forgottentales_ooc | 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.

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.
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.
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!

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

[ You have no idea, Alice. ]

Generally, yes. [ He reaches up to rub at his head for a second. ] Problem is, can we manage to find the front of this library from here? This place is rather large, you know.

Edited 2020-08-08 05:59 (UTC)

You do have a point- Ah.

[She scooped the black scottie dog out of the basket, Toto's tail wagging and happy about it; as happy as he'd been in it. She held the dog eye level with her-]

Toto, you're a clever little dog, yes? [A bark.] Do you think you remember our passing of a library desk when we came in here?

[Another bark- and at the very least both were quiet enough not to irk any of the owl guardians about. A well mannered dog. Alice looked back towards Luca, even as she set Toto on the ground.]

If you agree we've the time, I believe we may have a little luck using Toto to find a correct enough path. [It made perfect sense to her, after all.]

[ Luca couldn't help but stare in bewilderment as she talked to her dog... Or, rather, the dog seemed to understand her.

He doesn't remember if anyone was able to bring their pets with them to this realm, so the next logical conclusion would be the dog's part of her essence. ]

... It's worth a shot. [ He humors her with a smirk. ] I don't think I have much else planned for the day.

[ He's seen and done a lot of crazy sounding things in the last month or three, why not a canine navigator? ]

[She'd only ever owned cats, Dinah and Snowdrop. Toto was someone she was getting to know and at least learned he was as dear to Dorothy as her own cats had been to her. Why not give him a chance?

Toto was waiting, tail wagging-]

If anything I'd planned to be here for a while, but plans can change. [She didn't mind a bit.

That basket was secure, hanging from the crook of an arm-] Go on, Toto. We'll follow, but don't run off, this is a library after all.

[Another bark and, well. He was going, nose to the floor, and at least not running off. Those little paws were moving quickly, but not too much for them to keep up with at an easy walk.]

[ He'll nod and follow accordingly. Luca can't remember if he's ever owned a pet but... Considering his condition and his pet project, he doesn't think he should try caring for one... Not an organic one, anyway... ]

You seem to have a way with animals, Miss Liddell. [ A funny way of speaking to them, but should he really say that to someone he just met? ]

Sometimes they are far better listeners than most people, and they also will never tell any secrets shared. Dinah was always faithful, after all. [She had often talked to Dinah, and Snowdrop as well, even if her black cat had been the one constantly at her side for as long as she could remember until- well.

Dinah had, in a way, saved her life.

Alice could admit she was very fond of animals, and it didn't seem out of place to follow after a little dog. She'd followed rabbits and cats, so why not when she trusted this one to likely not lead her on some wild chase.]

At least I'm not having to chase after this one, unlike a certain rabbit and cat.

[... She wondered, though, what that blasted Cheshire might have to say about all of this despite herself.]

That makes sense, most animals don't exactly speak anyway...

[ Most. ] Though I've been proven wrong before.

[ He glances down at the little dog just plodding along, leading the pack. Yep, this sure is the least odd thing he's been a part of so far.

He looks over at Alice. ] A certian rabbit and... Cat? You mean the grinning one?

[Felt most wouldn't listen even if the animals could speak-]

Not outside of Wonderland and fairy-tales, so it may stand there's a few or more here who do.

[The land of stories and all that, but she suspected Toto couldn't speak as he wasn't anything more than a loyal dog. For the most part at least, clever as he was already proving to be.

Or just happy to please.]

Cheshire. I must say, if he were around he'd have popped up just to give a little fright by now.

There are. Mostly ducks, though I have also met a rooster and a small creature calling himself a... A erm... [ Scratches his head... ] Well, it probably wouldn't be found on Earth, that's for sure.

[ What the heck do you call those small furry things again? It starts with an "F". ]

Ah, yes. That. Appearing out of nowhere sounds like something a Cheshire Cat would do. The chasing, though... Less expected.

I suppose this is certainly one way to meet new people then. [Talking ducks weren't terribly new to her given that ridiculous race the Dodo ran before- well.

There was a sigh, turning a corner around a set of shelves when Toto took the turn, so at least there would be no completely straight lines from here to there.]

It quite often felt like a chase, given that he'd rarely ever make points clear yet would always be there waiting. Cheshire was... always there.

Could be worse.

[ He's not exactly paying attention to where he's going, other than around obstacles and following the dog. They could probably go in a complete circle here and he still wouldn't realize it. ]

That's actually rather loyal, for a cat.

[So much could be worse.

At least between the two of them Alice would notice if they kept going in circles, this library was far less ridiculous than the one in Wonderland at least. Far more stable for the moment.]

I could say that Dinah was far more loyal, and at least didn't leave me with little more than a riddle to try and guide my way.

True... But then again, most cats don't speak at all...

[ He's trying to follow her logic as well as the dog... But, well. You can apply only so much logic to Wonderland. He's seen that first hand. ]

Or was Dinah loyal to you as that dog in front of us is? [ Gestures at Toto. ]

Given that she saved my life, I'd say she was just as loyal. Always at my side.

[She missed Dinah, and even Snowdrop, but she had lost an awful lot with so much time taken from her. Even now this was some little step in gaining anything back, odd as all of this was.

Perhaps she missed Cheshire as well, given he had pushed her even when Alice didn't trust him, trying to gain back her memories. She did watch Toto, how he was happy sniffing and following whatever trail his little mind was putting together. Even now she was given him her trust, tied to her now as the creature seemed to be.]

I'm still figuring Toto out, but he seems trustworthy. He helped me find the book you found me reading.

Test Drive: April 2020

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