forgottentales_ooc | Test Drive: September 2020

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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. B: Mischievous Mirror
[After exploring the city a bit and getting a feel of the kind of people are around, Eugene finds a quiet area and takes out the journal to once again look through it. It's a lot to wrap his head around, but he's here for a reason so might as well do this right.]

So let's see... I'm the Magic Mirror, huh? Couldn't this have come with some kind of guide or at least a hint of what I can do?

[And so begins some various experiments in figuring out what he can do with this Essence, and he discovers something very fun. So for anyone who passes any type of reflective glass surface, be it mirrors or windows, they may hear a tap tap tap. Should they turn, they will see Eugene's image on the surface and he will be doing one of the following choice (which one is up to you!):

"HELP ME!" In this scenario Eugene will pretend he's somehow trapped inside the glass or mirror and is trying to ask for help. He'll reveal the truth not too long into the joke, but he'll be very dramatic.
"You got something stuck on your [blank]." Eugene will point out that something is stuck or wrong with the person's outfit or something about their appearance. A leaf in their hair, mud on their sleeve, some random fairy tale creature that decided to latch onto them— You can decide what it is and leave hints or directly state it.
"Boo." A very simple surprising scare tactic. He will likely do this to those he thinks might startle easily.

]

☸ I. D5: Manic Mushrooms
1. [Eugene had just happened to be in the area when the mushrooms went out of control, so why not try to see what else he can do with his powers and help? So he'll chase after one.]

I got it, I got it!

[Casting out his arm, a small ring of mirrors suddenly fly out to try and encircle the mushroom. Unfortunately, the mushroom just bounces into them, knocking them out to send them flying about or shattering completely.]

...All right I don't got it. Sorry! [Small cringe as he hears one ding off the float. Hopefully no one else got caught!?]

2. [When not accidentally causing disasters, he'll be having a different problem—some of the potion splashed on him and now he is very tiny. Standing on top of a decoration, he creates a mirror large enough to at least reflect his face.]

Hey, can I get some—wow, do I sound squeaky. Is that really my voice? [Slowly rubs his throat a bit unnerved.] Anyway, can I get some help down here?

☸ III. A1: Froggy Friends.
No. No nope no nuh uh no way no.

[That's all Eugene says after everyone is turned into a frog, himself included. HE DOES NOT WANT THIS.]

I am not staying like this for a second longer than I need to. Being changed into a bird was one thing, but this?? They said there's a potion right?

[And when he tries to walk he obviously fails and falls over.]

OH COME ON!

[It will take him a bit before he's able to hop somewhat awkwardly along as he heads towards the room. His former thief skills should make this easy...except he's frog so a little assistance will be needed.]

☸ IV. Wildcard.
[Open to anything else!]

[Edelgard, despite not wanting to get involved, feels... compelled to. Probably something about her Essence and herding. Honestly she finds the urge annoying, but bearable. What really grates her is the mirror whizzing right by her head as she reaches to grab a little leg from a mushroom that had just bounced into the air.

She manages to grab the bouncy button shroom midair, abut her attention is quickly shifted to where that exclamation of "sorry" came from. Her eyes flit in Eugene's direction, and she's quick to storm over to him.

...Dragging that poor fungus behind her like a predator with a kill. It tries to wriggle and jump behind her, but as long as it can't detach its limbs like a lizard's tail it will have to stay with her.]

Were you the reason I almost had a face full of glass?

[...Wuh oh. That is definitely a frightening image and he knows this is definitely not a lady he should try to be too cavalier with. So just going to clear his throat.]

Er, yes, but I can assure it was just an accident?

[He didn't mean to sound kind of questionable at the end, but when there's a giant wriggling mushroom trying to free itself, it's kind of distracting.

RIGHT, FOCUS.]

You weren't hurt were you?

No, but someone else might have been. Are you going try and continue assisting with this endeavor?

[She wonders just how many "accidents" he is prone to cause if he does. She will not force his hand one way or the other, but if he intends to continue Edelgard will insist on accompanying him.]

[Why is he reminded of a certain someone— However, she has a valid point and he just raises his hand in pacification.]

And I take full responsibility for that. But it does look like I'll need a bit more practice before I try anything new, heh. [An awkward grin before he clears his throat and glances behind her at the now listless mushroom.] It, uh, looks like you got things covered.

...Did you really grab that thing barehanded?

Only one catch is not really what I would call "covered". Do you think it is difficult to catch them? Would you like to hold on to it and try?

[Perhaps she can enlist him in her endeavors rather than babysit him in his. Lifting up her catch she offers him the mushroom.

By its leg. Hanging upside down.]

Edited 2020-09-22 22:33 (UTC)

[Just going to uh. Take a step back as he hastily raises his hands.]

No, no, I am more than happy to leave the, uh, mushroom wrestling to you.

[Okay, if push came to shove he would probably try to jump on one and grab it, but for now he's going to try to find some other options.]

But clearly what I was doing wasn't working... Aha! [A sudden snap of his fingers.] What if I made a wall of mirrors?

[Genius.]

Might be useful to pen them in? Maybe?

I suppose that could work if you could guarantee they won't be knocked about again. Are you able to keep them steady against such a force?

[The poor mushroom she's manhandling will be lowered again to her side. At this point the thing seems resigned to its fate, but Edelgard keeps a firm grip to avoid any mishaps.]

Full disclosure, this is my first day at trying any of this stuff and I've never used any real magic in my life. [Unless randomly using magical artifacts in a desperate fight count, but he's thinking nnnnooooo.]

But I've had some practice by now, and I've gotten pretty good at creating them at least. [As if to prove his points, he's able to summon up a few decent sized mirrors.] If we use a building as another wall, that would be one less for me to try and handle.

[After walking up to one of the mirrors Edelgard reaches out her free, mushroomless hand to push on one to see how much force it takes to make them budge.]

How big can you make one individual mirror?

[Mushrooms don't have sight so they can't trick them with mirrors, but a larger single-pane blockade might be more difficult to bully.]

Let's see...

[Eugene will move to a bit more of an open area...just in case. He then...well how should he do this? Should be all showy and dramatic? Spread out his arms—yes, he should totally do that. So after clearing his throat and donning a much too serious look, he spreads out his arms to shout:]

Giant mirror...come forth!

[—and then immediately straightens up to rub the back of his neck and laugh.]

Yeah, that's a bit silly, but I just always wanted to try—whoa!

[A bit of a delayed reaction, but a mirror roughly about five feet wide and high appears.]

...It worked? Hah! It worked!!

So it did...

[This man certainly does remind her of a couple people. Maybe on a scale from Caspar-to-Ferdinand he's somewhere in the middle - no, leaning more towards Ferdinand. He hasn't threatened to fight anyone into submission after all. His exuberance just makes her feel... unnecessarily familiar to him. How silly.]

Want to find a corner to test it out? If a building is two walls and we make a triangular pen perhaps we can see how much this mirror can hold back.

[He's already wondering what else he can do or if it can even be bigger, but right current thing first.]

Sounds like a solid idea. Let's see... [A quick look around and he walks over to a particular spot, the mirror floating behind him.] This should do the trick. Just need to move it here to check the fit...

[Opting to physically move the mirror instead of wild hand gesturing, he carefully pushes the mirror in place and...]

And we're good! [He swings the mirror back out to open it for the mushroom.] Now for the guest of honor.

Edited 2020-09-27 20:20 (UTC)

Yes, let us try this.

[Edelgard chucks the poor mushroom like she were to carelessly throw a log into a fire pit. The poor thing hits the corner and bounces off into the ground before it realizes it is free of her grip. Once there it begins wiggling and flailing about to right itself so it can get to bouncing again.]

[Eugene will quickly "shut" the pen and they'll be able to hear the mushroom bouncing around in there.]

Good thing those things can't jump high, huh? Unless you think I should put a cap on top.

[...That might be hard for him...a triangular mirror?

But you know what would be really funny? Is if the mushroom entered into the mirror. But that wouldn't happen........would it?]

[Hopefully not! Edelgard would be quite irked considering he never mentioned that as a possibility. If Eugene had she would have suggested turning the reflective side toward them.]

No, I do not think so. Besides, the true remedy is to douse them with a concoction to turn them normal. If we gather enough mushroom troublemakers maybe we can just pour a bucket over the top.

[In all fairness, Eugene wouldn't have known either. But for now they will be fortunate and have less worries.]

In that case, since you're better at catching those things than I am, how about I get the remedy and then stay here and make sure this holds while you gather some more?

If you are positive you can hold your own then perhaps I will do just that. Are you sure you are capable?

It's just an overgrown mushroom, this thing is pretty sturdy—[A few light taps as if to prove his point and to be fair, it is a rather heavy mirror.]—and...I think it's distracted by its reflection, actually.

[Going to mentally take a "look" through the mirror and—no, that's a nearby window—okay there.]

And if it does try to escape, I can pop right through the mirror to grab it. Or distract it long enough for you to notice and come back, anyway.

[Not even going to pretend he's a pro mushroom wrestler, but he would do his best.]

Very well. Before I leave my I catch your name?

[After all should she need to find him again the descriptors she use... may not be kind, but they will be blunt and honest. Perhaps his name shall suffice if she has it.]

[—Right, that would be important.]

Eugene, and yours?

Eugene Fitzherbert | Tangled | Magic Mirror (Snow White)

Manic Mushrooms: 1

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