thanks for that, man. ]

Okay, lead the way, please. [ Jayce stands up, shakes the dust and glitter from his clothes as much as he can, and grab their stuff. ]

[blocks schmocks, he's not soliciting shapeshifting advice from a guy who was convinced he was hallucinating ten minutes ago!! he lets the topic drop entirely in favor of following through on something he knows he can do.

he beats a path through quaint, idyllic Willow, following the wagon road from the station into the cozy country square where the Prancing Pony resides.]

That one. Let's go there. We can test out the spoon-thing in there.

[but Jayce and his opposable thumbs were going to have to do the honors of opening the door; Manabu would step in and sniff around. at this time of day, it's not nearly as bustling as it could be, but a handful of spirits linger about.]

[ Oh, excuse U, but seeing a Catbus is reason enough to believe one is losing his marbles. It doesn't mean he doesn't have any good advice to give!!!

...but yeah Jayce knows jack shit about shape-shifting. He's only trying to help, as he did even before he became a Legends here. Now the urge is compulsive. He does not insist after Manabu clearly avoids the subject, instead simply following and opening the door when it is clear that paws will not do the job.

Jayce tries not to think about how ridiculous the scene might look. His hair is in disarray, he's covered in dust and glitter, and carrying a truck that is almost as tall as him. Not to mention the galaxy-looking dog sniffing around. ]

Should I order us something to drink? [ He refrains from asking if Manabu would like a cup or a water bowl. Jayce is not that rude and he also doesn't want to get bitten. ]

Get yourself something first of all. And when the server asks for payment, hand them the spoon. You'll see what I mean then.

[and also maybe the server will be an anthropomorphic bird or something so that he's not the weirdest thing since the catbus. glitterdog would like to be on the lower end of the weird tier.]

Okay... [ Jayce says, a tad unsure, but approaches the bar to get the attention of the bartender. Manabu is in luck, because when the woman approaches them it turns out to be not a human but a satyr woman, with two curled horns on her head, large goat ears, and a goat body to match from the waist down. Jayce is used to Vastaya in his world that looks like her, so this at least it's not such a confusing view as it might have been. ]

Could I have some tea, please? Green or black, anything works, miss.

[ The woman smiles and flicks her ears a couple of times, leaving to get his drink. She doesn't go too far, not wasting time using a teapot to heat up the tea. Instead she simply places a cup in the palm of her hand and heats it up with magic. She sets it down on a small plate alongside the tea and some sugar, then asks for the payment. Jayce handles her the spoon as Manabu told him, but looking down at her hands, fascinated by the cause use of magic. ]

[Manabu hesitates to watch, just to be sure what he expects to happen does. and it does: the satyr accepts the spoon, it glows briefly, and then she returns it to him with a thank-you.

nice to see some consistency around here... Manabu's tail wags a little.]

So that's how it works. But I think you have to just keep talking to people to make sure you have enough to, uh...spend?

[ Jayce says thanks back to her one last time, because his mom raised him well, but his eyes are trained on the spoon. It's now looking like a simple wooden utensil, no glow emitting from it right now, but Jayce gives a thoughtful thought to the view nonetheless. ]

That was very informative, I get it now. Thank you, Manabu. [ He sees that tail wagging, he sees it...he is also smart enough not to say anything about it. Jayce smiles down at him, pocketing the spoon carefully as if it were something precious. Because it is! Since it's magical! And Jayce treasures these things. ]

I hope I have enough so far for a room with a bed and a place to shower.

[wow. being able to do a good job for a change? Manabu's been kind of starved for it a while here, given how behind he is in getting his footing with the way things are. such an easy lesson to teach still matters in the scope of things.]

A--yeah, that... Uh... [one ear cocks back, conveying some awkwardness.] That's weird, too. You'll find there's a whole bunch of empty places you can just...take.

[ If Manabu hangs around Jayce he might get praised more. He had no issue recognizing other people's accomplishments or appreciating their help. ]

Like, abandoned buildings? [ Jayce raised an eyebrow at the dog, then reaches out to take a sip of his tea. ] Eh, It beats sleeping in the street. I can deal with that.

[ Until he can gather more spoon energy and find a decent place, he will manage. ]

Sort of, I guess. More like... [both ears go back.] Like they were made in advance. For all of us, considering...we were all brought here intentionally.

[ It's interesting how Manabu's body language is still expressive even in dog form. Knowing that there's a house somewhere waiting for him is both a small relief and a big concern. ]

I take it that no one knows exactly why Thirteen is doing this. What she might want from us She didn't seem malicious but it's so difficult to judge the morality of otherworldly beings.

"True potential."

[Manabu's tail droops a little at that.]

Did she say that to you, too? When she walked you into this dimension. [he looks up toward him.] About seeing your "true potential."

[ Manabu needs to stop looking like such a sad puppy, or else Jayce won't be able to stop himself and will pet him again, even at the risk of losing a finger. ]

He did. God only knows what that means. [ For a moment, Jayce eyes his teacup as if he wishes it were something stronger. ]

What do you think about that? that she is asking us to be better people? I already know I have to work on myself.

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