forgottentales_ooc | 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

Ribbit!

[Well, he assumes he can change out from being a frog. He BETTER be able to or he really will hunt down that Storyteller and throw down words. Ribbits. Whatever.

And fortunately he is able to jump high enough...! Problem is he still doesn't really know the full extent of his jumping capabilities, so he ends up jumping too high and ends up flailing as he lands somewhere behind Kokichi.]

Woah! [ Kokichi ducks his head before the frog lands in his face again.

Once the frog has landed, the donkey turns around and lays down for the sake of better talking to it. ]

Seriously, you got a pretty lame superpower. I mean, a frog that doesn't talk? Doesn't sound really useful to me.

[Uuuggggh.]

....Ribbit.

[Just a sigh and nod as he pulls himself up so that he can sit and look at the talking donkey.

He had hoped maybe they could understand him, but alas...doesn't seem like the case. Time to try some "hand" gesturing.]

Ribbit? Ribbit ribbit?

["So are you a talking donkey or a cursed person, too?"

He points to Kokichi and...WAIT HE CAN DRAW IN THE DIRT. So he manages to draw a stick figure of a person and hopes he get some kind of point across.]

[ Alas, inter-species conversation only happens in D*sney movies.

The donkey does quickly figure out what the frog is trying to ask, though. ]

Yeah, I was human once. Then I got the essence of some kid who got turned into a donkey, and poof. I'm stuck with that kid's curse.

[ Lying about his essence is futile when the journals list who he's supposed to be whenever he writes in them. However, that doesn't stop him from being super vague about it to randos who are also frogs at the moment. ]

[There's a bit of a grimace and a sympathetic nod.]

Ribbit.

["That's rough."

Hm... How to ask this next one...

He tries to pointing between Kokichi and the stick figure before drawing a double sided arrow with a question mark next to it. It was the best he could do before he tries to actually write "Can you change back?" but when he realizes his lettering would be from his own language, he stops, not realizing that it would have been understood anyway. Even if he did, writing as a frog...well let's just say it probably wouldn't be the legible, anyway.]

[ What the heck is that frog trying to write? Is that... Magic runes or something?? ]

I don't know what kinda demon you're trying to summon, but you don't need to try that to be human again. I can go back to being human whenever I want!

[ ... 95% human. After the stupid time limit between transformations. Not that he'll admit it. ]

You, though... [ Lowers head, squints at crown. ] What are you supposed to be, the frog prince?

[Summon a demon!?? Alvin just shakes his head and scratches it out. But it seems like Kokichi understood what he was trying to say, so it works out. He wants to ask how, but he's asked a question first, so he nods.

At least he knew he was supposed to be "The Frog Prince," but past that....he really doesn't know anything. Unlike Kokichi, his satchel has yet to appear and unknown to Alvin it won't until he turns human.]

[ You drew a person, arrows, and weird symbols. What the heck was he supposed to think?

But it does seem like this guy did get the frog prince. To that... ]

Nee-hee-hee! [ Let's ignore how his laugh kind of mutated into a bray there. ] Boy, did you get the short end of the stick. You gotta go kiss a lady to go back to normal!

[Not a ritual!! ...All right, fair.

At that laugh there's just a very flat look before he crosses his arms into an X. Look, he's a ladies man and wouldn't bat an eye at having to kiss a random woman, but even he recognizes how terrible of an idea that would be. At least not without being able to explain himself so he's not forcing himself on someone.

Besides, isn't it supposed to be a princess? He'll scribble the closest thing to a princess crown with a question mark.]

What, you don't like girls or something? [ He's clearly teasing now.

Also, Re: crown sketch... ] You really wanna waste time asking every woman we see if they're princesses? Those are so hard to come by, ya know.

[He's not going to bother answering that question. Instead something else catches his attention and he looks at donkey boy curiously before he points to Kokichi and then back to him. He then holds his "hand" up to his eyes and looks around, mimicking the "search" gesture.

He wants to help him...?]

[ ... Okay, he's lost. Troll mode activate. ]

Huh? What's that? You think the sun's in my eyes?

[...

Oh, he can see where this is going. He already had an inkling, but this donkey is going to be a brat.

So he just smiles widely and nods before he looks around and finds some discarded fabric. He then just hops up onto Kokichi's head and drapes it over like a granny hood.]

What the-

[ Before Kokichi has a chance to figure out what that frog is up to, it's back on his head with a freaking cloth. ]

HEY! [ He's thrashing his neck, in an attempt to yeet the frog off again. ] QUIT IT! I KNOW YOU'RE DOING THAT ON PURPOSE!

Ribbit~

[Just a carefree croak before he pulls off the fabric as he hops off. Then he just holds up one froggy hand in front of his face like an apology.]

Ribbit, ribbit!

[How can anyone be suspicious of an innocent frog?]

[ Yeah, innocent frog. The donkey boy's ears are pinned back and he's giving you the stinkeye. ]

... Alright, Frog-chan, what the heck are you trying to do here?

[He just pats his nose before grinning a bit.

Just having some fun. Which, admittedly may not be the wisest thing to do since he's stuck as a frog and this guy...donkey...kid...is his current best bet for help.

So he holds out his "hand" as an offer of peace.]

Test Drive: September 2020

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