forgottentales_ooc | Test Drive: September 2020

Entry tags:

-tdm

Test Drive: September 2020

Test Drive: September 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.
Don't forget to refer to the Game Info for how the mechanics work.
Public Registration is currently closed until further notice, but anyone with an invite and current players can register at any time. Claims will open at a later date.

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. The Commission Board is also available to choose special jobs from. (This is basically the free for all "taste of normal life" prompt.)
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.
D. Macy's, Eat Your Heart Out! To celebrate the arrival of the Aspects and all the work and help they've provided for the past two years, the local citizens are throwing a festival and are hard at work to prepare. This year they want to throw a parade and special floats are being made to reflect the five different stories that have been restored. However, things never go as planned. That's why they might desperately rope passersby- including newer Aspects- into making sure the floats don't go (completely) out of control and ruin the party before it even gets started.
1. Just Tricks no Treats. For Hollow Christmas Carol, the main feature of the float is a mechanical horse that a costumed "headless" rider will sit upon while throwing presents and candy to the crowds. The horse is also equipped to fire soft presents and candy through a special cannon equipped in its mouth. However, there is a problem—a lot of problems. For whatever reason, the mechanical horse will suddenly spring to "life" and become a buckin bronco, tossing whoever tries to sit on it. When testing the mouth cannon, it spins out of control while firing candy out like bullets. The float itself has mysterious pumpkins growing on it which need to be removed. There's also the matter of collecting enough candy and wrapping presents for the masses.
2. Fly Me to the Moon…? The Bamboo Cutter's float is decorated as a bamboo forest and there will be shows of skilled swordsmanship as they cut through designated patches to then toss out the small gems that are produced in the shoots. Volunteers for actors are needed, but what they desperately need are bakers. A giant moon cake is to be on display that will later be cut and shared among the populace at the festival. However, it's a massive endeavor and requires a lot of ingredients and several people to help prepare each section. To make things worse, someone or something keeps eating it!
3. Clammed Up. The Little Mermaid needs pearls. Lots of pearls. However, the clams they brought to help harvest them are being difficult and refuse to open. These clams are special in that they're similar to chickens—they can create a large pearl within a day or two, thus they are treated with care. But they have become spoiled and refuse to give up their goods until certain demands are met. They range from singing to them, bathing them with luxurious bath salts, and decorating their shells. Only once appeased will they hand over their beautiful pearls...only for the process needing to be repeated again.
4. Rose Parade. The fae are in charge of A Midsummer's Rose float, and a few pixies have decided to join in on the fun. Along with taking care of the living flowers and plants that form the float itself, those around the float must be wary of the pixie dust that is sometimes scattered about (on purpose). The dust can make the individual feel very giddy, as if drunk, and even have them float in the air a few feet. Waving some pollen from any flower on the float will negate the effects, but even that can be difficult given the flowers are affected too. Snapdragons and dandelions on this float act exactly as their namesakes and will get a bit "chompy" when hungry; pansies will start cowering and crying in fear; and love-lies-bleeding will lean too hard into the Shakespeare influence start wailing loud, stilted death speeches and trying to steal the show; and so on. Getting enough pollen to snap everyone out of it might require some creative thinking.
5. Shroom Magic. Although recent, those from Alice in Wonderland won't miss out! Their float is like a whimsical tapestry depicting key scenes of Alice's journey through Wonderland. They also have a little "play" zone formed with large, special bouncy mushrooms for kids to join in during the parade. However, the mushrooms are a bit too bouncy...and playful. They've suddenly sprouted legs (some are blaming the pixies) and are jumping about making a mess of things, even endangering the other floats still being built! Help wrangle the mushrooms and get them back in their place. A quick splash of a special brew will help return them to normal, but if any get on a person, then they will have some growth and shrinking problems. There are also warnings to not consume either the mushrooms or the drink as they can cause serious hallucinations and delusions. For some reason people are not heeding that warning, so taking care of the afflicted by bringing them to nearby healers is requested as well.

¶ II. It's Getting a Little Mad Here. Things to get a little weird once the autumn season rolls in and everyone starts getting ready for the spooky season, but things have gotten downright crazy and even dangerous. Normally tame creatures are behaving erratically and inanimate objects are suddenly coming to life. There are also reports of strange lightning appearing somewhere deep in the dark forests outside the Index. Help handle and investigate these strange incidents!

A. Hog Wild. Although not the original "Three Little Pigs," pig triplets are not uncommon in town and many have followed their "role models" and turned to construction. However, for some reason all of these construction pig workers have taken on a more destructive route and have started to demolish everything! With various tools including jackhammers and even a wrecking ball, these pigs mean business. Stop them before they destroy more of the city!
B. Gobble Gobble . The dreadful Swan Princess has returned! And this time she has an army of birds to aid in her wreaking havoc across the Index! Ducks locking people in their outhouses, chickens gobbling up all the corn in the fields, loons untying boats so they drift off docks, chaos everywhere! Worst of all is the princess's steed, a massive turkey the size of a horse, running through the streets and frightening all with its gobble! Those facing the giant turkey must either dress up as something enticing to try and "woo" it away (an attractive turkey, a big ear of corn, a giant moth for some reason…) OR ditch the costumes and hunt it down to add to the anniversary feast.
C. Stoned. Late at night, strange creaking sounds can be heard along the rooftops and strange shadows cover the night sky. It's on the second night that the source is revealed to be strange, large stone gargoyles that have perched atop random buildings. Some partake in late night revelry, drinking and carousing until right before dawn. Others take to the streets and behave like thugs, harassing and threatening hapless late night workers. Fortunately none have grown violent, but concerns are there. They only appear at night, arriving once the sun sets and leaving before the sun rises. It has been found that those caught in the sun will harden and are unable to move, making it easier to capture and, in some cases, destroy. It's uncertain as to whether the gargoyles are "living" creatures or inanimate stone structures magicked to "life."
D. Wayward Woods. Those who follow the departing gargoyles will discover them heading deep into the dark woods, known for the dangerous beasts that lurk within. Those strong enough will spot a castle in the distance, but no matter how hard they try they cannot seem to reach it, thwarted by a magical fog and moving trees that disorient all who approach by ground or air. But lightning is constantly seen striking in the vicinity and the occasional maniacal laugh.

¶ III. Scene Snippets. The following prompts are various scenes styled similarly to those designed for the campaigns. Two characters are randomly assigned a role and must "act out" the scene. It can be assumed they are given the basics, but they are free to act however they wish. There is no real script or set direction, and they will have full access to their Essence abilities. Roles are not gender limited, so go wild. You are also free to create your own scenes or play within the general setting of the provided stories, even if they are not specified. Everything here is just a "guideline" and characters can act and behave however they would if dumped into the setting.

A. The Princess and the Frog. A classic tale of a prince saved by the kiss of the beautiful princess. Or thrown into a wall. Or just has to sleep on a pillow. Obviously this story has a loooot of versions, one more can't hurt, right?
1. A Frog's Life For Me. Somehow things got a little mixed up—it seems that everyone has been turned into a frog of various species and are stuck in a random castle. Fortunately, there is a cure! —Aside from finding a princess to give a kiss (or try kissing each other, who knows it could work), a special potion bottle rests on a shelf in the adjacent room, so it shouldn't be too difficult to recover, right? Well, maybe if there wasn't a weird spiny half-goblin-half-hedgehog resting in the room. Sneak past it to get the potion!
2. Just a Little Smooch? All right, things have been properly sorted and the main characters, the Frog Prince and the Princess have been cast. Of course, the Frog Prince is really a frog, not in a costume. Although a "true love's kiss" is the traditional means to break the curse, there are some other options: 1) creating a potion using less than flavorful ingredients based on a frog's natural diet (mmm flies); 2) traversing through the nearby swamps to find special moss illuminated by a firefly's bulb for the frog to roll through (beware the wildlife, both native and Eraser form); 3) defeating the giant snake lurking in the swamp's waters and smearing its venom all over the frog's hide (but the Princess should not touch it or they will be paralyzed); or 4) try some of the other story methods, such as chucking the frog into a wall.
3. I Object! Somehow, the curse has been broken, and the prince and princess are set to wed! But before that can happen, the Aspects have to deal with the Blot of Iron Henry, the Frog Prince's most faithful servant. The Story Eater's corrupted him into a raving fanboy who refuses to let his Prince-sempai marry anyone but him! It's up to the Aspects (dressed either as the happy couple or as part of the wedding parties) to subdue the wedding crasher so the party can continue! Be warned, though, Iron Henry will try to fight back by throwing magical iron bands from his heart.
  - Scene Revisit. On future revisits, instead of a Blot Iron Henry, Aspects are cast into the role alongside a Frog Prince or the Princess. Iron Henry's goal is "win back" his prince, thus Iron Henry must either convince the Frog Prince to let him remain at his side (however that is interpreted) or must face off the Princess who won't let her Prince go so easily (or will she?). Of course...everyone has two hands.
B. Create Your Own! No need to limit to what we provide. If there's a particular story, scene, or even setting that you think would be fun, go for it! You can even use the story your character's essence is from. Other options are any of the scenes and settings from our previous campaigns and side stories.

¶ 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

"I have unfortunately." He'll willing to explain once (and not if hopefully), he is back to himself.

Ren doesn't resist being picked up. He wouldn't be able to even if he had wanted to. If a frog could make a pondering expression, he would be making one here.

"Hmm... I believe it's supposed to be the lips but I'm not sure."

It might not matter but trying to go by how the fairytale went might be the safest bet in this case. It couldn't hurt to try.

Edited 2020-09-18 01:23 (UTC)

He figured as much, but it didn't hurt to ask. Minato couldn't help the slight pursing of his lips though. The only animal he was really willing to kiss was Koromaru and even then, that was just letting the pup lick his face.

Ah, well. "I guess there's a first for everything."

So, Minato leaned in and tried not to make a face as he gave phantom thief turned frog prince a kiss on his froggy lips.

Koromaru is very cute and hard to resist.

Ren tried to make himself relax as he braced for the kiss. The moment he feels Minato's lips on his own, there's a puff of smoke which disappears quickly to reveal Ren is back to his human form.

While also wearing a rather nice outfit to go with the occasion.

He doesn't make a move to pull away, but he doesn't move either. Even if he can feel his heart starting to pound a little, and his face heating up. Truthfully he hasn't had a lot of experience with kissing, and it's the first time with another guy.

It feels...nice.

Minato didn't quite jump at the smoke, but he did pause his kiss when he realized that they were now pressed against very human lips. They were nice and warm, actually, something he didn't quite expect from another guy (which was kind of stupid to think and he felt stupid for thinking that as soon as he thought it).

With some reluctance, he pulled away. He blinked his eyes open (when did he close them?) and couldn't help but tilt his head as he quite blatantly looked the guy up and down.

He was a really good looking teen. "...well, I guess that answered that."

To be fair, Japan wasn't exactly the most accepting when it came to the LGBT+ community so it wasn't Minato's fault.

Ren also opened his eyes, he didn't recall closing them, and tried not to blush more even if he couldn't quite make the pink on his cheeks go away.

He is quite pretty and he is quite fit from both Phantom Thief work and exercising a lot. Plus he's got max Charm, which is likely helping quite a bit in this case.

He looks away while messing with a piece of his curly hair out of nervousness. "Yeah."

So what happens when two people with Max Charm are now faced with something like this? Minato's own cheeks were coloring bit by bit, but as it had been a long time to even work to the amount of emoting that he does now (or if he is around Minako) even this seemed like a lot.

Still, he didn't look away. He slid his hands into his pockets, tail still swishing as he tilted his head. Both of his eyes were visible with that gesture. "Did I take your first kiss?"

That would explain why Ren felt something. Other than Ren not exactly being completely straight.

Ren tries to force himself to calm down despite the small blush, and looked back to answer. "In general? No. But with another guy? Yes."

He has kissed a couple girls in the past, but it wasn't as pleasant as this was. Could it be...?

No. That's impossible. He hardly knows Minato, there's no way he could get a crush this quick and easily. Maybe it's just teen hormones messing with his brain.

"I see," He said. Then, his lips pulled up slightly in a small, amused smile. "Do you normally blush when you kiss a girl, then?"

Teasing, of course. But Minato couldn't quite help himself. Ren looked awfully adorable like this, even if Minato probably wasn't any better. Then again, Minato did nothing more blush slightly. If not for that, and his tail, he looked as cool as a cucumber.

"Minato."

That causes his face to turn a darker shade of red. His glasses pretty much useless in hiding his face. He is kind of glad he doesn't have his personas anymore as he's sure he would be hearing laughter in his head by now.

"N-No. The girls I had kissed before weren't...exactly great." He didn't want to say outright suck.

He turns his head away to clear his throat for a moment. Seeing Minato blushing as least helps him calm down a little. It's comforting at least.

"Ren Amamiya. It's nice to meet you."

"That's a shame," He replied, he couldn't say he had a similar experience. The girls he kissed had been lovely, even if the relationship didn't move any further. Sometimes, he just didn't find that special someone just yet. "I guess that means mine wasn't awful then."

He was actually pretty relieved. It had been awkward enough, that's for sure. But it would have been worse (and a blow to his pride) had it also been a bad kiss. Junpei would probably never let him hear the end of it if he found out.

"Nice to meet you, too. So... are you supposed to be the Frog Prince?" Wait... "Huh. Does that make me the princess?"

For some reason, that didn't make him feel self-conscious about it. It also wouldn't have been the first time he wore a dress. But so many of these tales had princesses that he hadn't been sure.

Edited (a tiny retcon because I didn't read the original TDM prompt correctly whoops lmao) 2020-09-18 03:27 (UTC)

"No, it was good actually." The best one to be honest.

Ren shakes his head. "No I'm supposed to be Robin Hood." He then finally notices his clothes and that his hat is missing. He had been too distracted by the kiss and how nice it felt to notice until now. "Huh. I wasn't wearing this earlier." He moves a hand through his hair. "My hat's missing too."

He then notices the dress. Honestly it looks good on Minato, though he kinda wished he was the one wearing the dress.

"Oh," Minato's train of thought stopped when his habit of putting his hands in his pockets... succeeded? He looked down and sure enough, the dress has pockets! A rather delighted smile lit up his face because there's a dress with pockets!. He needed to tell Minako. "Heh."

Oh, right, right, Robin Hood. While he didn't try to school his features again, he was embarrassed about smiling in front of people anymore obviously, it was just easier for him to go back to a somewhat lighter expression. "Your first concern is your hat?"

How funny. He liked Ren already. Don't worry Ren, you might get your turn when they have to fix a story again. Wearing heels sucks though.

"I'm the Fox from The Little Prince," Minato replied in kind. Not that he didn't really get anything fancy aside from fox traits. Although he was always amused to find out that the Fox was very much like a wildcard. Amused and touched, to be honest, even if he was no longer Thanatos and wasn't connected to Ryoji like that anymore. Maybe one day he'll meet him again. "Do you want to look for your hat?"

Oh lucky. For some reason Ren's own outfit doesn't have any. Seems like a huge oversight on design.

Ren makes a slight pout. "I like that hat."

Yes they do and it's one of the few things about crossdressing that he doesn't like. It's worth it to deal with the pain though.

Well it did explain the fox ears and tail. He had assumed this guy wasn't fully human or human at all. Clearly fighting in the Metaverse has taught him nothing.

"Cool." While Ren would rather be Arsene like his first persona, it has been fun being Robin Hood despite the association with Akechi.

"Sure let--"

Unfortunately before anything like that can happen, suddenly a bunch of trumpeters go off and a group of knights heading towards them, clearly happy that their 'majesty is back'.

Oh right. Happily ever after. They are supposed to get married, aren't they?

Welp.

Minato couldn't help his chuckle now. "I'm sure you did. I'm sure we can--"

Oh. Oh. Uh, hm. Normally, they would need to roll with this, right? But it didn't seem like the usual stories they had to save. It was all very low-key. Did that mean they still had to get married? His ears twitched.

"I prefer to date before marriage," Minato took Ren's hand and pulled up his dress with another so he could run away a bit easier. "Let's go."

Yeah Ren isn't too keen on jumping ahead with marriage before they get to even know each other.

He nods and starts to run with Minato away from the knights. He's really wishing this was the Metaverse so he could just use his grappling hook to get them out of there, or at least be much faster.

"Sukukaja would be good about now," Minato muttered. He was pretty sure he had a persona to cast it before all this. However, as the Fox, he did have a knack for getting out of sticky situations. His eyes found a small alcove, covered by leaves and very thick tree roots. "There."

He jumped over it and then quickly pulled at Ren to get underneath the roots. He scrambled to pull the poofy skirts in as well, making sure not a hair was showing past the roots for the trumpeters and wedding crew to find. Sure enough, they simply walked past. Too loud and boisterous to really take a look at where their beloved prince and princess went.

Normally he would be very surprised that Minato's a Persona User but there's no time for that.

"That or Traesto." Assuming they weren't pulled into combat at least.

Ren lets Minato pull him up and then stays hidden quietly to wait for them to pass. He's had plenty of experience with sneaking around shadows so this is nothing.

Once the trumpeters and the knights are gone, Ren makes a sigh of relief.

"That was close."

Minato kept his ears perked on his head, tilting side to side for a moment to make sure all sounds were fading rather than coming closer. Being a fox certainly did have its perks! ~~He's also very adorable~~

"Yeah," He said with a sigh, grabbing onto one of the roots to pull himself up. He proceeded to fall right over instead as his foot caught his dress. !!! "Urgh, I hate dresses."

Edited (html fail) 2020-09-18 16:12 (UTC)

~~Yes Ren would have to agree.~~

Oh dear. Well dresses weren't exactly made for this. "Heels are worse. They can be murder on your feet."

He grabs one of the roots to pull himself up, and once he manages to, he offers a hand to help Minato up.

He took the offered hand. "Yeah, I know."

Which is why he found the first opportunity to lob them at his and Minako's shadows during the last Act. It was very liberating. Ladies, he understands your pain now.

He patted down the skirt of the dress, not too dirty at least. "We might be able to find your hat before they come back to town. Want to keep trying?"

Hoo boy, Ren would have liked to see that. Especially if those shadows were the same ones they fought as Persona Users.

"Sure. It's a green hunting hat with a white feather on the side." Basically the traditional hat that Robin Hood is usually shown wearing. At least until modern interpretations either gave him an actual hood, or just went without anything to cover the head.

Hopefully it won't be too difficult to find.

Minato nodded. Well, at least it was a pretty iconic hat that Ren had, rather than an actual hood. Then again, if he somehow lost his hood he would be worried. How would that even be possible?

So, he started in the direction of town, opposite of the party.

"You have a persona?"

That would mean he lost a cloak if he had a hood instead of a hat.

He follows him as they talk. "Had several before I ended up here, and I can't hear or feel any of them now. What about you?"

He had no idea if Minato is another Wild Card like him or just a Persona User, but there was no doubt that he has had a persona.

"Same," Minato said. "You've been to the Velvet Room, then."

A wildcard, indeed. He wondered if he was still the "best guest" Igor ever had. He always knew he had more than one, but he wondered if Igor say that due to the choice he made. The ultimate choice. He hoped that was something Ren didn't have to do.

"Yeah, and I'm guessing you never had to deal with a fake Igor, right?"

At least he hoped Yaldabaoth hadn't tried to pull any shit before his time.

Thankfully no. The closest to that was when he had to turn himself in to the police so that Shido could face justice, though Akechi stepped in to do so in his place before that could happen. So not even that.

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i like that you have an icon handy

I have a folder of icons of Ren kissing other characters just for this purpose

Hahah, if only I had the same with Minato

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