May 2022 Test Drive Meme

[folkie]

MAY 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]

A PLACE IN THIS WORLD

Content Warnings: Possible insanity via cuts by thorns. Temporary nullification of abilities.

DEATH BY A THOUSAND CUTS

The world comes into focus in one sharp, overwhelming rush. You are laying on the ground surrounded by staggering walls of flowers of all types and colors. Their sweet scent fills the air and the sky above is clear, blue, beautiful, and endless. It would be easy to be lulled into a quiet nap in such a peaceful place. You can even hear a soft, disembodied voice singing songs from some unknown place all around you. After some time, this siren song creates an intense yearning that will eventually bring you to your feet and pull you forward. You are filled with the urge to find someone important. You may know who or you might just have some aimless, faceless person at the forefront of your mind.

All you know is that when you finally find them, you'll know. Is it love? Is it a friend you have always needed? The perfect enemy? Only time will tell, but for now, you must find them. The flower maze is dense and for now, it doesn't seem like flying out and above them is an option. If you try, you just wind up vaulted back into the maze. Nope! This trial is about using other means of exploration. Maybe you can destroy the flowers, but you will find that this flower field is apparently endless. If you get cut by thorns along the way, you will become increasingly hectic about finding this mystery person. Some have been thrown into insane desperation just looking for their People among the flowers.

But once you finally find them, you're both filled with relief and the flowers around you blossom wider. You can then treat the flower maze like a solvable puzzle and get your way out of it. However, some people spend a bit more time in the maze since once you do find your person or people, you will be stricken with the urge to talk to them, to "open up" about your yearning to find them...even if you've never met them before!

OUT OF THE WOODS

Just outside of the flower maze is a little festival set up just on the edge of Willow and partway into Epiphany! Little stalls of food and drinks have been set up - and we mean little! The good folk who set up these stalls are magical cats standing upright and wearing clothes like little people! All the stalls are cat-sized and so are the dishes and food - which means most of the people walking through will likely be quite a bit bigger! That's okay, the cat folk seem happy to serve you bigger or multiple helpings of their yummy soups and bread. None of them seem able to really communicate with the new arrivals, but that's okay, their cute meows are fun to listen to anyway.

The music is a bit more pronounced here and a handful of cat couples are dancing around. Don't be surprised if they encourage you to join in the dancing! Maybe you didn't actually find someone in the flower maze - if not, the cat folk will encourage you to dance with another new arrival to get to know them! Because apparently dancing with someone you don't know is a good formal introduction? Ah well. Sometimes it's just the idea that counts.

There will also be some supplies to help patch people up who have gotten a lot of cuts from the flower maze. Some of the bouts of insanity are probably still going a bit hectic, so you might want to lay down in the recovery area until you feel a bit more stable. Talking to people apparently helps with the stability, so maybe strike up a conversation with a fellow newbie?

ENCHANTED

Content Warnings: Optional selective amensia and/or altered sense of self, possible monster/creature violence, temporary enchantments, forced relocations.

LONG STORY SHORT

You're in a very unusual, specific outfit and in a place you might have seen once or twice in a storybook or in the imagination of your childhood. For some, you might pick up on what's happening immediately. For others, you might be so immersed in the role that you don't realize it - but you're featuring in a classic fairy tale. Maybe it's Sleeping Beauty or Little Red Riding Hood or Tale of the White Snake or The Mirror of Matsuyama. Either way, you're the main character or the main antagonist and it looks like you're going to have to play out the story with whoever you're stuck with!

The other person in the trial can either match up to the other side of the story or just arrive as themselves and have to play along. Trying to just abandon the trial is quite literally impossible! You're stuck in the weird woods or high tower and trying to "leave" just results in you going in repeated cycles until you wind up where you started. You have a role to fill and you might as well get used to playing roles in Folkmore! It's time to understand how these trials work. What lesson are you supposed to take away?

If you're grumbling about it or are left confused, don't worry! Thirteen will appear to those struggling and explain the situation: "You need to play out the story! C'mon. Everyone knows this story...Right? Well, whatever, it's obvious! If you play your part, I promise I'll give you something you want." Can you really trust a fox though? Especially the fox who brought you here? She laughs before you can really pester her for more information and vanishes in a burst of red dust. Foxes really are mischievous, aren't they...At least most fairy tales are incredibly short, basic, and straightforward so most people should be able to figure it out!

In theory.

DAYLIGHT

At least the Fox wasn't lying. When you complete the task of the story, the fairy tale world will melt into one of the settings in Folkmore and you will be brought back into the current reality. You will be left in the weird clothes, but fear not! A mystery trunk has appeared in front of you and whoever you completed the trial with. Inside the trunk, you will find some of your canon clothes and a few canon items. Nearby, there will be some weapons sticking out of the ground: basic swords, guns, shields, etc. These items might not be enchanted, but at least you have something to work with!

Better yet, you don't necessarily have to complete the Long Story Short prompt to find these trunks either! They seem to be dotted around Folkmore and you might find them just by virtue of exploration! The trunks seem to mysteriously know who is opening them so you won't find someone else's stuff by accident, but you might have to fight over who gets the sword in the stone...

A word of caution to those who grab the weapons...You will immediately be tested on how good you are with them. As soon as you have pulled them out of the ground, the ground will begin trembling and a serpent-like creature will form out of the ground. If you're in Wintermute, you have a sizeable icy creature to deal with. If you're in Cruel Summer, meet the fire-breathing snakey nightmare that's going to try and roast you alive. Don't think Epiphany or Willow will have gentler creatures! They might be covered in moss or flowers but they will hit just as hard. You have to defeat the angry creature - or try running for your life. They are relatively easy to beat and people without powers can manage if they are highly skilled or...really lucky...Or if someone far more capable finds them! Good luck. As a pro-tip, maybe don't pull weird swords out of the ground in the future.

Comments

[foundpurpose]

[As they were talking Vax had been listening carefully to figure out where the stranger is. As the twig snapped he relaxed, ready to begin a fight.

Toe to toe with someone he is fine. But he doesn’t know the situation and doesn’t have his usual tools. Better to be cautious.

The lance cuts through the air and barely misses the wicker basket that falls to the ground. There is no half elf in a dress with a red cloak. But like Rosen, something moves in the shadows. And a dagger cuts through the air in the direction of the lance but above it.]

[erschlagen]

[He should’ve known this wouldn’t be easy. While this grim little fairytale typically ends with Little Riding Hood’s death, it seems that Little Red came somewhat prepared.

Rosen clicked his tongue in annoyance when he missed but he barely has time to do much else. The dagger comes dangerously close to his throat, a little too close for comfort. He dives out of the bushes with his lance in tow before quickly thrusting that red lance towards his target. Rosen doubts he’ll be able to skewer the elf but he desperately wants to put some distance between them.]

You’re faster than I thought!

[foundpurpose]

Pretty sure this is not how this story goes! [He shouts then curses as the lance grazes his side. He darts away as he scans the underbrush for his dagger. Neither of them are his usual daggers.

A pain in the ass but, he has the magic of a Paladin still. He slaps his hand over the graze and heals it while moving carefully.] Not that I paid much attention.

Still. I don’t remember a duel. I’d have actually know the story. [He was a small boy then and boys like swords, knights, and so on.

[erschlagen]

Who cares?! [He questions before attempting to skewer the elf a third time.] We are nothing more than actors in this little play!

[As far as Rosen is concerned, this impromptu duel is nothing more than a bit of adlibbing to lighten things up. Besides, it would be too boring to follow the script as the Fox intended. He’s almost certain that Thirteen is getting a kick out of this.]

Besides, you barely even know how this story goes.

[Rosekrantz launches himself at Little Red yet again with a series of powerful jabs aimed right at the elf. He strikes towards him in quick succession, his movements far too graceful and nimble for someone of his alleged age. He’s a lot stronger too but the elf will most likely figure that out sooner than later.]

[foundpurpose]

When someone tells you to follow something. They tend to mean it!

[Vex argues as he dances out of the way. This man moves too fast for a person his age. But then, so does Grog.

Barbarian? He wonders as he dives and retrieves his dagger. This time he meets the lance. He catches it on the cross of his blades while channeling the might of the Matron of Ravens. A divine smite is a force to be reconned with and he needs time to breathe. The lance has cut him several times. And this is a bit ridiculous.]

[erschlagen]

Oh, c'mon! [A maniacal laugh escapes the old hunter as the elf manages to nimbly avoid his incoming strikes.] This is more fun than some silly childish script!

[Rosen might be somewhat right about that but this little skirmish is about to turn ugly. Just after he managed to nick the elf a few times, the tables are drastically turned the second his lance gets hooked by the hilt of their daggers. He tugs roughly on the lance a few times to little avail. A growl of frustration escapes the old bastard as he tugs yet again.]

This is cheating!

[He huffs in dismay once he realizes the elf is using magic.]

You’re channeling magic! That’s hardly fair—

[He hasn’t used any magic this entire time. Other than sheer brawn, agility, and speed, Rosen was fighting this elf without the aid of magic. However, that’s about to change now this fellow is about to smite him.]

[foundpurpose]

Look, if you’re out for a friendly spar, I’ll stop using magic. But at present you got to consider how this looks.

[He holds steady with the magic ready to go but not unleashed yet. Cold empty darkness gathers around him and it feels like another’s attention is on this fight.

Someone ancient and waiting.] I’ll even heal you for whatever damage I’ve done if this isn’t hey red riding hood makes for a great tree paint. That’s my deal here.

[erschlagen]

[A terrible thought crosses Rosen’s mind as he thinks of igniting his lance.

Fire manipulation is his bread and butter but his true arkana ability lies within Vainglory. He’s one of the few arkana who can physically resurrect themselves granting him this twisted sense of immortality, but it comes at a severe price. While he’s certain the elf will unleash that spell upon him faster than he can set him ablaze, Rosenkrantz at least knows he’ll be able to will himself back from the brink of death.

However, he hesitates. The ungodly agony of it all is enough to deter him, especially since resurrection comes at the cost of his own memories and magic. So with all that in mind, the old arkana lets out a sigh of frustration as he yields.]

Fine.

[He mutters as he weakly tugs at the lance again in hopes of freeing it.]

Only a fool would pass up on such a decent offer.

[foundpurpose]

Thank you for accepting. Let’s see how this ends up. [This time Vax uncrosses his daggers and the magic he has been gathering fades to nothing. Raven feathers drift on the wind and in their shadowy depths one might glimpse a porcelain face. Before they too vanish.

He rolls his shoulders and glances down at his dress with a sigh. Then he walks back to the basket. He pushes it to the side out of the way and readies himself. Then he grins,] You’re fast as hell and really strong, just in case you missed that. Name’s Vax.

[erschlagen]

[Once his lance is free, Rosen twirls the lance within his opposite hand before stabbing it into the ground beside him. He watches as those black shadowy feathers dissipate into nothingness, briefly catching a glimpse of something within them. A terrible chill raced down his spine briefly, enough to make the little hairs on the back of his neck stand. Whatever the hell this elf was about to summon would’ve ended him in one fell swoop.]

Good grief, you really were about to kill me.

[He muses with a hint of amusement.]

I know this fairytale is supposed to be a bit grim but I’m ready to be gutted alive.

[He smiles triumphantly at the compliment knowing full well that he caught Little Red by surprise. However, his smile falters a bit once introductions are had.]

Well met, Vax. I’m Rosenkrantz but don’t feel the need to say that mouthful.

[That trademark smirk of his returns.]

Simply “Rosen” will do.

[foundpurpose]

Alright, 'Rosen'. [He flips his daggers and re-sheathes them under his cloak. He isn't as good at hand to hand but, that's fine. This is going to be a spar. Vax rolls his shoulders]

Yours isn't the longest name I've run into but, always been a fan of a shorter name. [It goes without saying that in a life or death fight he would have brought his magic to bear. It just had to be done.

They're fighting dragons and for the fate of the world back home.] So, how do you want to kick this off again?

[erschlagen]

[While Rosen might have a bit of an advantage in this spar because of his size and weight, he's not particularly good with unarmed combat. He can manage well enough in a scrap but that's about it. Therefore, the two of them might be evenly matched here. Rosen knows better than to underestimate Vax after their earlier tussle.]

Well, I suppose I could let you go first. [He states before getting into some sort of guard stance.] After all, you are the protagonist in this little fairytale.

[But can Little Red Riding Hood slay the Big Bad Wolf on his own? That's the question here.]

[foundpurpose]

Alright. [Horsing around with Grog so much could possibly pay off. Who knows, he doesn’t. Getting into trouble has been his way of coping with life for a rather long time. He cracks his knuckles as he studies Rosen.

Then he’s moving, Vax is fast thanks to being half elf and the long years of practice. He doesn’t go for a head on strike. He aims to flank Rosen and strike before dodging out of the way. It’s hit and run tactics, but they have never let him down.]

[erschlagen]

[Unarmed combat isn’t Rosenkrantz’s cup of tea but he obviously knows a thing or two. He keeps his feet wide, knees bent, and his chin down as he waits for Vax. He can tell the half-elf is the cautious type, the kind of man who thinks too much in the middle of combat. Rosen is frankly the opposite in that regard. While he likes to assess the situation as well, he can’t stand being inactive for too long. Maybe it’s because he’s a little too brash and headstrong for his own good.

Nevertheless, Rosen doesn’t have to wait long for Vax to flank him. He suspected that the elf wouldn’t want to take him head-on. He sees the strike coming and quickly brings up his forearms to block the incoming punch before daring to chase after Vax with a punch of his own. He aims right towards the elf’s ribs with a closed fist.

It’s a classic boxing move, one meant to destabilize and do harm at the same time.]

[foundpurpose]

[In all honesty this is a bit like fighting Grog. Grog would have went for the grapple but, this guy doesn't. Frankly, he appreciates it as he bites back a pained sound. He gets enough of that punch to the ribs to feel it. He dances back as if he will dodge but this is a spar. He surges forward, stepping in and striking more towards the side if he can.

He has to keep his taps - and they are taps in comparison to Rosen's strength - light and his feet lighter. If he's caught he knows he's done.]

While we're doing this. Because I'm curious, how does the story of Little Red Riding Hood actually go?

[erschlagen]

[It would’ve been too easy for him to just grapple Vax. The half-elf left himself wide open with that punch. While Rosen had every opportunity to capitalize on it, he realizes they’re not fighting to the death here. This is just a friendly spar, after all. Although, he can’t help but grin cheekily once the jab connects.]

Come on now! [He heckles as he pivots towards the left to dodge that incoming strike.] At least throw a decent punch.

[Instead of countering Vax with another well-timed punch, he opts to put his feet in the game and tries to sweep Vax with a kick. If he manages to knock the poor bastard down, he might follow in with a punch to the sternum. That’s assuming if the elf doesn’t manage to dodge.]

The story goes that Little Red gets devoured by the wolf but a big strong huntsman manages to save her.

[That’s the gist of it but there are a lot of details Rosen is leaving out.]

However, I’m not keen about eating you and we have no huntsman!

[foundpurpose]

[The elf dodges with a leap up and moves back to the right. He's good at it and why not do what he's good at?] Starting to remember why I got bored with the story.

Why wouldn't she have carried weapons if she knew the road was dangerous? There's some logic that was really missing. [He lashes out with a kick that has some solid power behind it. He's warning up now this isn't a fight for his life.

It's nice to not have to worry about how fast he can put down a foe.] You're getting a decent punch, don't worry about it.

[erschlagen]

Ya know--[He quickly brings up his knee to guard against that incoming kick but what was a bad idea since that bloody hurts! Thankfully, Rosen doesn't seem to mind the pain too much. However, he's slightly favoring his left leg over his right after that.]

That's a damn good question. I figure a hunting rifle would've been too much for Red to handle, so maybe a dagger?

[As they're casually talking about the nonsensical storytelling behind this age-old classic, Rosen darts towards Vax in hopes of snatching him into a mock chokehold. He figures the half-elf is going to find a way out of it but he wants to try nonetheless.]

Think fast, Vax!

[foundpurpose]

[He starts to answer but Rosen closes the distance between them too fast to get more than a word out. He barely dodges the chokehold and hammers a hard fist into Rosen’s middle on his way out.] Anyway, a dagger would make sense or a crossbow.

Something that could be easily concealed. Though what exactly is a hunting rifle?

[erschlagen]

[Just when Rosen thought he had the half-elf, Vax somehow manages to scramble away at the last second. This left him wide open for the punch that came directly to his abdomen. Rosen goes down like a sack of potatoes, sputtering and coughing. It seems that the rogue knows how to throw a decent punch after all.]

Fuck, that hurts!

[He chuckles despite having to take a second to catch his breath.]

A hunting rifle is…well, like a crossbow in a sense. [Rosen mutters while trying his best to explain what a firearm is to someone who has never seen one before. This is going to be a challenge.]

But imagine instead of shooting arrows, it shot these long cylinder bullets instead. It’s a type of firearm that used to be operated using explosive gunpowder.

[foundpurpose]

[He stares, visibly working that out. His mind flashes back to someone he knows rather well aiming and firing a weapon. One he knows is stuffed with black powder. He blinks, eyes widening.] So, other places have fire arms too?

I can’t decide how to feel about that. [If Percy decides to take this offer too. He will be either disturbed or pissed. Or both. He reminds himself to keep moving. He circles Rosen as he lets him recover.]

How common are they?

[erschlagen]

Common enough.

[Rosen answers before a coughing fit gets the better of him. It takes a moment but he eventually finishes that train of thought once he's certain he won't be hacking up a lung.]

They're common enough that most people fear them.

[He gives Vax a half-hearted grin before attempting to bolt forward for a tackle.]

[foundpurpose]

I guess that expl- [This time he isn’t prepared. He had focused on the implications and thought back to just how careful Percy is. It feels like he understands him and his fears a little better.

Rosen gets his tackle. He struggles to get free but isn’t successful. He doesn’t have any of his usual tools. So it’s a bit like trying to hit a wall with a stick to get free.

Not that effective on Vax’s end.]

[erschlagen]

Aha!

[A triumphant cheer escapes Rosen once he manages to pin the half-elf. Finally victory smiles upon him, as it should. He can’t help but look a bit smug since he fought Vax fair and square on their terms.]

The Big Bad Wolf wins after all~ [He sings with such unbridled pride.] Just like the story goes, Little Red succumbs to the dastardly wolf and is eaten whole.

[Rosen playfully bops Vax on the nose with his index finger before hopping off him. Victory or not, he doesn’t wish to embarrass the poor fellow. Not much anyways.]

I’m not certain if we finished the criteria of this cheap enactment but you did well.

[He leans down to offer his hand to Vax.]

[foundpurpose]

[He sighs then accepts the offered hand. He pulls himself up with a grin as he lets the big guy soak up his win.] Thanks, you did great yourself. No idea if that settled what we need- [Behind them the pathway opens up at the far end into a cozy-looking clearing with a squat little house at the center. Wood smoke billows into the sky in a lazy little spiral out of the chimney.

Vax blinks. He snaps a hand down to jerk the dress down when the wind blows through.] Looks like we got it. I think? Fuck, that wind is cold!