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

[Edelgard certainly makes herself seem like an easy target amidst the chaos. She still has yet to change out of the fancy celestial robes of her essence, and her pouch hangs from the tie at her hip. She also allows herself multiple blind spots despite the way her eyes seem to coldly address and calculate what's in front of her. She also seems to travel alone, so there are no "friends" around to catch him and rat Therion out. By all means, it should be an easy swipe.

He gets pretty far, too. It's only when his hand reaches that leather pocket does she move. Her speed is quick: obviously the hand of a fighter who needs to make split decisions in battle. Her grip is strong: revealing that her small frame should not be underestimated. Edelgard could probably crush his wrist if she wanted to, but it would gain her nothing.

Good thing she always had to be alert for assassination attempts, or otherwise he'd probably making off with all her money by now.]

Pretty friendly for someone who hasn't even introduced himself, aren't you?

[Damn. After the initial, instinctive attempt to yank his hand away, Therion stills into his own hard lines, unwilling to draw more attention to the scene.

Some noble-looking folk are oblivious. Some, however, are warriors born and trained. Looks like he gambled wrongly on this one.]

Sorry. Got caught up in the festive air.

[He doesn't sound or look particularly sorry. Sorry she caught him, maybe.]

I'm new here. Didn't mean any disrespect.

I am fairly new as well. Perhaps we should stick together for a while?

[Why insist on spending more time with someone who tried to steal from you? To be an absolute thorn in their side by preventing them from stealing from others, that's why.

With her hand still on his wrist she tries turning to face him. Her eyes grow a little wider at seeing his fair colored hair, but she quickly steels herself back to a more neutral expression.]

[What was that? He's used to odd looks, but it's not like her leached-white hair's any more normal than his.]

...Sure. Why not.

[As long as she's got his wrist, he doesn't have a whole lot of leverage to say no. And if he can't get at her money, he can still maybe salvage something valuable out of this encounter: information.]

Then we should introduce ourselves, huh? What's your name?

[To face him properly by the end of her turning she has to let go of his wrist. This way she doesn't end up twisting his arm.

When Edelgard opens her mouth to speak she has to pause momentarily to thing. After all her title of 'Emperor' means nothing here.]

Edelgard von Hresvelg, and yourself?

[He brings his arm back to his side. No sense annoying her by trying to run off right now.]

Therion.

[No von, no surname. It's less of a name than even most commoners get, though perhaps that's unsurprising, given his particularly lowly profession.

Therion looks a moment at her robes before meeting her gaze again.]

The Storyteller turn you into a fairytale figure, too?

It seems the Storyteller deems fit to give most people one. In fact it also seems most basic needs are met for those who agree to help as well. Are you stealing for a different reason?

[There is no bite or aggression to Edelgard's voice. In fact the neutrality of it might be eerie, though there is a bit of curiosity in her tone.]

[He meets her gaze, then, and doesn't bristle.]

You always trust handouts for good behavior from powerful strangers?

No. I understand the desperation of needing help to stop a powerful force, and I also understand that we are working for our needs to be met. They are not handouts, but an advance on our service.

[She pauses for a moment as she tilts her head to think.]

I do not fault you for being wary, but filching from others in the same predicament seems like "crabs in a bucket" to me.

...I hear you. But I haven't seen concrete proof yet that helping the Storyteller does anything for us, or that they aren't part of those "Story Eaters" themselves. Not like we know any part of the full story there.

[He rubs his chin.]

Wouldn't be the first time someone pretended to be enemies to trick something out of people. It's one of the oldest gambits on the books. Thought I'd secure a supply line my own way should the worst happen and we're left to fend for ourselves.

I see. As it so happens you have the misfortune of meeting me before unveiling whether or not they're actually a part of some treacherous plot. If you really want the coins from my pouch you can challenge me for them.

[What the challenge is she does not say — because it's up to him. Perhaps she may not win, but Edelgard's pride will not let her part with what is technically hers without a fight. Though why she entices him to stay for a chance to take what he tried lifting from her rather than Edelgard simply dismissing Therion is a mystery.

For now.]

...No thanks. Your money's not worth that much to me.

[If she's confident enough in her abilities--combat abilities, he assumes, since nobles have all sorts of rituals around honorably skewering one other to death--to offer challenge to a stranger, then he's wise enough not to test her faith. She caught him in the act, after all. Not just anyone can do that.]

Especially not if you're new yourself. Can't have too much coin to your name at the moment.

[Though her expressions are usually neutral, Edelgard does look just a bit crestfallen at his refusal to take her up on a challenge. A shame, really. A game of strategy or skill would have been quite entertaining.]

I suppose you are right. The circumstances do make me a small fish in this pond. Very well, if I cannot keep you around then perhaps it is time we part?

[Not like she has anything better to do, but Edelgard isn't terribly creative and cannot think of more ways to waste his time so Therion could spend less of it preying on others.]

...You're letting me go? Just like that?

[His eyebrows rise. That's a spot of good fortune, if so.]

What do you expect from me? A shallow speech about morality and justice in a world I know precious little about? Or perhaps you expect me to try an arrest where I haul you up in my arms and drag you to the Storyteller myself?

Neither of those things will result in any sort of satisfying resolution. I am no closer to holding power or authority than you are.

[Though now the mental image of her cradling him, princess carry style, through the city is in her head. How ridiculous.]

...That's a pretty level-headed answer. I'm impressed.

[He's gotten a lot worse from badly-chosen targets in the past. Not everyone's so concerned with civil arrests and justice. Plenty of folk take dissuading thieves into their own hands. Come up with their own methods. He takes a couple steps away, as if testing the truth of her claim--or giving himself a head start if he needs to run--before glancing back at her.]

For what it's worth, I'm not likely to test my skills against you again, Miss Edelgard. Or is it something else? 'Lady'?

Whatever title I may have had is no longer relevant here. Simply my name is enough.

[Her hands stay folded primly behind her back until he has stepped back enough to seem like he's leaving. At that point she bows politely.

Honestly, though? It's freeing to be removed from her title. Emperor, Lady, Majesty — all of it was useful for her goals, but also the root of her suffering. To be separated from it? Cut loose from this strings? She feels as if her wings are finally allowed to unfurl just a little.]

Sure. Whatever you say, Edelgard.

[And by the time she straightens from her bow, he's gone.]

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

Test Drive: September 2020

Option III

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