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storyevents ([personal profile] storyevents) wrote in [community profile] forgottentales_ooc2020-03-29 05:23 pm
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Test Drive: April 2020

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!

blue_ice: (and that's the tea)

[personal profile] blue_ice 2020-05-10 11:28 pm (UTC)(link)
Fine. But this once is all you get. And I wouldn't laugh too long...the storytellers come for all of us eventually. Just wait 'til you get to play a princess.

ancientgamer: (▼ 3)

[personal profile] ancientgamer 2020-05-10 11:31 pm (UTC)(link)
[If he wasn't going to laugh before, he was now. It was long and hearty and his tail even wagged. The thought of Kaiba as a princess was too good an image, to be honest. Perhaps that's all he needed because next thing he knew, he was on two legs again.]

Whoa!

[And nearly falling over. Nope, he's cool, he got this. He straightened his shirt, something he managed to snag around here after arriving in what he could only describe as something native to... well, the natives. Native Americans, that is. He wasn't very comfortable in them and he certainly couldn't find anything Egyptian so Index fashion would have to do.]

Huh... well that was easier than I thought. Don't tell me I have to laugh to change.
blue_ice: (brooding)

[personal profile] blue_ice 2020-05-10 11:38 pm (UTC)(link)
I'd like to see you fight a knight in a dress and heels.

[ He harrumphed---but that soon shifted to concern as Atem appeared in a more familiar form. ]

If you read on the relevant myths in the library, it might give you a clue...but that would make sense. Welcome back, Atem.
ancientgamer: (▼ 3)

[personal profile] ancientgamer 2020-05-11 12:05 am (UTC)(link)
Perhaps not the heels but pants weren't exactly invented yet during my reign.

[But that probably wasn't what Kaiba was referring to in regards to dresses. Still, it was fun to poke at.]

Well, Coyote is a trickster but not the usual kind like in Egypt or Norse mythologies. I'm not sure his laughter came up in the text I read, but admittedly I could spend more time researching.

[However, he did offer Kaiba a more genuine smile.]

It's good to be back, Kaiba. Although perhaps not in the way I had envisioned. At least you're not disintegrating this time.
blue_ice: (ded)

[personal profile] blue_ice 2020-05-11 12:19 am (UTC)(link)
[ Kaiba ducks his head, looking strangely...embarrassed? It only lasts a moment before he recovers. ]

Neither are you. I didn't think I'd see you again. Did you get a chance to settle yet, find your house?
ancientgamer: (Default)

[personal profile] ancientgamer 2020-05-11 01:54 am (UTC)(link)
Not quite settle but I did find my house... more like a stone house, I suppose.

[It was actually made of clay and build next to a cliff. Not unlike an Egyptian home, just a different style. And size.]

You weren't supposed to see me again, it's the point of moving on. But we'll just have to deal with that once we are able to help out here, won't we?
blue_ice: (could it be)

[personal profile] blue_ice 2020-05-11 02:56 am (UTC)(link)
[ He exhales. ]

I know. I'll be fine once I get home, but as ridiculous and often dangerous as this place is, it could still be worse.

Come on, I have to introduce you to the dragons.
ancientgamer: (▼ 7)

[personal profile] ancientgamer 2020-05-11 03:48 am (UTC)(link)
Why does Santa Claus have dragons?
blue_ice: (about to win)

[personal profile] blue_ice 2020-05-11 05:20 am (UTC)(link)
Did you think I was going to let reindeer pull my sleigh?

[ He snorts. He doesn't actually have a sleigh---but he starts down the road and beckons for Atem to follow him toward their keep. ]

Actually, they're not shining beacons of destruction like Blue Eyes. They're much smaller and...fluffier, and we're trying to tame them so we can harvest their tea leaves. It'll make more sense when you see them.
ancientgamer: (Default)

[personal profile] ancientgamer 2020-05-12 04:30 am (UTC)(link)
[Like Atem actually knows the whole story, Seto. Hmph! But he follows along and listens.]

So they're... tea dragons? I assume the actual plants to make tea still exist, why bother dragons?

[Keeping them as a pet was one thing. This was Seto Kaiba, after all. But to harvest their leaves? And why do they have tea leaves?!]
blue_ice: (could it be)

[personal profile] blue_ice 2020-05-12 04:39 am (UTC)(link)
Yes. The tea brewed from them has a unique flavor compared to the plant, and it's...sublime. Addictive. You'll have to try it.

[ When they reach the nursery, he reaches into his side satchel and pulls out a small baby blanket. A fluffy pink snout pokes out from the bushes, and Kaiba sits and calls to him, waving the blanket. The dragon trills happily and nestles in, getting comfy in his favorite playmate's lap. ]

This is a hibiscus dragon. He's tame. But if you look here...a few of the leaves shake loose every day, so we're to keep their coats healthy by brushing them.

Want to make a new friend?
ancientgamer: (▼ 2)

[personal profile] ancientgamer 2020-05-12 04:03 pm (UTC)(link)
[Hearing Seto use those kinds of words was weird in its own way, but he’d also have to take his word for it.

Atem sat down next to him, but he couldn’t help but lean forward as he watched the little dragon come out and nestle in Seto’s lap. It was adorable and odd. Then he blinked and looked at the young man.]


A new friend? I never thought I’d hear those words out of your mouth. Too bad I have nothing to record it, I’d love to show Yugi one day.

[He couldn’t help the tease, but he also held his hand out for the dragon to sniff and get to know him. Seto wasn’t really the only one with an affinity for dragons, Kuriboh’s aside, now that he had his memories back. Although it wasn’t as obsessive as Kaiba’s he would like to think. He hoped Slifer was doing well.]
blue_ice: (rainy day)

[personal profile] blue_ice 2020-05-13 05:24 am (UTC)(link)
Well it's true. Dragons make better friends than most people.

[ Kaiba was sort of joking. He carefully angled the bundle in his arms to let Atem approach him. The dragon seemed to sense that this one was trustworthy and trilled happily, headbutting Atem's hand. Kaiba's torn between looking amused at the cute scene and offended that 'his' dragon would stray]

He likes you. Because of course he does.
ancientgamer: (▼ 9)

[personal profile] ancientgamer 2020-05-15 03:28 am (UTC)(link)
[Atem laughed softly, giving the little one a scritch under its chin.]

Don't sound so jealous, I'm sure he likes you still just fine.