Test Drive: April 2020

[storyevents]

Test Drive: April 2020—

§ instructions.

Welcome to the Test Drive for Forgotten Tales! This is to help interested players test out their characters in the game's setting and see if the essence they have chosen will actually work in game play. There are a number of prompts that try to touch on the kinds of settings and scenarios the characters may encounter. So here are a few things to keep in mind while on the test drive:

• Feel free to use the current Workshop for help if you need it! Both the Workshop and the Test Drive are required for Registration.
  
  
• Participating on the Test Drive does not guarantee a spot on either Claims or Registration.
  
  
• Check the Character Roster and Essence List to see if your choices are not already taken.
  
  
• Include Character Name and Canon in the subject line, and note somewhere within the toplevel your character's essence. It can be in the subject line if you already know what it is (so ex; Character | Canon | Essence). Side note: You are free to try more than one essence if you're on the fence. Just make sure to note which one you're using for that particular prompt.
  
  
• Players are free to assume their characters have been informed of the very basics so you can skip all that if you'd like.
  
  
• Only the "In the Index" prompts of the Test Drive can be carried over in its entirety, but you can alter the story based ones as "stage play" settings within the Index if you wish to carry over that interaction as well, or alter components to a slightly different scenario (ex, instead of fighting Erasers in a story setting, it could in the Index or different monsters within the Index)..
  
  
• Don't forget to refer to the Game Info for how the mechanics work.
  
  
• Public Registration will open May 3rd, but anyone with an invite and current players can register at any time. Claims will open April 26th.

Most of all, have fun! Feel free to invite those you may think would be interested to participate in the test drive.

---

§ prompts.

¶ I. In the Index. When not out adventuring or playing character roles in stories, the Aspects will have some downtime within the Index, the central hub of the Realm of Stories. Here they can explore the city, read up on other stories, socialize with fellow would-be heroes, learn more about the essence, or even just do nothing at all. Any threads and CR made with "Index" prompts can be carried over into the game.

• A. Out in the City. Life in the Index can range from the mundane to the extraordinary depending on which area one travels to. Because it is a hodgepodge of many different stories from numerous cultures, one can never be sure what they may encounter even on an average run for groceries.
  
  
  
  1. Spring Has Sprung! It's spring in the Index, which means the city is decked out for more holidays! Sakura and other flowering trees scatter petals into the gentle breeze, streamers and banners in bright pastels hang from the lampposts and in shop windows, and best of all, specials on candy! However, some of this decoration magic is spreading all over. Some may suddenly find themselves with flower petals raining down upon them as if to give them a more "refreshing, romantic" effect, though sometimes instead of a gentle shower it's more like a raging storm (hopefully none of them are thorny roses). Buildings are suddenly made of chocolate or dyed random colors that glitter and sparkle in the sun, blinding those who walk past. Hopefully that chocolate doesn't melt. And some will find themselves sporting rabbit ears. They're "real" for about an hour before they turn into fake headbands, but fake or real, the ears can twitch and move.
     
     
  2. Rabbits Can Multiply. Some people might stumble across a chocolate egg. It might be in your winnings if you participated in the egg hunt, on your kitchen counter, placed really obviously on the bench next to you after feeling someone tap your shoulder. In any case, the egg soon hatches into an adorable little chocolate bunny—that quickly starts to eat everything in sight and multiplies like, well, a proverbial rabbit. One rabbit chowing down someone's garden or restaurant inventory is easy to handle, but not five or more. The little menaces seem to distinctly avoid carrots, though. Maybe whacking them on the head with one or spraying them with carrot juice will get rid of them. You can use heat to melt them, but would you really want to scar the children like that?
     
     
  3. Magic Jumping Jelly Beans. Special jelly beans are being handed out to everyone, children in particular. They come in all different flavors and colors and are quite tasty. The only problem is catching them all. When not contained in special, magical plastic eggs, the jelly beans will jump out and bounce around here and there and everywhere without any care. A handful is amusing, but when an entire box or cart full of them is accidentally knocked over and entire rooms or streets are filled with them...it's a problem. Traffic is blocked, eyes are at risk, and those little things can hurt when flying at high speeds. Whether it's grabbing and shoving them back into the eggs, smashing or burning them, or simply eating them, find a way to beat back the beans before they cause serious bodily harm or property damage.
  
  
• B. Essence Practice. Suddenly inheriting the abilities of another person while losing most of your own at the same time can be quite jarring. Picking a place to test out these newfound powers or even going to the Library to read up on the essence's story may help glean some clues as to what they can do.
  
  
• C. Try Out the Journal. The journals are unique to this world and the sole source of communication for everyone. Feel free to give it a try, either by sending a random message out or even a doodle.

¶ II. Jack and the Beanstalk. The classic tale of a young boy who climbs up the magic beanstalk to discover the giant's castle. Aspects are requested to help restore this story and are given a few tasks to fulfill. First they must scale up the current, contaminated beanstalk to help clear out the Erasers and other monsters lurking. Then a few select souls must reenact key scenes so that the Storyteller can rewrite the story. Finally they must help chop down the beanstalk so that a newer one can be grown.

• A. Up the Beanstalk. The beanstalk is a twisting rotting mess that leads up to dark, stormy clouds. But it is up this beanstalk they must climb and try to not only create a safer passage for those involved, but to keep it from falling down prematurely as it is the only way up to the giant's castle in the sky. There are several large leaves that look as if they could be safe platforms, but be wary—some are actually venus flytraps in disguise and will snap close if triggered. There are also numerous Erasers and hostile creatures in the form of varying insects. A few beans and pea pods hang off its sides and they can be used as 1) nourishment and remedies, 2) thrown to create safe platforms, 3) sticky explosives against hostile creatures.
  
  
• B. Dealing with Giants. There are two many scenes to pick from. For each, characters will take on one of the two roles, but it's only in name and appearance only. How they act is all up to them. There is no script, just a basic guideline on the setup and potential goal, but how it happens and how they get there doesn't matter. They can be serious in their role or just go completely off script. Each one has a costume: Jack, (Princess) Harp, and the Giant. (Note: characters do retain their Aspect abilities as well as temporarily gain some from their scene roles.):
  
  
  1. Jack and (Princess) Harp: Sneaking Past the Giant. It's a stealth co-op mission to get through an extreme obstacle course without waking the Blot giant. Think Ninja Warrior obstacles and traps. (Princess) Harp is transformed into an actual harp with their head and arms the only movable original part of the person. Fortunately they are small enough to be carried, but be careful to not let any of the string snap! Don't wake the giant or they will get Fee Fi Fo Stomped.
     
     
  2. Jack and the Giant: Confrontation. Despite their best efforts, the giant is able to catch up to Jack and impede his escape. Jack must now find a way to get past the giant, and it's up to the one who plays the giant to determine the method. Will the giant be talked into letting Jack go peacefully? Perhaps if Jack traded the harp? Solve a few riddles? Jack uses his wiles to somehow distract and sneak past? Will it come to a fight? Or perhaps another method? (Note: Jack will have a toy harp as a prop.)
  
  
• C. Chop the Beanstalk. Once everyone is down safely, it's time to chop this giant beanstalk before more threats come down. It's very thick, not to mention riddled with obstacles like peashooter-pods, pome-grenades filled with alarmingly red sticky juice, spiky, stinky durian bombs, and worst of all, the SQUASH! Some chainsaws are provided, but there are other ways to help weaken it via Essence abilities. Those who have affinity with plants can perhaps coax it to soften itself. Others could try cursing it to wilt, and there are of course the elements to use against it (fire is most effective). Watch out for the various critters that will drop down in attempt to defend it, as well as the beanstalk's other defenses.

¶ III. Request Board: Creature Handling. People aren't the only ones displaced due to the Story Eater's destruction. A variety of creatures from various fairy tales and stories have sought shelter within the Index, and have for the most part been contained away from the main city. However, not all creatures are friendly, and some do escape, whether on their own or by those with ill intentions. While it is preferred to keep every creature safe and alive, the safety of not only the people but also other creatures and the Index itself is paramount. Lethal force should only be used when absolutely necessary. Although some requests specify certain types of individuals best suited for the task, anyone with comparable skills or alternative methods can participate. With everyone needing to learn how to use their new Essence abilities, these offer a perfect opportunity to test them out.

1. REQUEST: TRACKERS, HUNTERS, ANYONE WHO CAN COMMUNE OR UNDERSTAND THE FORESTS. A herd of unicorns is missing and must be found immediately! Poachers are known to trap and cut their horns to be sold on the black market as well as smuggling them to other stories to be sold. This is highly illegal and harmful for the creature. Please find and return them before they are harmed! If you spot a poacher, you have permission to capture them and take them to law enforcement.
   
   
2. REQUEST: WARRIORS, MAGES, BEAST TAMERS, TRACKERS. A large cerberus was spotted roaming near some ranches set by the mountains. Normally they keep to themselves, but this one is a young male likely looking for new territory to claim and drawn to the livestock. No humans have been harmed, but we want to keep it that way. Partners and groups must have at least one person capable of tracking it down. We wish to drive away the cerberus rather than outright kill it, but it can be unpredictable. If it cannot be driven off or knocked unconscious, then permission is granted for its destruction. Be wary of its three heads—it is capable of harnessing the three main elements: fire, water, and wind.
   
   
3. REQUEST: BARDS, MUSICIANS, CHARMERS. Because of the recent incidents, many of the more timid creatures and farm animals are nervous and won't settle down. Many have wedged themselves in odd hiding places and just won't come out, while others ceaselessly stampede through the spring fields and trample the crops! Music will help calm them down, especially duets, and they are also fans of musical numbers. However if music isn't enough, perhaps a sleeping spell of some kind will do.

¶ IV. Mix it up. This is the "wildcard" prompt. Feel free to take any of these prompts and make them more of your own, or pull from an entirely different story. As mentioned you're free to use any of our previous stories or other events. Just have fun with it!

Comments

Sherlock Holmes | Dai Gyakuten Saiban |The Pied Piper

[greatestdefective]

[For more info, visit Sherlock's Workshop post!]

1. Essence Practice (Index)

[Sherlock has been given a new toy! To be fair, he was given a lot of things when he accepted the Storyteller's offer, but he's never been one to stand idly by in confusion. Period of adjustment? Absolutely not! This is a different world and he is going to save the day and that is all perfectly acceptable to him. No, what's most important now is testing his new 'abilities'. His Essence. He's sure he's heard the tale of the Pied Piper before, but he doesn't remember the details of the story. (He can barely remember the details of his own stories.) The only thing for it is to play the flute he was given and see what happens.

Oh boy does something happen.

People who are out in the streets of the Index may at first hear the flute's melody. Beware, beware, for as it draws nearer, there will be visual confirmation. Sherlock is leading the way down the sidewalk, followed by at least thirty rats of varying colors and sizes. They're all walking in the exact same trot, keeping the exact same amount of distance from one another.

Scream, fight, tell him to stop leading vermin through the city... Whatever!]


2. REQUEST: BARDS, MUSICIANS, CHARMERS

[There's a whole bunch of nervous cows trampling through a beet field, destroying the crops themselves and chewing at the leaves. The farmers were right to put in a request for help! Just beside the field stands Sherlock Holmes, playing a cheery, upbeat melody on his flute. Unfortunately, it doesn't seem to have much of an effect on the cows. While there are a few who look up and bob their heads along to the melody, most of them continue their anxious rampage. After about a minute of playing, he lowers the flute with a cringe.]

Rats! The flute's magic only works on rodents! [There's a few seconds of frustration before he raises a hand to his hat, looking thoughtful.] Though, music itself does seem to have an effect. Perhaps... a duet?

[He snaps out of his musing and looks around, then points a finger to whoever happens to be nearby.]

You there! … Yes, you! Come! I require an assistant for this magnificent performance!


3. The Journal (Index)

Sender: The Pied Piper | Sherlock Holmes
Recipient: Everyone

Good day, folks!

Rejoice, for the hero you've awaited has finally arrived! That's right, I'm referring to the world's most brilliant, most inventive, most famous, most rhythmic, most awe-inspiring detective: The Great Sherlock Holmes. Indeed, that Sherlock Holmes, the very same.

And to answer the question that is sure to be needling your minds: Yes, I do sign autographs for a small fee.

Now, allow me to parry that question with one of my own. What is the best way for someone with my skill set to earn some quick money? Any riddles which require solving? Any murderers about to get away with their crimes? Any missing cats in need of tracking? Any orchestras in need of a violinist? ...Or a flutist? There is no job I will not take.


4. Wildcard

[Do whatever, or hit me up at Meowzy or in the Discord server for plotting.]

Essence Practice

[allegedprisoner]

[To be perfectly fair, Mr. Holmes isn't the only scatterbrained genius in the index.

Luca himself was wandering aimlessly through town, trying to remember exactly what he came here for, when he suddenly heard a piper approaching from down the street. Is that... Street music? No, it's coming closer, must be a parade.

He quickly rushes out of the way, expecting the flute to be accompanied by more instruments and a large procession.

But no. Instead, there's a single musician leading a pack of rats down the sidewalk.

Curiosity overtakes Luca, which leads him to follow the piper as well.]

... Excuse me, sir. What are you doing?

[greatestdefective]

[Oh look, a human just joined the procession of rats! He can control humans after all! ...Wait, no, apparently the human's only following because he wants to ask a question. What a shame.

Holmes slows to a stop and lowers the flute. The moment he does, all the rats freeze over, standing as immobile as a statue. He glances over his shoulder to take the reaction in, because honestly, he hadn't thought about what would happen when he stops playing halfway into a song. This is good to know.

With that, he turns his attention back to the guy who approached.]

It's an experiment, of course!

[allegedprisoner]

[ Come now, does he really look like a rat to-

Actually, don't answer that. At least he's dressed nicely for someone who gets momentarily distracted by large crowds of hypnotized rats ].

An experiment... Oh, you're trying out your essence?

[ He sounds fascinated! Yet he pauses for a moment, glancing back at the flute... Then the rats... Then the man's strange cloak... ]

The pied piper, right?

[greatestdefective]

Bing bing bing! That is correct, sir!

[He takes hold of the pied cloak with one hand, flourishes it and then dips into a bow of sorts.]

Here in this world, I have gained the title of the Pied Piper of Hamelin. However, that does not diminish the reputation I already had- that of the Great Detective. Then there are the titles of Innovative Inventor, of Brilliant Musician, of Handsome Fiend... Ahhh, how many responsibilities must I shoulder? There is no end to it.

[allegedprisoner]

[ Luca nods in response. Not exactly fitting for his fancy attire, but some of those titles seem... Interesting, if not familiar. He should probably know who "the Great Detective" is, and that "Innovative Inventor" thing seems to strike a cord within him...

But if he knew the name that went with the man's title, he has already forgotten. ]

I see... Fascinating. And what would your name be, if I may ask?

[greatestdefective]

Why, that would be Sherlock Holmes, of course.

[He says it like everyone should and would know his name. Even in his own world, that's just... a thing that he does. Assumptions make an ass out of him, sometimes.]

2

[chippedsoul]

[And then he points at the least musically incline individual.] . . .

[And just like that, Kazuma keeps on walking. Better stop him-]

[greatestdefective]

[Holmes just pointed at someone at random, heck if he knows who it was. It doesn't matter who it was, because the more pressing matter is that he's being ignored.]



[Yes, that came complete with a dramatic pointing pose. You're welcome.]

Not so fast, sir! Not so fast! You mustn't let this opportunity pass you by!

[chippedsoul]

[That shout gave him pause. It felt oddly familiar somehow and he couldn't figure out why.]

I'm not interested in whatever you're selling. [Bye.]

[greatestdefective]

[It's a good thing Holmes is not a quitter! He dashes right after this person, because not only does it feel awful to leave a job unfinished, he wants to get paid. If it's a duet that's necessary, a duet he will get!

... Until he finally catches up to the guy and moves to stand in front of him. That's when all thoughts of anxious cows and music are drained from his brain. He stands frozen for a few seconds before he finally speaks.]

Mr. Asougi...?

[chippedsoul]

[Kazuma was ready to move around the man until he said a name. It gave him pause as he looks to the detective properly. Asougi? ....Asougi. There's no recognition, just confusion. It's then he gives the man a time of day.]

Who are you?

1/2

[greatestdefective]

Who am I?

[The question strikes him as ludicrous. Insane. Who is he? He takes offense for about a second, then he remembers who raised this young man for a good portion of his life. ...Right. It's probably just a joke. Dry sense of humor, just like his not-father.]

2/2

[greatestdefective]

[So he bursts out into loud laughter.]

Hahahahahaaa! That's a good one, Mr. Asougi! "Who are you", he asks! Hah! As if anyone could ever forget the face of the world's greatest detective! That's priceless!

3 | (The Beast | Jean Kirstein)

[rustyhonesty]

There are people from worlds that don't know who you are you know.

[greatestdefective]

No.

What?

That will not do. The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes are universal. They defy time and space. Surely in a place where stories are as integral as gravity and oxygen, everyone will know of the exciting mysteries solved by Sherlock Holmes.

[rustyhonesty]

Well I come from a world that doesn't have much of fairytales or fantasy stories in general, so I definitely don't know who the hell you're supposed to be.

[greatestdefective]

But I already said it! "The world's most brilliant, most inventive, most famous, most rhythmic, most awe-inspiring detective: The Great Sherlock Holmes." That is who I'm supposed to be!

[rustyhonesty]

Yeah, but that doesn't tell me crap. Just like me telling you I'm Jean Kirstein, a member of the Levi Squad in the Survey Corps doesn't tell you shit.

[greatestdefective]

[He has to read that several times and even then, he still doesn't believe what he thinks is being implied here.]

Sir... Are you saying you don't know what a detective is?

Ryotaro Dojima | King Arthur (3)

[detectiveforhierophant]

[ ... ]

[ Dojima stared at the journal entry that suddenly appeared when he had just tried to message Eustace something silly Cavill had done-- ]

[ At first he thought it was a mistake; that a version of the Pied Piper had gotten Sherlock Holmes essense, because surely, Sherlock Holmes wouldn't... be like this, right? ]

[ Of course Dojima had read at least a few of the stories, seen a few of the shows, a movie or two. It was hard to escape the influence of the character, and besides, Dojima was a detective too; it was always interesting to see how he'd stack up against the legend himself. ]

[ But this guy was... ]

Sherlock is a fictional character, how can you be both...

[greatestdefective]

[Awww, someone thinks the stories were mere fiction. How adorably naive.]

That depends entirely on how one looks at it. The Sherlock Holmes as documented in The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes is fictional, this is true. Most of that character's dialogue, as well as some of his quirks, stem from the author's brilliant mind.

However.

Fiction may have its roots buried in fact. That is to say, there was indeed a Sherlock Holmes who solved many mysterious cases with the aid of his partner, and upon whom the stories were based. He is me.

[detectiveforhierophant]

[ Naive or wishful thinking, at this point... ]

Right.

[ The Storyteller had an awful sense of humour. ]

That could mean we end up trying to fix the stories based on your life, I suppose.

[greatestdefective]

Wouldn't that be convenient? I happen to be an expert on the stories based on my life.

[... Usually. For the most part. He's often a bit iffy on the details, but no need to sweat those, right?]

[detectiveforhierophant]

[ THE DETAILS ARE THE MOST IMPORTANT PART--

God. Thank god Naoto Shirogane wasn't here, she'd be completely disillusioned. ]

Right. Seems like we're mostly sticking to fantasy or fairy tales so far. Closest we've gotten to the 'real world' seems to be that mash up between the Headless Horseman and A Christmas Carol.