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]

[DOUBTING SO MUCH DOUBTING.

Eventually he'll find some rope... ...Annnd some other supplies. Although he's been living as a businessman for the last three years, he hasn't forgotten what it's like to live in a new place and needing basic supplies. Even if they get a house, who knows if it's empty or not, so he'll be procuring some other necessities that would help. And he's going to be a nice partner and get a few things for Leia, too.

So when Leia returns, Alvin will have a new leather knapsack holding some of the supplies and the rope set at this feet, looking through the journal because...not much else to do. Man he never thought he'd miss his GHS especially since he lived most of his life without it, but he's feeling it now.]

[ragingscoopaholic]

[In short time, she managed to grab a lot of odds and ends, some of it could be useful, but they'll have to go through it all. Assuming this plan even works and they don't have to abandon this crate. The shopkeepers were still, understandably, annoyed at the destroyed merchandise but they appreciated not having to clean it all up themselves. And as she gathered everything up, she tossed it into a crate that one of them had lying around.

She's feeling pretty proud of herself, so she joins Alvin once everything is ready to go.]

All right! The crate's all set!

[Then she notices he has more than just a rope with him.]

What's all this?

[opportunitycosts]

[Likewise, he's eying the crate she brought with some curious suspicion, but then he answers her question.]

Just a few extra things I thought we might need. You know, basic necessities like toothbrush and toothpaste, brushes, soap. Since we don't know if our houses will have them, can't hurt to be prepared and they can be just extra if they do.

Got some for you, too.

[ragingscoopaholic]

Aww, thanks! [she honestly wouldn't have thought of that, so that saves her the trip!] Hopefully our houses are relatively close to each other.

[Not that... she needed him near her. Constantly. But. This is a strange place, and he's the only thing familiar here. So it's actually nice having someone here she can rely on. And have their company. And she trusts him.

And he's also a much better cook than her so having easy access to his place would be great.]

[opportunitycosts]

Guess we'll have try yours once we figure out mine, but it would be convenient if it were.

[Now, Leia can take care of herself and he's not going to be overtly worried about her. But this is a completely different world that apparently has creatures and a big bad that's infiltrating a million others, so... He'd at least want to be within reach if something should happen.]

But all right, let's...strap this onto me I guess. [SPIRITS THAT SOUNDS SO WEIRD.]

[ragingscoopaholic]

I'll help!

[She is trying her very best to not look too happy about this, but, well. That sure is a big smile on her face. If only the others could see this.

She finishes tying the rope, careful not to hurt him.]

There! Now give that a good tug to make sure it's not gonna come undone. I'll go tie the other end to the crate.

[opportunitycosts]

[Muttering under his breath:] I can't believe this...

[And then he'll test the rope and give it a good tug. Seems pretty snug.]

Might as well throw the books in there, too.

[ragingscoopaholic]

Man, I sure hope this works. It'd suck to have to carry all of this stuff if it doesn't.

[Oh, and it'd suck for Alvin too.

She takes the books from him, placing them in the crate, then starts working the other end of the rope around one of the panels, making sure it's secure.]

[opportunitycosts]

We're renting a wagon in that case.

[He will not be carrying all this crap, thanks. In the meantime he'll try an experimental tug... ...]

Seriously how much stuff is in this!? I can barely move it.

[ragingscoopaholic]

Everything you broke.

[She says matter-of-factly. Then she reconsiders.]

Think it's too much?

[opportunitycosts]

...We'll see.

[He wants to say YES, but since this is supposed to be an anchor maybe they do need everything. So just a sigh.]

Ready yet?

[ragingscoopaholic]

[She looks around, making sure nothing was forgotten. She's got the other half of the books she was carrying. And her own key, which, after Alvin explained to her how they reacted to each other, kicked hers far enough away from where his key landed before she picked it back up, placing it in her satchel. So that's all set. And it seems like everything else is too.

She hops into the crate, which is a bit uncomfortable, but she manages.]

Yeah! Moment of truth!

[opportunitycosts]

[Alvin stares at his key with some uneasy trepidation before taking a deep breath.]

All right... Here we go!

[Steeling himself, he swipes up the key and almost before he can fully straighten back up he feels that strong force pulling him forward. He stumbles forward but is stopped by the weight of the crate, which actually inches forward at first before it stops and Alvin is stuck between the forward force and being held back by the crate.]

Ugh...definitely not comfortable but looks like it's working.

[Good thing he tied the rope in such a way that the strain is not on must his waist but also his shoulders and the rest of his upper body or this would be hell.]

[ragingscoopaholic]

I seriously can't believe it's working!

[Because, to be perfectly honest, she wasn't completely serious when she suggested doing this. But then it, well, sort of made sense? Strangely. And she went along with it when he agreed to it.

Of course, it now occurs to her just how heavy this box really is and...]

Uh, you're not in any pain, are you? Need me to lighten the load?

[opportunitycosts]

It's—[Hurgh! He takes a step forward and the crate moves.]—definitely—[And another.]—a workout!

But I think—[A few more steps.]—I'll be all right!

[ragingscoopaholic]

[Alvin's pretty strong and all, but... This is still a lot to handle for an extended period of time.]

But we have no idea how far away your house is from here. What if it's, like, fifty miles away!

[opportunitycosts]

[Annnnd now he stops as he just thinks about that possibility.]

All right, lighten the load. No way in hell am I pulling this thing like a carthorse that far. But not too much since the force of this key is still strong enough to make me move this thing already.

[ragingscoopaholic]

[Well she still has to account for her weight, so she hops off first and begins pulling out a few of the bigger pieces, tossing them into a nearby trash receptacle.

Satisfied, she hops back into the crate.]

How about now?

[opportunitycosts]

[He had set the key down before she jumped off because that would be a disaster. So after stretching and readjusting the ropes a bit, he waits for her to settle in before picking it back up. Once again the force pulls him forward, but this time he's prepared and had braced himself so that he wouldn't be yanked back and forth like before. After straightening up, he takes a step forward and this time the crate moves along the ground more easily to the point where he could walk normally. He thought he would need to put more force to pull the crate, but the key ends up doing it for him.]

All right, I think this'll work. Could even go into a brisk jog.

[ragingscoopaholic]

[Now, hopefully, his house isn't fifty miles away, because she still needs to find her own house. But considering his key only works when hers is nearby, that might mean they are relatively close to each other.

Hopefully.

She settles back, trying to get comfy as he starts pulling.]

This is almost like you're a reindeer pulling a sleigh.

[opportunitycosts]

I warned you before—careful what you say or you'll be getting a trip straight to the ground.

[ragingscoopaholic]

[She had to. She couldn't help it. Even now she's practically bursting just trying to contain a number of things she could say.]

All right, all right... I'll try to be on my best behavior. [if anything he should appreciate her not saying everything she could be saying.] Look, I'm sure one day you'll look back at this and laugh. I'm just helping that along!

[opportunitycosts]

[He will remember anything she says.]

I'm sure I will, but for now I just have these strong urges to run and try to flip the crate over.

[He throws back a smirk before he really does set off into a faster jog.]

[ragingscoopaholic]

Are they as strong as the urges I have to cut your rope?

[Should he be thinking of trying anything funny... she does have some scissors on hand. One of the many useful objects she'd found. ]

[opportunitycosts]

Actually yes. Yes it is.

[He'd take the chance. Dumping Leia on her face is worth the momentary loss of control.]