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April 2023 Test Drive Meme
April 2023 TDM
Introduction
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.
Content Warnings: hallucinations, poison, giant worm
One minute you were a falling star, but as your body reforms you become aware of one important detail: it's friggin hot.
That's because you've landed in a desert! Yes, you have had the misfortune of landing in Cruel Summer, the hottest and arguably most dangerous part of Folkmore. Lucky you!
The first bit of good news is that you're pretty sure you can see a train station off in the distance, although it's extremely difficult to judge exactly how far off due to the flatness of the terrain. The second bit of good news is that you have awoken with either a canteen of water, or an umbrella to keep the sun off. The third bit of news - good or bad, depending - is that you've awoken near another Star Child. Whoever this is will have the opposite gift than what you received; if you have water, they have an umbrella, and if you have an umbrella they have water. Well, you know what they say: sharing is caring! Undeniably the water is a touch more important, so hopefully whoever has it isn't a colossal dick.
As you trek through the desert towards the distant structure, you will notice periodically the air off to either side of you will shimmer. You may dismiss it as merely the heat playing tricks, but if you choose to investigate you will find mundane weapons like swords, guns, shields, etc.
At some point as you walk, you will feel a tremor beneath your feet. It grows in intensity until suddenly the sand sprays everywhere as something bursts forth from the earth below!
Wavering above you is a blood red worm. It is large - end to end it runs about thirteen feet - and its segmented hide is tough enough that rocks bounce right off of it. You might have more luck with bullets or bladed edges, but it's still going to be a tough fight. It also boasts some impressive offensive tricks; its mouth is ringed with many rows of fangs, and itspits a thick yellow acid that will corrode your skin and your weapons if you're not careful. If that wasn't enough, during your fight you might here a sudden brrrrrrrrrapppp! as the creature farts lightning at you. Hilarious... until it knocks you to the ground.
You would do well to work as a team to take this monster down. You and your partner might have powers or skills that could come in handy, or maybe you're quick on the uptake when it comes to any new abilities afforded you by your new role!
If you defeat the worm in battle, a golden chest will appear. Inside of it are items from your homeworlds - these rewards are especially likely to be any weapons you owned back home.
But hey, maybe you're a lover, not a fighter. There's no judgement here in Folkmore. You can outrun the worm instead if you're both fast and clever - finding any terrain that is more rock than sand will give you a decided advantage.
Once you have either defeated or escaped the worm, you will find that you come upon a small group of tents. Under their shade are first aid supplies, and kiosks manned by fennec foxes offering water, food, and shaved ice. Nice!
One minute you were a falling star, but as your body reforms you become aware of one important detail: it's friggin hot.
That's because you've landed in a desert! Yes, you have had the misfortune of landing in Cruel Summer, the hottest and arguably most dangerous part of Folkmore. Lucky you!
The first bit of good news is that you're pretty sure you can see a train station off in the distance, although it's extremely difficult to judge exactly how far off due to the flatness of the terrain. The second bit of good news is that you have awoken with either a canteen of water, or an umbrella to keep the sun off. The third bit of news - good or bad, depending - is that you've awoken near another Star Child. Whoever this is will have the opposite gift than what you received; if you have water, they have an umbrella, and if you have an umbrella they have water. Well, you know what they say: sharing is caring! Undeniably the water is a touch more important, so hopefully whoever has it isn't a colossal dick.
As you trek through the desert towards the distant structure, you will notice periodically the air off to either side of you will shimmer. You may dismiss it as merely the heat playing tricks, but if you choose to investigate you will find mundane weapons like swords, guns, shields, etc.
At some point as you walk, you will feel a tremor beneath your feet. It grows in intensity until suddenly the sand sprays everywhere as something bursts forth from the earth below!
Wavering above you is a blood red worm. It is large - end to end it runs about thirteen feet - and its segmented hide is tough enough that rocks bounce right off of it. You might have more luck with bullets or bladed edges, but it's still going to be a tough fight. It also boasts some impressive offensive tricks; its mouth is ringed with many rows of fangs, and itspits a thick yellow acid that will corrode your skin and your weapons if you're not careful. If that wasn't enough, during your fight you might here a sudden brrrrrrrrrapppp! as the creature farts lightning at you. Hilarious... until it knocks you to the ground.
You would do well to work as a team to take this monster down. You and your partner might have powers or skills that could come in handy, or maybe you're quick on the uptake when it comes to any new abilities afforded you by your new role!
If you defeat the worm in battle, a golden chest will appear. Inside of it are items from your homeworlds - these rewards are especially likely to be any weapons you owned back home.
But hey, maybe you're a lover, not a fighter. There's no judgement here in Folkmore. You can outrun the worm instead if you're both fast and clever - finding any terrain that is more rock than sand will give you a decided advantage.
Once you have either defeated or escaped the worm, you will find that you come upon a small group of tents. Under their shade are first aid supplies, and kiosks manned by fennec foxes offering water, food, and shaved ice. Nice!
Content Warnings: emotional trauma, impalement
Giant death worms aren't the only danger in the desert, they're just the most obvious.
Even if you avoided the worms entirely, you still have to make it to one of the train stations in Cruel Summer. As you trek across the dunes you will gradually become aware that over the sound of wind and shifting sand you can hear someone singing. You feel an urge to follow the sound to its source.
This song could be anything - one that exists in your world or others, or just a melody spun in the air for the first time. Whatever it is, it is heart rending; tears may spring your eyes as you follow the sound, precious moisture falling to the thirsty desert ground.
The singing is coming from a cactus. It is taller than most humanoid creatures, tinted purple and pink at the tips, with abnormally long spines. Its song reminds you sharply of some deep loss from your past, and at the same time inspires a terrible compulsion to go to the cactus and sink against it.
And what a relief it is, to embrace that melody and feel the spines slide easily through your flesh to pierce your heart. You do not bleed. By some strange alchemy, your heartache drains from your body as liquid, filling the cactus and causing its flowers to bloom and its song to cease.
You could very well stay pinned there, dying a slow death of desiccation, but lucky for you Star Children are all over the place this time of the month and someone is bound to see that you need help.
Trying to pry someone off of the cactus is impossible. The key lies in the flowers - they must be removed. When they are, sweet liquid will spray from the place where it had grown, dousing the rescuing Star Child. With this impromptu shower comes psychic flashes of the painful memory that has trapped the victim.
Once all of the blooming flowers have been removed, the cactus will retract its spines and release its prisoner. There will be no physical wounds left from this encounter.
You will also discover nearby that there is now a golden chest. Inside of it are items from your homeworlds, although none of these items are weapons.
Thankfully, you should be able to reach either Oozlum or Obambo Station without further incident. At either of these you will be able to get some water and supplies, as well as get the hell out of Cruel Summer.
Giant death worms aren't the only danger in the desert, they're just the most obvious.
Even if you avoided the worms entirely, you still have to make it to one of the train stations in Cruel Summer. As you trek across the dunes you will gradually become aware that over the sound of wind and shifting sand you can hear someone singing. You feel an urge to follow the sound to its source.
This song could be anything - one that exists in your world or others, or just a melody spun in the air for the first time. Whatever it is, it is heart rending; tears may spring your eyes as you follow the sound, precious moisture falling to the thirsty desert ground.
The singing is coming from a cactus. It is taller than most humanoid creatures, tinted purple and pink at the tips, with abnormally long spines. Its song reminds you sharply of some deep loss from your past, and at the same time inspires a terrible compulsion to go to the cactus and sink against it.
And what a relief it is, to embrace that melody and feel the spines slide easily through your flesh to pierce your heart. You do not bleed. By some strange alchemy, your heartache drains from your body as liquid, filling the cactus and causing its flowers to bloom and its song to cease.
You could very well stay pinned there, dying a slow death of desiccation, but lucky for you Star Children are all over the place this time of the month and someone is bound to see that you need help.
Trying to pry someone off of the cactus is impossible. The key lies in the flowers - they must be removed. When they are, sweet liquid will spray from the place where it had grown, dousing the rescuing Star Child. With this impromptu shower comes psychic flashes of the painful memory that has trapped the victim.
Once all of the blooming flowers have been removed, the cactus will retract its spines and release its prisoner. There will be no physical wounds left from this encounter.
You will also discover nearby that there is now a golden chest. Inside of it are items from your homeworlds, although none of these items are weapons.
Thankfully, you should be able to reach either Oozlum or Obambo Station without further incident. At either of these you will be able to get some water and supplies, as well as get the hell out of Cruel Summer.
2. Worms
The horse he'd rented to explore the desert with is left a little behind as he approaches Kaveh, the glimmering air getting his attention as well.
Being tackled by Kaveh as soon as the sand moves has him grunting as they both fall to the ground. He rolls away to draw his sword, preparing to face the worm.] Not quite, I'd say.
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And he scowls, because seriously? ]
I think that much is obvious, [ he bites back without hesitation, gaze still on the claymore lying in the sand too many feet away. Honestly, he's starting to wonder which Archon he offended so greatly that even here, apparently in another world entirely, he's managed to run into Alhaitham on his very first day.
There's time for him to mourn his bad luck later, though. Right now, they have to survive this thing— ]
Can you keep it distracted for long enough that I can get my weapon back?
[ He doesn't wait for an answer, feet carrying him as fast as they'll take him across the sand. ]
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Fortunately, the worm does have its vulnerabilities, so he manages to create a few wounds, especially as he uses his vision's power to rise in the air and attack further up. He grabs onto a rock to stay on the worm's back, looking to find something closer to vital spots to hit... Until the worm starts making a weird noise, and Alhaitham feels rumbling through its body.] Be careful!
[As soon as his shout is out, the worm sends out its lightening, trashing about as Alhaitham tries to plunge his sword into its flesh, going for a deeper, and hopefully, more distracting blow that would keep the worm from focusing on Kaveh.]
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And then it turns out that he's wrong anyway, because there's a blast of lightning out of nowhere that has Kaveh sprawling to the ground just as the scribe calls out for him to be careful. He splutters as he sits up— there's sand fucking everywhere now, in his hair, in his mouth, down his shirt— spitting at air a few times before pushing himself back to his feet.
The one good thing is that the blast has landed him nearer to the claymore, allowing him to scoop it up and charge at the creature himself. ]
For the record, you suck at distracting things.
[ It's not a fair statement, because that one area blast of lightning aside, the worm has had its focus entirely on his former friend. But Kaveh still got hit. He can hold that against him, right? ]
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Scatter! [The glassy dendro blades fling themselves at the worm, some finding stone, but a considerable number of them finding flesh to pierce, visibly weakening the worm some as it continues trashing about and seems to prepare to send more bolts.
Alhaitham, meanwhile, lands on the sand a bit away from the worm, far less gracefully than he'd prefer, rolling on the desert once or twice before he's back on his knees, spitting some sand out before preparing to attack again.]
I just laughed so hard imagining Alhaitham saying that in his smug voice
This time, Kaveh's able to see the tell-tale signs of the Electro attack, dodging nimbly to the side— and dragging the claymore after him— his eyes drifting to Alhaitham rolling over in the sand (and he smirks) once he knows he's safe.
As much as his roommate-cum-landlord irritates the piss out of him, he also knows logically that Alhaitham is the best shot they have of handling this. And that's true whether Kaveh has Mehrak with him or not. ]
I'll keep it distracted. Go for the head.
[ Hands tight on the hilt, he drags the sword up into the creature, focusing his Vision in an effort to channel some Dendro energy into the blade, just as Mehrak would usually do for him. ]
Well it's true!
Alhaitham prepared to use his vision to warp and attack with his own sword when the glint of liquid in the sub caught his attention. In a split second, he changes directions, warping to right behind Kaveh and pulling the other man away from the jet of acid thrown their way. Parts of Alhaitham jacket get caught by it, making the man hiss with pain as the corroded portions, still wet, touch his other clothes, the acid's heat still strong.] Burns... [As soon as he stops tumbling through the sand, he discards his jacket, unceremoniously throwing it away from them.]
still he could serve to be KINDER gosh lol
But he falls silent when he sees the momentary expression of pain, sees the acid burning hot into the other's clothes.
Oh. Alhaitham saved him. If he hadn't dragged him away just now, he'd be drenched in the stuff, likely writing in agony on the sand as it burned into his skin—
But now Alhaitham is hurt instead, and something about that just doesn't sit right with Kaveh. His crimson eyes narrow with anger, and with a yell he bodily charges toward the worm, claymore held in front of him with both hands.
He's not going to let others get hurt on his account.
It's halfway into crossing the space that Kaveh realizes he's no longer running over the sand but flying, his body apparently having remembered the existence of his new wings even when he himself didn't. They carry him faster and obviously higher than his feet would; it's easier for him to find somewhere to jam his sword, a hiss of satisfaction on his lips as he does.
It's starting to look weaker. Finally.
He wants to check on the man who was once his friend, make sure he's okay— But that can come after they've taken this thing down. ]
sounds fake but ok
A small part of him wonders if he's the only one from Teivat to not have suffered any physical change upon arrival, but mostly he manages a small smirk and an amused grunt as he rises and rushes back to the fight. Kaveh is still the same in another world after all, it seems.
Once he's close enough he uses his vision to warp back to the wound he'd opened before. With Kaveh distracting the worm now, it's easier to get there without the worm interfering, its trashing in pain aside. He plunges his sword further in, leaving just enough of the blade out that he still has leverage to try to widen the wound, as if he was trying to slice the worm open.]
listen here...... yeah, I got nothin'
Later, when he has time, Kaveh will revisit this moment with a scholar's interest, finding a gentle irony in the rhythm they've been able to find together on the field. But right now his focus is split in two parts: making sure that he stays upright and out of reach of the thing, and making sure that it doesn't redirect its attention to Alhaitham once more. There's no space for a third train of thought, whether it be about that, or to wonder—
(they all have roles to play here, don't they? Kaveh still doesn't entirely remember what their purpose is, or what they all were, but Alhaitham looks relatively untouched compared to himself or even to some of the others he's seen so far)
—about other things. He shakes the thought off... but files it away to ask him later. For now, Kaveh finds another opening, dragging his claymore through the air and into flesh, a disgusted look crossing his features at the sickening sound it makes. ]
not even your keys
[It only takes a moment more (during which he really hopes Kaveh understands what he means) before Alhaitham sheaths his sword and jumps off the worm, turning into his vulture form to get a better look at the their enemy. Once he found a good spot, he turned back to normal, and plunged his sword in flesh.
Now it was his time to be the distraction.]
I... I... hey!
Yet he finds himself faltering in midair as his roommate shifts form and becomes a vulture, large and strangely elegant as he takes flight. From what little he remembers about his introduction to this place, such bestial traits are indicative of a familiar—
And, okay, Alhaitham might be difficult at the best of times and (at least in his eyes) an outright asshole at the worst, but... he's still a hero, isn't he? It's just one more reason for Kaveh to wonder at his own placement, at the meaning of being something called a "legend".
...That's something to worry about later, though; right now, he needs to focus on the matter at hand, and so with a breath to steady himself, Kaveh readies his sword in the air and plunges downward toward the wound his roommate has created, launching himself at the worm with hopes of taking the head clean off.
The relief he feels as the thing crashes to the ground behind him is immense, the sword falling to his side as he staggers to his feet, eyes scanning the air for the vulture that Alhaitham has become. ]
I rest my case
Once the enormous snake is down on the ground, dead, he makes a slow descent towards the soil, just in case there's anything else to watch for. Once satisfied they're safe, he flies faster, landing not too far from Kaveh. He lets out a sigh as he contemplates the corpse of the worm.] Well... That went well, all things considered.
I have no choice but to accept lol
It hit you with its acid, didn't it?
[ Really, there are so many more questions that need asking. But this must be cared for first. He has nothing with which to dress any wounds, but if he needs to utilize his cloak for it, he will. His roommate may be irritating at the best of times, but— ]
Are you alright?
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[He's not a doctor, but he does know a thing or two. Either way, he now takes a slightly look around, only to sigh.] I had some canteens with water on my horse, but... [He expects it's now half-way back to its stables, rather than having stuck around for him. He shakes his head, deciding that there's nothing to do about that now and turns to Kaveh.] How about you?
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(He should feel relieved. He does feel relieved. But there's something unpleasantly hollow about the knowledge, too.) ]
Here, you should use this to clean it up. We're gonna have to work together to get out of this... I need you at full strength.
[ He feels bossy, overbearing, demanding results in a way he wouldn't normally allow of himself. But between being dragged to a foreign world by a mysterious fox and very early in his first day having to fend off a wenut-sized creature, he's tired and miserable— he feels as if he'll break apart if he doesn't keep moving.
And so, leaving Alhaitham to deal with cleaning his wound, Kaveh moves to investigate the chest. ]
This isn't going to try and kill me, is it? [ he mutters, half to himself. ] It seems like most things here have tried to do so, today.
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He closes the flask and walks up to Kaveh and the chest.] Anything that would kill us would have come up already. Thirteen doesn't tend to pile things that much, I think.
[And he's curious about the contents of the chest, so...]
I return post-`rona, sorry for the delay ♥
Mm...
[ There's some things in the chest that he recognizes— his notebook for one, and a sword he recognizes well, even if it's been some time since he held it in his own hands. No Mehrak, something that makes his shoulders visibly slump. ]
I suppose I'll need to get back in the habit of wielding this old thing myself...
Oh geeez, I'm glad you're feeling better!
He chuckles a little as he sets it over his shoulders, taking the other items as well after.] Well... No reason for us to stick around too long. Walking aimlessly will get us killed, which leave us... With flight, I suppose.
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Yeah, you're right. [ A stranger thing has never been said, but it's the truth. With Alhaitham's vulture form and his wings, they're able to take flight over the sands. If he can remember how to fly when he's not working on instinct alone.
His wings give a tentative flutter, bringing him a foot or two into the air. ]
Okay. I think I can do this.
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He steps closer to the other man.] Try not to overthink it. If it's anything like my transformation, just going for it should work better.
[And with that, he turns into a vulture and begins gaining height.]
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because let's be real when has he been able to stop overthinking anything
—After a failed start or two, he manages to get himself back into the air, gaining height quickly so that he can meet the other. ]
Can you talk like this? Which way do we go?
[ If he can't, Kaveh at least can follow. ]
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It wasn't ideal, but it would have to do for now.]
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(Why he's imagining them doing something like this again in the future, he doesn't know.)
He flies just above and behind the other, not wanting his larger wings to put Alhaitham off course, following in the hope that they make it to safety soon. ]
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Fortunately, though, it doesn't take them too long to find a small group of tents up ahead. Feeling that was the most promising lead so far, he lands a few feet away and returns to his human form.] Locals, I wager. Should be able to help us get back out of the desert.
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