forgottentales_ooc | Test Drive: September 2020

Entry tags:

-tdm

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

[Were he Jude, she'd have mustered the strength to throw him a good several feet for coming into physical contact with her like that.

But it's Alvin. And he's mostly harmless. It's embarrassing, but it's not... embarrassing. Like she might need to crawl under a rock for a bit.]

I mean, I've been better. But it's finally over--

[She says as she turns to lean her back against the door, and then slowly lowers herself to the ground.]

I just need to sit down for a minute.

[Not like she had any choice, her legs feel like wet noodles.

... Noodles.]

Oh man, I'm starving.

[He just has a hand braced against the wall, body slightly hunched over as he tries to catch his breath still.]

Did you really have to say that? Now I'm hungry. Thirsty, too. Wouldn't mind a cold shower, either, or a dip in the pool...

...

[That's not his frog essence speaking is it—]

[That's... a lot of water. But it doesn't specifically catch her attention at the moment. She's far too exhausted.]

Well, in case you couldn't tell this is a cottage, not a resort, and you don't have a swimsuit anyway, but you're free to crash here for the rest.

[Assuming there's any food to be found inside. Ugh. She sure hopes that's the case.]

Who says you need a swimsuit to swim?

[Just a light if tired smirk before he straightens up, rolling his shoulders and stretching his arms.]

But let's just head inside and see how it's like.

[She shoots him an exasperated look. Yeah, buddy, you're gonna need a swimsuit around her.

But she tiredly pulls herself back onto her feet, dusting off her backside before opening the door.]

The outside looks cute at least. That's a promising start!

[Sore as her legs are, and hungry as she is, she feels the energy coming back to her. Maybe because there might be food and a hot shower inside.

Opening the door wide, she gestures for him to step inside first.]

After you.

[Since he is the guest in this case.]

What a gracious hostess.

[And he'll walk right in and immediately look around. Is has that rustic, cottage feel, but it's also surprisingly airy and light with large windows letting in a lot of sunlight. Stepping in leads them right into a large living area and from where he stands he can see the kitchen and stairs leading up to the second floor where he assumes is the bed and bathroom.]

Huh. Not too bad for a place way out in the woods. Maybe a little on the cute side, but it's a bit bigger than I'd expect for one person.

[And bonus? It looks to be fully furnished so far. That'll save on the cost, and the trouble of decorating. She also likes the little embellishments- there's some mushroom carvings lying around, a quaint little fireplace...

Even a small frog carving on top of it? Guess that makes sense since she's the princess?

Ignoring it, she tosses him a glance.]

You say cute like it's a bad thing! That's the most important part. Well, that and a large fridge-- [she says, looking at the kitchen and realizing there is no fridge. this must really be out in the boondocks.] Uh, or pantry, I guess?

Better start making a list of what you need.

[A grin at her revelation there's no fridge out here as he walks through before heading towards the stairs.]

Wouldn't be surprised if there weren't any electronics at all. Elympios probably spoiled you.

Yeah, maybe a little. But it's no big deal! There's still plenty of food I can pack away! [except if it's anything like back at home, it will be mostly bare.] ... Now I just need the money.

[She's going to follow him up the stairs, wanting to see the bedroom. Though she notes that there are three doors.]

[He also notes but he just assumes one is a storage room or something at the moment.]

I'm sure we can figure out jobs while here. Wouldn't be the first time we had to do some odds and ends. [A small laugh.] It'll be like old times.

[And what's behind door #1!? A bathroom. ...Huh, interesting. Bit small but has a tub with showerhead. Old school, but big enough while being quaint at the same time—like everything in this place.]

Right! Maybe there's even a request board we can locate.

[While he opens door #1, she goes for door #2... And it's a bedroom! It's modest, but spacious, and super cute with all the carvings on the shelves, and hanging from walls. Small fairy lights adorned the walls and hung over the canopy over the bed.]

Aw, come look at this!

[And here he was contemplating testing the bathroom—

But he comes over at her call and pokes his head through the doorway to take a look around.]

This is definitely a princess room. Isn't it a bit too cute for your style though?

[He's teasing her.]

[She gives him a flat look. Excuse you, Alvin, but just because she's not decked out in pink ruffles and bows and wearing a poofy dress doesn't mean she's not cute or not into cute things. Pants are perfectly cute!

When she's wearing them. Because right now she is in a white dress. And you know what? It's cute, okay. She may prefer pants, but she's totally rocking this.]

Gee, if it's too cute for me, then maybe you can sleep in it.

[He just laughs.]

Think I'd break the bed if I tried.

Then you can buy me a new one.

[She just rolls her eyes and moves along to check out the third and final door. Probably a linen closet? Pushing the door open, she sees another bedroom.

Bedroom? Why are there two beds in her house?]

... Huh.

[Following along, his brows raise in surprise as he looks in.]

Maybe a guestroom?

[Seems...weird to have for a place supposedly for one person, but not completely unheard of for cottages like these. But...why does he feel oddly comfortable in it? Which is weird because this isn't exactly his person aesthetic. The furnishings are different compared to the other one. There's a lot more green to it, and thankfully it's at least a tasteful dark with it looking more like he's stepping into a forest. The wall facing the window even has part of a tree carved into the wall with a forest backdrop painted along it. Vines hang from the ceiling, the furniture old wood and the bed larger than the one in Leia's room. Strangely, there's also something like a small well or fountain near it with some lily pads floating on its surface. Speaking of, the floor seems to have a similar motif.

Uh.]

This is...kind of much.

Yeah. Especially for a guestroom.

[Actually? It's really cute, too. She likes it. There's something so calming and peaceful about it.

But she's also beginning to suspect something.]

Hey, Alvin... Do you have your key on you?

Yeah, in my bag. Why?

[He is very hesitant in using it inside a building.]

Mm, I just have a hunch, you know? Let's go outside and try using it. But don't worry, I'll tie you to a tree in case I'm completely wrong.

[And she backs away from the door before gently shoving him towards the stairs. Seems like she's not actually giving him a choice.]

You realize you instill zero confidence and assurance when you say it like that, right?

[And he is shoved. A bit reluctantly. But once at the stairs he'll drop his shoulders in resignation and walk down on his own to head outside the cottage.]

[IT'S CALLED PREPARATION! She just laughs weakly.]

It's just that I figured you'd argue or try to shoot down my suggestion, so I made sure to have a solution planned that you can't refuse.

And let me guess. The suggestion is trying my key to see if it's connected to the house?

[He had also noticed the similar themes and second bedroom... Hard not to at least make a guess about it.]

You got it!

[She grabs the rope and hands it to him. Good thing they are surrounded by trees.]

Do you wanna tie the rope?

[HEAVY SIGH.]

Yeah, yeah.

[And he takes the rope and ties it around himself. Once it's done he gives it an experimental tug before pointing to his bag.]

All right, let's get this over with. Take out the key and hand it over.

Don't worry, Alvin, you got this! Just remember, that tree's a lot tougher than you, so worst case scenario you'll just be in a lot of pain for a bit. But you know what they say- no pain, no gain!

[She leaves him with those encouraging words as she holds out the key.]

Test Drive: September 2020

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

(no subject)

(no subject)

(no subject)

(no subject)

(no subject)

(no subject)

(no subject)

(no subject)

(no subject)

(no subject)

(no subject)

(no subject)

(no subject)

(no subject)