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

[He sighed and offered a nod. He wagered the pigs would have given up by now, but something had them supremely bothered.

Ah, but they needed to get a better idea of where to go. He stopped next to one of the cottages and jumped up to grasp the edge of the thatched roof, beginning his climb. Surely the pigs needed attention, so they just needed to see where commotion was primarily coming from to know where to go next.]

[Yeah, he's not about to stay on the ground either. The vantage point was way too low, and even then, it'd be hard to get a good read on where - say - a plumb of smoke was coming from if something was on fire.]

[And it does look like something could be on fire... like a mill. ]

...!!!

[An audible gasp. He thought he smelled something burning...! No! Link takes to the rooftops, vaulting along to try and close the distance. All the while, he was taking a hold of the wooden jackhammer to keep his balance. He had an idea! He just needed a clear shot at the pig.]

[Ah ha! He made a sound... but focus on the fire, yes let's do that!]

[Springing after Link, Zidane notices the other guy take hold of the jackhammer.]

Gotta plan? Lemme in on it!

[He gestured to himself, then pantomimed a heave outward. After a moment of counting in his head, he flashed all ten fingers three times. That's a range he could chuck this thing, he wagered... he was glad it wasn't metal, or he'd kill the poor pig.

But he'd knock it silly for the guards.]

[So, he wanted to throw it... Zidane doesn't really get the second part, but if he's throwing the jackhammer, he probably intended on hitting the pig.]

So distract it, and make sure to give you a target to hit when you throw that thing? Is that right?

[He brightened and nodded, happy for the understanding. With a thumbs up, he confirmed that he was looking to make use of the 'improvised weapon'.

Because let's face it, he would absolutely take this home and add it to the clutter of other weapons and tools he had. ~~Who has a problem? He doesn't have a problem. It's called having ingenuity!~~]

[Grinning at his right answer, he then smirked.]

Alright, get ready then!

[Putting on a burst of speed, he was into the smoke and flames to catch one squealing hog boy by surprise.]

[He nodded and crouched, easing the jackhammer off of his back. He had one shot at this and needed to be careful- once the hammer was out of his hands, it wouldn't do if he accidentally hit his new friend.

He just had to trust in him. You've got this, guy...!]

[Unlike the last pig, this one's got its torch and was swinging, trying to hit the monkey-tailed interloper that had just dropped through the smoke. However, Zidane's fast and the pig was evidently not trained for fighting, opting for wild swings in the hopes the threats of burns or sparks deterred him.]

[Course, that just means when the jackhammer came flying, the pig had its back turned. There's another loud, but cut off squeal, and the pig faceplanted into the dirt, torch clattering and jackhammer landing at Zidane's feet.]

Hehe, good try, but not good enough.

[He huffed a breath and dusted off his hands. It was tough to see through the smoke. Did... did he do it?

He peeked over the edge and hoped the smoke would clear. But the squeals seemed to have quieted, hmm. He'll hop down but reach back for his arrows just in case.]

[Zidane's crouched down next to the pig, whistling lowly when he sees the lump left behind.]

You'll feel that in the morning...

[Though, probably time to move outta the smoke and get out of the guards' way. But he blinked, looking up, and grinned at Link.]

Good arm! He'll be down for a few hours.

[He sighed his relief and nodded. Great. That takes care of that. But he had to do something important first.

Chin set in determination, Link extended a fist to Zidane. For a job well done...!]

[Hell yeah, he'll give Link a fist bump and wink.]

Might as well get outta here now. Oh, by the way, you still want that thing?

[He gestures over to the jackhammer.]

[The satisfaction of a fist bump. He smiled, glad that the job was done. But the jackhammer...? He turned and scratched his head. With a, 'Mm-mm', he shook his head.

Nah, it didn't belong to him. Plus he didn't quite know how to un-woodify things just yet. He should probably help pay back whoever owned it.

After a pause, he patted himself. Where were those things a new friend suggested he make to help make things simpler...? Ah-ha! He retrieved a card and offered it to the fellow blond. When you opted not to speak, business cards helped a whole lot.

It read: My name is Link. My Essence is 'The Nutcracker Prince'. I'm quiet because I choose to be; please pardon the inconvenience. I was a personal knight for my kingdom's princess back home, and am happy to help those in need. Don't hesitate to contact me.]

Huh... okay. Not like anyone's really gonna miss it probably.

[But who knows? Maybe the Guards would want it just to make sure it didn't get back in the pig's hands somehow. Which, okay, fair...]

[Standing up and dusting himself off a bit, Zidane blinked when the guy began to search himself. Tilting his head at the card, he accepts it - and he can read it, okay.]

'The Nutcracker Prince'... [He'll note to look that character up later.] Huh, you're kinda different from most knights I know, but that's pretty neat all the same. I'm Zidane and my essence is Aladdin. I was an actor and performer in my world until things happened, but no big deal really.

[He smiled, but he paused. He knew he was different, but he wasn't even remotely interesting compared to a performer who could kick butt.

He tilted his head and gave a half-hearted show of shadow-boxing. Did he pick up how to fight through acting, too?]

[He nodded, grinning, and able to understand those gestures.]

Yeah! I've had to play a rebel swordsman, a thief, knight... we wanna keep the special effects usage to a minimum so that's only when we have to be some kind of mage. Also, it's tricky to try faking a duel when you're feet away from the audience. They wanna hear the steel actually clang together, y'know?

[Sounded dangerous, but it sounded like he and his troupe were cautious. But if he can do all these amazing things...

He pointed to the ground, eyebrows raised. He acted back home, but did he perform here? He'd never seen a play before! His world was kind of. Um. Having some trouble right now that he needed to get back to helping to fix.]

[This one took him a little longer to catch onto.]

I could, but I'd need more actors. Or find a troupe to join. There are one-man performances, but it's not as fun as having a large cast.

[He frowned and looked thoughtful. He wouldn't be much help as an actor. Actors had lines...

Soon he pat his chest and nodded. He'll help! There's got to be tons of actors around here looking for work or even a troupe looking for new talent!]

[It was possible to have a silent character in a play, but...]

Ah, you wanna help? Sure! If we can get enough people, we can put on a show! Hm... I guess we'll have to use one of the books in the Library for a performance, but that's fine. Heck, maybe we can perform your story!

[He blinked in surprise. His story? But the Calamity--

Oh. OH! The ballet with his Essence! Now that he thought about it, ballets tend not to have words. He could dance his way through and save the story. But would it truly be that simple?

Link knit his eyebrows and gestured to Zidane. Not his story?]

[Link gestured at him. Hm...? Raising a hand to his chin, he considered what it might mean.]

Me... My story? Hrm, it could work. Some parts might be hard to work around, but with the right people... Y'know, let's get a crew together first then figure out the performance and other details.

[Yes, right. He was right. With a stretch, he eased out the kinks in his shoulders. After an afternoon of pig-busting, he could use a bite to eat. Then, naturally, he would help mend the damages.

With an offered hand to shake, the deal was sealed: He'd help find other actors, too.]

Test Drive: September 2020

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