Test Drive: September 2020

[storyevents]

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!

Comments

[opportunitycosts]

[Oooh, touchy is she? Well—]

Yeah that's great and all until I run into a cat or bird. Do you know how many I had to flee from before I ran into you and other people? I couldn't even talk or communicate so what good would gathering intel do? And as far as I can tell, I still have to rely on you to go back to a human. I don't even have any idea this whole changing frog thing works since that's how I was the moment I got to this place.

[Okay, he could be a little nicer since he can tell she's not that happy about this either, but he's had a day and given his circumstances where he had no idea what to do or how to even get help—he has some right to be annoyed at the moment. As far as he can tell, he sees no benefits to his Essence if he can't transform of his own will or talk when he's a frog.

More to the point, he really hated how useless he felt while a frog. Maybe there's more to both their Essences they have yet to figure out, but he really sees no upside to them.]

[ragingscoopaholic]

[Honestly, it's been a long time since she's been plagued by worries of being useless. And this whole Essence thing is triggering some of those doubts. But she knows her strengths lie in other areas, she's not weak. Still... it kind of sucks.

He gets a pointed glare.]

Oh gee, is relying on me that bad? [that's literally her one use. she sighs. because, okay, maybe he doesn't mean it that way, but she's trying to find an upside and he's just being a jerk.] Look, neither of us got stuck with something we wanted, but maybe we can at least work on your, uh, frog skills so you're not completely helpless on your own. [pause, well.] Whenever we figure out how to trigger your transformation, anyway.

[Whatever he thinks, he can do more than she can, but she's just going to keep her thoughts to herself, and move back to the table to grab the book. Can they check out books here? This is a library, right?]

[opportunitycosts]

No, in fact you're probably my best partner. But if I'm caught alone and can't get to you? Yeah, it's a problem.

[She's getting a hard stare in return. Honestly having Leia as his "princess partner" is probably one of the best picks he could have, so he doesn't have an issue of that. He does have an issue on the practicality of it, which was made evident to him the moment he arrived. If he couldn't find Leia or reach out to her, what was he going to do? Would anyone else be able to help him? He doesn't mind being around her, but this is like taking battle linking to an extreme level.

Of course he could phrase this better, but to him it seems obvious why he's not thrilled about everything. That said, he does agree that they need to figure this out so he just runs a frustrated hand through his hair and... Oh there's a crown. DOES HE HAVE TO KEEP WEARING IT.]

Still, you're right, and maybe there's some magic princess power you can harness, too. Were there any other frog and princess stories?

[ragingscoopaholic]

[She actually really appreciates hearing him say that, especially when she's feeling a bit let down. Granted, on some level, she knows he values her abilities, but being reminded every now and then doesn't hurt. Praise goes a long way with her.

And he does have a point... maybe there's a hidden princess ability she could learn or unlock.]

There's a Frog Princess story, so maybe I'll grab that. [and that might have more info about frog stuff for him.] And it wouldn't hurt to look through a few other princess themed books for any other clues.

[This is why they make such a good team- they both manage to balance each other out. She does consider him a good partner, and honestly would probably choose him over anyone else. Which is still funny, given their past. But she would never have imagined they'd make it to this point.]

[opportunitycosts]

Should probably look into some stories with other characters that get cursed along with anything featuring frogs. Might give me ideas of what I can do when I'm stuck and how to adjust.

[He straightens up then, and at that moment he feels something at his feet. Glancing down he sees a dark brown leather bag at his feet tucked under the table. Curious he stoops down to bring it up and open it, pulling out the journal. It's very. Green.]

...Huh, guess this one's mine? Must have appeared when I changed back. Guess that's one thing I learned.

[ragingscoopaholic]

[She's on it! The directory has a list of other frog stories, she noticed, so she will get that list and grab the rest. Guess she'll be doing the legwork on this, which suits her just fine.]

What? So you can carry all your belongings on you even when you're a frog? [that's a relief! as is the fact that he keeps his clothes too. she moves closer to look at his journal, before now she hadn't realized they were unique.] Awww! Look at how cute yours is! Wanna see mine?

[And not waiting for his answer, she proudly takes hers out and holds it in front of him, showing it off.]

Guess there's no denying that we're toadally connected.

[See what she did there? Bet you wish she hadn't.]

[opportunitycosts]

Seems that way, which I won't complain about. [He also appreciates keeping his clothes. He didn't even consider that before, so DOUBLY APPRECIATED GIVEN WHERE THEY ARE.

When she pulls out her journal, he can't help but be amused at how excited she is about it. Guess it also fits her due to her being a journalist and all. But he'll just give her a wry look at that dumb pun.]

I'm going to hear a lot of frog puns in the future, huh.

[ragingscoopaholic]

Sure are!

[Come on, he'd be lost without them. And she wouldn't be Leia if she didn't make embarrassing puns.]

Anyhow, I'm gonna go grab some more books to take with us. But... well, on that note, where are we staying? I found a weird key in my satchel, but I don't know what it's for.

[opportunitycosts]

A key?

[Curious he digs a little inside and pulls out one of his own.]

Looks like I got one, too—Whoa!

[He's suddenly pulled forward by a seemingly invisible force, but it only takes a second to realize it's the key that's doing it as he tightens his hold on it.]

...Okay, that's weird, but guess this is what we'll be doing next. Hurry and grab those books, this thing is like a wild horse ready to run!

[ragingscoopaholic]

[Okay, that's weird. Her key didn't do that, but there doesn't seem to be any time to question why his key is acting like this. She nods, and is already racing off towards the directory, calling back to him.]

Got it! I'll be right back! Don't you dare go anywhere without me!

[Seconds later and she's already there.

Frog... frog... There! She also nabs the similarly named story she mentioned earlier. Though there's probably not enough time to look through every princess story mentioned- the directory is full of them. Best to grab the frog ones for now, they can always come back.

And that's what she does- thankfully, the rest are located on the same shelf, just on different levels. In total it takes her several minutes to fill the bag she retrieved, making it a bit heavy to carry, but she'll manage.

Then she's quickly returning to where she left Alvin.]

All right, lead the way!

[And yes, that's a lot of reading material she's holding with two hands.]

[opportunitycosts]

[He's doing his best, but it's not until Leia leaves that he feels the force subsiding until he could hold the key without much issue.

...

What...]

...Maybe it was just a temporary thing...?

[He could only quietly murmur to himself as he studies the key before takes a moment to look around the area as he waits since he didn't get a proper chance before. This library is...seriously huge, how does it look so much bigger on the inside than the outside?? Magic??

As he's wondering he hears Leia returning—and feels his key give a sudden, forceful tug again. As he pulls it back, he eyes all those books.]

You sure you can carry all that? If you get another bag I can carry some.

[He'd offer to take it all, but with this key requiring one hand and his attention, it would be hard to juggle.]

[ragingscoopaholic]

[She's about to protest that she can handle it, but... There's really no way of telling where this key wants to take them, or how far it is. So she sets the bag down.]

Uh, right. Good idea!

[And off she rushes again, though this time she's there and back in a matter of seconds, with a bag. She quickly splits the weight between the two bags, handing him one, and taking the other. Okay... hopefully that's it.]

There, that should do it. Ready?

[opportunitycosts]

[It was brief, but again he felt the key's pull lessen a bit the moment Leia left before it's back on full force when she returns. Is its behavior related to Leia's presence??

But he has no real time to think about it.]

Yeah, let's go.

[Swinging the bag over his shoulder, he leads the way out of the library and onto the main street.]

[ragingscoopaholic]

[She finds herself staring at the key in his hand.]

... Come to think of it, that key looks similar to mine. [which she immediately goes digging into her satchel for, holding it out for him to see.] I guess the keys are also related to the Essence--

[And just then, the key suddenly pulls her forward along with Alvin. Okay, that's weird. It hadn't done that before, but this makes her even more sure about her observation.]

Whoa, m-mine's reacting the same way now!

[opportunitycosts]

[He doesn't have time to respond as his key is suddenly surging forward.]

Whoa—HURGH—

[...Right into a light post standing near them. He was pulled into it so hard ut actually shudders a bit from the impact. As Alvin groans and steps back, his arm swings out to the side as he dragged into another direction.

Through some storage crates and into an open store.]

Shit—

[Hope Leia is having FUN and having better luck because Alvin is having to vault over those crates before jogging into the store—a cookware one to be exact. THAT'S A LOT OF KNIVES....]

[ragingscoopaholic]

[ACTUALLY she is a little concerned when he eats that light post, because the sudden impact startles her and she can see how hard he hit it. But he is dragged off into another direction before she can finish asking if he's okay.

Feeling her own key start to drag her off, she drops it, watching it surge forward only to clatter to the ground. Huh. Then she is looking back at Alvin who looks absolutely ridiculous, and she actually watches in amazement at how well he manages to keep hold of the key.

But... why?]

Alvin! Just let go of the stupid key!

[More importantly:]

And be careful with those books!

[opportunitycosts]

Are you seriously worried more about the books than me!?!?!

[WOW WHAT A GREAT FRIEND???

He managed to hear her as he somehow manages to navigate through the aisles and exit out another door.

But the truth is, he really can't let go of the key—in fact he tried after slamming into the light post. He actually has his other hand on the one holding the key and is desperately trying to pry it off while also running to keep up with the damn thing.]

[ragingscoopaholic]

[Hey, he already said she was his best partner- no take backs!]

I don't have the money to pay for library fees!

[She shouts back, watching him narrowly avoid more obstacles. Did he not hear her tell him about the key? He's being dragged every which way, so she can't make out his efforts- what is he even doing?]

Will you just let go of the key already!!

[opportunitycosts]

YOU THINK I'M NOT TRYING!?

[Just a loud, angry shout as he narrowly avoids running into a food stall set along the side of the street.]

MY HAND WON'T LET IT GO!

[Aaah, the normally collected Alvin forced to scramble and fumble around because of a cursed magical key.]

[ragingscoopaholic]

[Huh. So he's just... glued to the key then?

Sure, she could just... stand here and watch in amusement as the key drags her friend into every cart and shop along this street while he yells like a maniac. It's so rare to see that cool and casual demeanor, and that so-called roguish charm, slip away over a tiny key.

Ah, if only she had her GHS to take video. And, really, that's the biggest tragedy in all of this. Alvin is getting completely owned by a key and she can't record this. So instead she will let this moment sear itself into her memory.]

... Want some help?

[opportunitycosts]

[He's about to be sent into another building when the key suddenly just stops and he lurches forward, stumbling a bit but managing not to fall forward. Only then is he able to let go of the key, the tiny trinket clattering to the ground. He had just gone far enough from Leia to make it lose whatever it's deal is.

After catching his breath, he just gives her a an annoyed, frustrated glare.]

Oh now you're offering?

[Can she feel the biting sarcasm?

Honestly, he'd probably find this kind of funny if it weren't for the fact that he has had a day so none of this is helping his mood.]

[ragingscoopaholic]

[Okay, okay. She can see he's having it rough, and she feels bad. Normally he'd shake this sort of thing off... So she sighs inwardly, and gently grabs him by the elbow, sort of urging him to come sit down.]

C'mon... How about you sit down and catch your breath? I'll go find you some water.

[opportunitycosts]

[There's a moment when he still looks at her still irritated...but then it fades as he rubs his brows. No, he shouldn't take it out on Leia. He's certain if the shoe was on the other foot he would be doing the exact same thing.

So there's a small if weary grin as he takes her advice.]

Yeah, I wouldn't mind some. Sorry, and thanks.

[...Is it because he now has a frog essence that he finds drinking water more appealing than usual...

...

No, he's just going to assume it's because he's thirsty. Yep.]

[ragingscoopaholic]

[She's glad when he doesn't resist, and waits till he sits down.]

Good. Now don't go touching anything else while I'm gone. I'll be right back.

[There's a bit of 'mother hen' in her tone, a far cry from when she was laughing at him. But, well, she hadn't realized just how tired he was. And annoyed. So there's a bit of guilt.

She heads off, looking for a shop- except he really did a number on a couple of them. So she will go into those and apologize to the shopkeepers first, it'll just be a few minutes. Luckily none of them seem the least bit surprised, like this has happened before.

When she's finished, she returns with a cup of water, and hands it to him before sitting down beside him.]

Feeling any better?

[opportunitycosts]

[Even though he hears that tone, he doesn't mind it. While waiting Alvin just props his elbows against his knees and leans forward to rest his forehead against his hands.

Arrrrgggggghhhhhh.

Could this day seriously get any worse? What the hell are these keys even leading them to? After another moment he looks at his satchel and pulls out his journal. Yeah, yeah, she said not to touch anything else, but that doesn't include his own belongings, right? Besides it would probably be a good idea to read up on things since he hadn't had a chance to.

By the time Leia returns, he'll have gone through the general information that had been provided and peeked at some of the public correspondences. At least some of his stress has been reduced as part of it had been not knowing anything since he had been a frog, so he'll take the cup with a small appreciative grin.]

Thanks, and a bit. At least I know what these keys are for now.