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

A sword. Katana usually and... [He looks at his own clawed hands.] Just that and claws, I suppose.

You might be able to request the Storyteller to bring the lance here, though it'd only be a replica.

[Dimitri has some experience with claws as well, but he would rather not think about it since those weren't his finest moment.]

I will consider it. I can fight effectively without it, but there is no denying that a familiar weapon makes things easier.

[He twirls the sword in his hand once before returning it to the rack with a sigh.]

Some proper armor would be even more useful, though.

Hm, unfortunately, this place doesn't supply that. But now you know how to reach this place. [....But he's itching for a fight right now, he can feel it.]

Maybe someone left something of use in one the first aid rooms...

[Somehow, he's reminded of Felix... Dimitri chuckles to himself.]

If you are looking to spar, I know how to grapple. The breeches this clothing came with are modest enough — so long as we have a gentleman's agreement that you'll try to spare them from your claws. I do not have any others.

[He perks up at that.]

I will try not to, but anything can happen in combat. [He really wants to know how strong Dimitri is. Ah, but he shouldn't get so excited about this. Calm down.] Are you sure though? Especially when you don't have other clothes right now.

I suppose I would have to borrow yours in that case.

[Dimitri sounds light as he says it. He's mostly joking, but now that he's eyeing up the size of Kazuma's waist, that might actually work... he'd have to tie a belt most likely, of course, but though Kazuma is inhumanly tall his other measurements aren't quite as ridiculous.]

Do people often show up here unannounced?

[If he's mostly stripping, he doesn't want any young women walking in on them.]

[He snorts at the suggestion of borrowing his clothes as he takes off his outer coat.]

I suppose as long as you have a means to keep them on. And sometimes, but it's the middle of the day. [And there goes his undershirt.] Meaning this place is off-limits right now. [Lucky Dimitri to get special access.]

[Good enough. This isn't so different from locking the doors to the training grounds on excessively hot days and stripping down to his underwear, anyway. Dimitri nods, then he goes about trying to get his clothing removed without damaging it.

It's a somewhat slow process.]

[He flexes, stretching in preparation until he sees Dimitri struggle with his clothes.]

Do you...want some help there? [There was a pause, because while he wants to help, would his claws and massive strength just make it worse?]

I think I can manage. We do not have clothing like this where I am from...

[The closest thing would be a swordmaster's garb, and Dimitri's never worn it or tried taking it off someone. Eventually he figures out to suck in his stomach and rotate the belt so he can undo it. The rest is simple enough. With the robes draped over an arm Dimitri glances around, searching for a place to put them.

Dimitri's physique makes it clear that he's fought, and a lot. He's quite muscular, but what really tells a story is those scars. He's littered with them from head to toe, and they're obviously from weapons and not just accidents. There's a strong concentration of scars on his torso on the side with his missing eye that he picked up while he was learning to compensate for his reduced field of vision. The ones on his other side are mostly on his limbs, clearly picked up by him blocking. All the scars seem to be fully healed save for one on the left side of his chest — a fairly fresh stitched-up dagger wound.

Ultimately, Dimitri settles for folding the robes neatly and placing them on some seating.]

How will we call the match? Ten seconds fully pinned?

[All those scars...this was a battle harden man. He can recognize someone whose has trained to ensure all his vulnerable spots are covered, like himself. Though Hyde's healing factor has covered his own scars, cept for two that looked like burn marks on his right arm, and on the palm of his hand.

Hyde--or perhaps Kazuma's own arrogance and confidence has him still believe he'll overpower Dimitri and win this in the end. But the logic and reason side of Kazuma knows not to underestimate this one. Definitely not the usual drunk regulars.]

Yea, I think that will work. Let's get started. [He approaches Dimitri, hunched over slightly so he can grab or block accordingly for more ease against a shorter opponent. He makes a note of that fresh wound though. It may prove of use to him later.]

[That polite, friendly demeanor of Dimitri's vanishes as he sinks into a defensive stance. He puts some distance between them as he slowly circles Kazuma, studying his body and the way he chooses to move and shift his stance to prevent Dimitri from getting behind him. Dimitri very much gives off the impression of the lion his class was named for, an apex predator sizing up a challenger, cautious due to a healthy sense of respect and not fear. Every bit the beast Felix accuses him of being.

It doesn't take him longer than a minute to decide that Kazuma is more than a hobbyist. There's an ease of movement there that can only come from long hours of training; when the motions have been practiced to the point that they're instinctive. Dimitri's movements are the same — he's been trained in combat since he could walk and he's fought for his life more times than he can count.

Kazuma has a superior size and a larger range, something Dimitri doesn't have to contend with that often. Thankfully, it isn't entirely unfamiliar. Dedue is a good deal larger than Dimitri is, and they've grappled before. With this much of a difference between them, Dimitri will have to be patient and wait for Kazuma to make the first move. If he doesn't use the momentum of Kazuma's movements against him, he's unlikely to be able to knock him down without a weapon.]

[Something has shifted with the other as soon as things got started, even if they were just watching each other. His opponent is expecting him to make the first move, not unlike himself when he's usually at a disadvantage. They can't keep this staredown forever though. Kazuma was itching just to know how strong his opponent really was, even if it puts him in a bad position. Maybe stomp the ground will shake him off his balance.

No. Winning like that wouldn't satisfy him. Certainly wouldn't answer his desire to know this man's strength. So he'll go and take the bait. He charges forward, appearing to grab from the top, but then ducks and goes for the man's waist.]

[Dimitri knows the key with a larger opponent is to stay low, and he does exactly that, keeping his waist out of reach for now. If he can manage it, he'll wedge himself up beneath Kazuma's hips and hurl him a good distance away, making use of that forward momentum and his own inhuman strength.

If not, he'll have to improvise and try to roll beneath him between his legs to avoid that grab.]

[Rather than land a grab onto his waist, his claws likely scrape Dimitri's shoulders as he's lifted and sent behind him. He lands not too far from him, digging his claws into the ground to keep himself from rolling off balanced.

He didn't seem at all phase by the toss though and will face Dimitri once more if he doesn't follow up. It's as if he wanted this, to get a better feel for his opponent. If there's no follow up, he will aim to grab his arms next. One or both, whatever will pull him closer. ]

[Naturally, Dimitri presses the temporary advantage. He's fought enough to know better than to let an opportunity go. Though it becomes evident that Kazuma has more raw physical strength as the match carries on, Dimitri's endurance and experience still make him a good opponent. His own strength helps too, far outclassing that of any ordinary human.

Eventually, though, they reach an impasse. Kazuma seems to be tiring, but not enough for Dimitri to actually be able to pin him down for ten seconds. On the other side, Dimitri remains tenacious and slippery enough to avoid being fully pinned by Kazuma in the first place. When they part again after a flurry of activity Dimitri backs up, eyeing Kazuma appraisingly.]

I think we might have reached our limit for today, [he says, voice thinner than usual due to his heavy breathing.]

[No, it's not over. I want more. He was having fun, even if he wasn't able to get Dimitri pinned down. There was something wild in his eyes, fixated taking down his opponent. That is until his stomach growls. He stops his forward momentum, giving himself a moment to get a breather.]

...Yea, you may be right. [He wipes some of the sweat from his brow. Though the spar was a good workout, he knew he could have kept going were it not for some limitations with this body.] I can tell this is not the first time you've grappled with someone taller than yourself.

[Dimitri mirrors Kazuma, pushing his bangs back and removing the eyepatch so it can start drying off underneath there. It's definitely not for show: his lid is scarred over and slightly deflated, clearly showing there's no eye beneath it.]

My dear friend Dedue is nearly seven feet tall.

[6'8", but he'll just round up.]

I get plenty of practice with him.

I see. If he ever shows up, I wouldn't mind sparring with him. [He gives him a currious look at the eye, or lack there of, that was revealed beneath the eyepatch. It's not really his business, but he really wanted to ask what happened there...]

I definitely would like another match sometime. You gave me a challenge, although I'm usually not the tallest one in a fight. [It was something he had to learn and adjust to while they fought. He starts walking into one of the openings that led into a resting area, and come back with some towels to offer to Dimitri. His stomach growls once more, demanding to be fed.]

Dedue does not particularly enjoy combat, we practiced out of necessity since war was looming... but I did run into Felix earlier, and he practically lives to fight. Perhaps I will introduce you sometime.

[Truth be told, though, he's hesitant. There were a couple of times there when they were fighting where he's pretty sure Kazuma would have heavily injured an ordinary human. Granted, it was only after Kazuma had a better measure of Dimitri's strength, so he might be able to control himself well enough...]

Are there baths here? I would rather not put such nice clothing on when I am such a mess.

A war...then I won't press if he isn't interested. [...] I wouldn't say I'm obsessed with fighting. I'm just seeking suitable opponents to hone my essence abilities. [Eventhough his other half created this arena.]

This Felix might like to know a deamon who does live to fight though. As for baths, unfortunately no, but there is a river that flows nearby. [Maybe that's something he could look into having in the future though.]

Edited 2020-10-09 01:18 (UTC)

A demon? Hmm...

[Again, he feels uneasy. Felix would tear him a new one if he had any idea Dimitri was attempting to shelter him like this, but he can't help it — he's raw after the loss of Edelgard. Coming here and ending up with an essence that's unquestionably alluding to the way Dimitri and Edelgard were separated isn't helping.

He'll just move along.]

I know how you feel. Combat helped me gain control over my strength more than anything else, though you seem to have more of it to deal with. Frankly, I am surprised you are not breaking door handles left and right. We had to leave all the doors in the palace open a crack after my first big growth spurt.

[...wait, he said palace. Moving right along again!]

A river should do well enough for a rinse. I will just put the bottom layer back on and head home to wash up after that. Would you mind showing me the way?

Edited 2020-10-09 20:52 (UTC)

He considers himself a war deamon. [Too much? A light chuckle escapes me.]

Oh I have, nearly every door or door handle has been replaced in my home and in the tavern. It's a work in progress. [He speaks lightly of it, not bothered that Dimitri pointed that out.]

It's this way. [...] Your highness. [He definitely caught that palace slip up, but he also seem to be humoring the man by his casual tone.]

[Dimitri follows along, leaving his clothes where he left them for now. He's too sweaty to touch silk...

"Your Highness". Of course. Dimitri sighs heavily but isn't too terribly put off. Honestly, he's even somewhat amused. It was a matter of time, anyway. Though "highness" technically isn't his title anymore.]

I suppose Orihime is a princess. I can assure you that I am not a "highness", though.

Well, I don't think you want to be Princess Dimitri. [Now he's just teasing.]

I already had a feeling you were someone who intermingled with the upper class. I just didn't know how deep you were involved with that part of society.

Test Drive: September 2020

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