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

[It will take her some time because Edelgard is nothing if not thorough. The perfectionist in her will not settle for anything less. Which is why she will come back with no less than four of those overly large feral fungi. One tucked under either arm against her side, one dragged on the ground with its foot in her left hand, and the final unfortunate troublemaker is injured. Her nails at some point ripped through the fingertips of her gloves and stabbed the cap of the poor mushroom she now dangles as Edelgard marches to the pen Eugene has set up.

The one with her fingers in its flesh is the only one not currently wriggling for freedom.]

[While waiting, Eugene may or may not have summoned up a small mirror to check on his appearance. Yep. Still lookin' good. —And yes he also used it to help monitor the mushroom inside the enclosure. Still needed some practice, but no time like the present. He just so happens to catch sight of Edelgard's reflection, so he turns with a friendly smile and wave.]

There you are! Was starting to wonder if you had ditched...me...

[Annnnnd cue the gaping stare as he finally registers the sight of four poor mushrooms being dragged and carried by her. Is. Is that one stabbed by her hand and it's not— It's not dead is it?!?!?]

Wha...

[Yeah that's all he manages.]

[Whether it is dead or not she cares little. Or at least she seems that way. Edelgard's frustration might have gotten the best of her, and her determination to round of the mushrooms almost overwhelmed her until she grabbed the poor thing by its cap and dug her nails into the vegetal flesh while they shifted - looking as if modeled to resemble eagle talons.]

Hold one so that I may toss the others in.

[He may have his choice of the... victims.]

[...Mhm, mhm. Definitely trying to not focus on those talon claws, but his eyes do dart from her hands to the skewered mushroom and back a few times.]

...Right, I'll uh...take that one. [Just going to. Point to the one being dragged by the foot. As much as he kind of pities the injured one...yeah he does not want to deal with fungal guts or whatever. So he'll just take the one that's clearly out but not dead. Hopefully.]

[After dropping the red wine cap mushroom at his feet it comes back to life again to wriggle about aimlessly before it can get back to its bouncy rhythm. Meanwhile Edelgard is quick to use her strength to chuck the remaining mushrooms over the top of the mirror like tossing apples into a basket.

Finally when she lets the last one go there's an eerie residue left behind on her finger tips. Her 'talons' and fingers are covered in a red, liquid type substance that looks like... well, it's closer to strawberry jam than it is blood, but at a glance it can be unnerving. The one she punctured must have been a Bleeding Tooth mushroom that had been on the verge of fruiting.]

[Oh no you don't you wriggling mushroom! He will not embarrass himself further! So before it can get too bouncy, Eugene grabs it and tucks it under his arm like sack and then quickly carries and hurls it into the pen. There were some weird squooshing sounds, but he just ignores it and dusts his hands in satisfaction before reaching for the remedy.

But when he turns to look at Edelgard.

...]

...You uh, wanna wash your hands...?

[Briefly Edelgard lifts her hand to examine the state it is in. Filthy...

With a sigh she allows it to fall to her side before nodding.]

Yes, perhaps that would be best.

[Yeah he thought so.]

Alas, I have no idea how to conjure water, but I know I saw a hose nearby. I can just toss this in there real quick and help you out.

I would appreciate that, thank you.

[She will wait patiently for him. The red ooze dripping once or twice from the pointed tips of her... nails? Claws? Goodness, she hopes she can file them back to normal.

Either way his assistance will be needed. She's a little wary of trying to do anything else with these little daggers on her hands; afraid that perhaps she'll shred the hose too.]

[It's a similar concern he has, so after chucking the vile over and being slightly startled by a loud POOF within the pen followed by silence... He'll just head on over to the hose, picking up the nozzle.]

All right this should just take a moment...and here we are. [Fortunately the handle isn't difficult to turn and the water flows out easily. He did point it away from them in case it just decides to burst out, but looks like it'll be easy going.

So he holds it out closer for her so she can wash her hands easily.]

But you know, I'm impressed. You really managed to catch them all bare handed? [...Well with claws—er, nails like those, guess those help, but still! Skill would be necessary for that.]

[She reaches out to let the water wash away the goo. Gently she'll scrub her hands together to try and encourage the red, viscous matter to leave her skin.]

Back home I was a warrior who knew how to rundown her enemies. And... here for some reason I felt compelled to herd them all together. Like a shepherd with their flock, I suppose.

You know, I had a feeling you were a warrior of some kind. But compelled to herd them, huh? [Musing a bit.]

Since it sounds like you're from a different world like me, you have an Essence, right?

Yes, that is correct.

[The moment her hand is clean she... hides it purposefully in the long, flowing sleeves of the celestial robes of her essence. This body may not be her real one, but it bears the marks of her past as if it were. As such she is careful to hide the scars on her arms.]

Though I have not taken the time yet to look too much into the source of it.

[Fortunately even if he notices her quickly hiding her hands, he won't think much of it. Though he will offer her a handkerchief to dry her hand if she wants it.]

Heh, same. I don't mind reading in general, but there's not really much going for a "magic mirror." So I'm more or less having to figure things out on my own.

What's yours?

A cowherder that's represented by a star called Altair. Which is a little ironic, but maybe that was on purpose.

[Edelgard politely declines his offer for the handkerchief and begins making her way back to the makeshift pen he made for their merry mushrooms. She wishes to check on them.]

[He will carefully stow the hose away before following after.]

How so?

Well... all in all it is a long story, but the short of it is not to long before coming here I killed an archbishop whose family hailed from the stars.

[Funny that the chosen Essence for her would then be a man of the stars.]

[Just. Going to suddenly stop walking because what—

After blinking a few times, there's a bit of a dry laugh as he slowly resumes.]

I'm sorry, did you just say you killed an archbishop? [Whose family apparently hailed from the stars but he can only unpack so much at a time.]

Yes. She transformed into a horrible beast that looked like a dragon, but not before setting fire to the kingdom of her allies with the citizens still within its walls.

[She pauses, but only after she's steps ahead of him and has to turn around to make eye contact. Her tone is even. Cool. As if dispatching an archbishop is simply what needed to be done, and not some moral quandary.]

[...Uh.........huh.

Unsurprisingly that is quite a lot in just a few words so there's a bit of a confounded expression at first. But then he straightens up, the context for everything settling in.]

That's... I'd say that kind of thing is hard to believe, but having dealt with evil sorcerers and spirits that should have stayed dead a long time ago, it's strangely easy to follow. And if she really did all that, then guess there's no helping it.

[Archbishop or not. Not that he has has much ties to religion, anyway.]

There is no need to discuss whether or not she deserved it. It has happened, and cannot be taken back. However if you are uncomfortable being around someone who has spilled blood I would not be offended if you wish to take leave.

[She knows some people just don't have the stomach for it. And perhaps if many of her formative years weren't spent in a dungeon basement she'd find herself uncomfortable with the thought as well. Honestly his discomfort, but attempt at dismissal, reminds her a little of her friend Dorothea.]

[He's not going to completely brush it off, but he doesn't seem as bothered as she might expect. Instead he just gives a wry laugh.]

As...incredible as what you've just told me is, I'm no stranger when it comes to taking lives or being around those who have. [Not that he's proud of it so despite his light tone it's also a bit subdued.

He points to her hands.] Now that special manicure of yours—that might make me a little tense depending if they're swinging my way.

[But he says it in a lighthearted manner, so although it would be a little unnerving, he'd get used to it. Mostly. Probably.]

It is pretty weird, isn't it? I suppose this isn't the first time an aspect of my appearance has made people uncomfortable, so perhaps I should get used to it.

[It won't stop her from going home at the end of the night and trying to file them down to achieve some sense of normalcy. Behind her she keeps her hands tucked in the long sleeves of those celestial robes to hide them from his view while also trying to avoid eye contact.]

Edited (woops missed a whole word) 2020-10-31 14:20 (UTC)

Now that I find hard to believe. Sure you might have the "Ice Queen Beauty" look down, but I wouldn't consider it a bad thing. [Yep, that would be his quirk making his mouth run a lot more than it needed to. So he's just uh. Going to hastily continue—]

Besides it's could be worse. I've seen some a lot, and I mean a lot of scary creatures and even people in my travels. Clawed hand? Different, sure, but just pop a glove on it and no one would be the wiser. Probably.

No need to try and reassure me. After all my hair wasn't always ghostly white, and my skin used to be able to tan gently in the summer. I know which parts of me are odd, and I know how disturbing I can look in a soft white nightgown.

[She raises a hand to rest on his shoulder, but before her palm (with old scars riddling the skin) reaches him she retreats to put it safely behind her once more.]

I will just have to make sure they're more useful than they are unnerving.

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

Test Drive: September 2020

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