forgottentales_ooc | Test Drive: January 2019

Entry tags:

-tdm

Test Drive: January 2019

Test Drive: January 2019—

§ instructions.
Welcome to the Test Drive for Forgotten Tales! This is to help interested players "test drive" 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 vary from casual to more task focused work.

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! It's not required, but highly recommended.
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.
Don't forget to refer to the Game Info for how the mechanics work.
Feel free to join the Discord server to ask questions or request threads.
Registration is always open.

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. Winter Wonderland. Currently the Index is covered in snow and although Christmas has passed, it's still decorated for the winter season. Festive garlands, buildings made of gingerbread, lively snowmen—it's all there.
- Gingerbread House Mayhem. Gingerbread buildings may look nice from the outside, but on the inside it's a bit of a nightmare when even the furniture and other interior decor starts transforming as well. A chimney made of marshmallows is not going to last long with a roaring fire. Gingerbread buildings also have one fatal flaw—they are absolutely delicious. And there are plenty of young children and critters ready to just take a nice giant bite out of them. Fortunately no one is going to be literally eaten out of house and home—they may have learned from Hansel and Gretel that eating too much is dangerous. But they're quick with their "eat and runs," laughing as they continue to dare each other. Stop them! —Or join them if feeling peckish.
- "Zombie" Snowmen Tag. Aspects may suddenly find themselves surrounded by a circle of snowmen, their coal eyes glowing red. When they try to move past, they may let them leave, but then eerily shuffle and slide after them. Better run, because they've been marked and a volley of snowballs are hurtling past. And if there's a giant rumbling... Don't mind that, it's just a giant snowball bouncing down the road.
- Winter Games. Can have fun without some winter games! There is the obvious snowball fight, but ever tried ice sculpting? Maybe an Aspect's essence can be of use.
- Falling Snowflakes. Everyone loves catching snowflakes. But they might enjoy it a lot less if they're almost as big as a human and essentially giant sheets of ice. Someone is deliberately jumping on the giant floating snowflakes above, making them crash down to the earth below. While there have been no fatalities thanks to the obvious and slow descent, it's only a matter of time before someone gets seriously injured. There are many ways of stopping them, from catching the snowflakes, destroying them before they hit, or blasting them away. Just be careful to not be hit—they really do hurt. Alternatively, Aspects can go up to try and catch the perpetrator. Those who can fly will have an easier time, otherwise, time to jump on some giant snowflakes!
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.

¶ II. Goldilocks and the Three Bears. Upon entering the small fairy tale, the Aspects cast into certain roles will find themselves dressed in one of these costumes with the role of one of the following: Goldilocks, Mama Bear, Papa Bear, and Baby Bear. Gender makes no difference—even guys could be Goldilocks and yes, they are stuck in a curly wig and dress. At least the bear heads are removable if needed. Strange attire aside, there is only the dark, foreboding forest and the decepit, old cottage. Strange growls can be heard from within the forest, so take care.

A. Making Porridge. Before they can try and taste which porridge is the best one, it needs to be made first. In the cottage kitchen three rusty stoves are arranged by the wall, each designated to make the porridge either "too hot," "too cold," or "just right." Ingredients are also available, but no recipe and not all ingredients are actually supposed to be used (unless you like frog legs and scorpion tails). One more person can try their hand their cooking, just be careful. The "too hot" stove has a tendency to suddenly burst into flames, the "too cold" stove is completely iced over from the stove, and "just right" will smack various parts of its "body" whenever the porridge is going wrong. The stoves only care about the temperature so the won't pass judgment on what's actually used to make them. Once the porridges have been made, "Goldilocks" must try each one and give her reviews. Whether these things actually taste good… That depends on the chef.
B. Finding the Right Chair.The next task is for Goldilocks to sit in three different chairs in the living room. The problem is, she needs to find them first—and find the right ones. The living room itself is huge, and there dozens of chairs of all shapes and sizes scattered all over, including on the walls and ceiling. Fortunately, there are a couple of clues to make this easier. Each chair has a "symbol" clearly visible on their seat, and this "symbol" is actually an emoji. From various faces to random pictures like knives and trees, the symbol indicates the type of chair it is. Whether a chair with a knife on it means it's actually made out of knives or something else is up to the player. Be as creative as you want! But the three chairs needed are those that fit each of the bears, with the baby bear's chair ultimately broken by Goldilocks.
C. Taking a Nap. The beds are next, and some assembly is required. More importantly, they need to gather materials because except or Ikea-like directions, there's nothing in the bedrooms. Those helping with this part must go find the following for each bed:
- Too hard: Rocks. Lots and lots of rocks. Some wood could also work, but the aim is to make it as hard as can be.
- Too soft: Pillows will be the main body of this bed, along with anything else that could be used as soft stuffing.
- Just right: The one playing Goldilocks has to specifically pick out what they want to sleep on. Could be anything from a rug on the floor to the most ridiculous, fanciest bed that can be made. Assistance is allowed.
Once the beds have been made, Goldilocks must test each one, but once they lie down on the final bed, they'll fall fast asleep.
D. Angry Bears. For the most part, those playing the bears can either be assisting in the setup or just hanging around exploring or waiting for their time to go in. But once it's time, they must now go through and discover their intruder, starting with half-eaten porridge, the chairs, and finally Goldilocks. They are free to wake up the sleeping Goldilocks in any manner they deem fit, and what happens after… Well, that depends on who is actually playing the roles. Will Goldilocks just run away? Will she try to make amends? Or will a fight break out with the bears attacking? Or will Goldilocks be the one to attack??? Possibilities are endless.
E. Beware the Blots. For those who may want a little action and not interested in what's going on inside the cottage, they may find themselves on "protective" duty. Occasionally large, gruesome looking bears or girls wielding machetes will shamble out from the forest. They aren't part of the story, instead they are Blot versions of the characters and made of black ink. They are drawn to the activity inside the cottage, so best to take care of them. Fortunately they come either on their own or at most a small group and relatively easy to handle.

¶ III. Mary Had a Little Lamb. In this classic nursery rhyme, the Aspects will find themselves either on the road or in a school, and those cast as Mary or the Lamb will find themselves in appropriate costumes. For the sake of ease, a doll version of each is available to use instead. At least this is a quick little "story" and should be a straightforward restoration, right? ...Right?

A. Everywhere That Mary Went. Mary and her lamb must follow the road leading to the school, but it's not going to be easy. Not only is the road itself broken and hard to walk through with big, giant gaps in places, but there are other dangers lurking about. Blots in the form of wolves will emerge from the ground around them, hungry and ready to attack. Mary and the Lamb must fend them off. If neither are able, perhaps those along for the journey can help fight them off.
B. Followed Her To School One Day. After managing to get past the wolves, Mary must now attend boring classes. Except these classes aren't so boring and Mary is now trapped in a creepy classroom full of silent Blots who have taken on the form of teachers and students. Other Aspects may have found themselves inside with Mary as well, and at least the Blots aren't attacking. Yet. But have no fear! The Lamb followed her and is ready to help break her out. Problem is, it has to get inside first. The Lamb can try to find an open entrance, break in, or even get help from either Mary herself or an Aspect posing as another student. Once inside, the Lamb has to distract the now agitated Blots by making them laugh and play. Doing so will appease the Blots and allow Mary and any others trapped inside to escape. Of course the Lamb could just opt to get the hell out of there and leave everyone to their fates. That's definitely an option. Fighting the Blots is not necessary, but if things get out of hand (or if an Aspect wants to, anyway), then it's fine to do so.

¶ 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. You're free to also use any prompts from our previous campaign or other events. Just have fun with it!

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

That's why I went for curry powder.

[Eizen takes the spoon and obliges. Velvet's cooking's always good, so it's not like this is a hardship.]

Mm. Might want to add some sort of fruit or honey. I think "Goldilocks" out there has a sweet tooth.

I'd say that not even you could mess it up but I'm sure your curse would find a way.

[ Thankfully for all involved, she's making the perfect one with her honed cooking skills. Without her usual taste-tester, others will have to step in. This just so happens to be one meal she's made a great deal as a human. Velvet doesn't question Eizen's suggestion, reaching for the honey. ]

Somehow I'm not surprised. She seems more than a little picky about everything.

Little girls usually are at this age.

[Trust him, he knows.]

And you can never go wrong with sweets at this age, either. I'm sure you were the same way.

You say that as if boys can't be picky.

[ She's only raised boys. Most of her dealings with girls were minimal. ]

The sweets I liked as a child were more subtle. Though truthfully, back then I ate whatever Celica gave us. She wouldn't let things go to waste like this.

Oh we can be, but my little sister was pickier than any boy I've ever met.

[Except himself, obviously.]

If only Edna had been that easy to feed...

You seem like the kid of brother who spoiled his sibling growing up.

[ She hasn't met Edna but Velvet knows Eizen pretty well. As they continue talking, Velvet mixes in a bit of honey to her porridge. ]

Dare I even ask what her diet was like?

[ After stirring her pot, she motions to Eizen's. ] Stir that.

[Oops. He obeys because he really doesn't want to burn things.]

Well, she's a seraph--malak--like me so she doesn't need to eat, but when she finds something she likes she makes sure I know about it. I can't cook much, but I can make a marron glace without burning it because of her.

[ He's cooking on the "too hot" stove, hopefully it doesn't literally flame up on them. ]

Laphi was the same way, he had things he didn't like so I'd leave it out of a recipe. [ And they both know how Phi was with his mabo curry. ] Malak, human, even daemon - we all have foods we prefer over others.

However, having to make three versions of the same recipe for one person is just wasteful. We could feed the entire Van Eltia crew with this much porridge.

I think you're underestimating how much the crew could eat...and overestimating how much they liked porridge.

[Just saying.]

We'll just weaponize whatever's left over. Assuming I don't burn this, this much curry powder will kill a man.

I've seen them eat, this is exactly the right amount of porridge for the crew because hardly any would be asking for seconds.

[ She'd traveled with them for a long time, long enough to see their eating habits and preferences. ]

The perfect weapon, food without a hint of poison to be found. [ A nod to his pot. ] Take it off the stove, that one has a higher heat than the others so it should be warm enough to serve.

[Eizen goes to do just that, only to have the stove flare up as he does. He throws the pot off to the side, saving the porridge (mostly) but putting himself in the way of the worst of the flames.

So in response, Eizen summons a small tidal wave to douse the flames. It works, but now he (and the area around him) is wet and vaguely salty.

Deep sigh. Deep deep deep sigh.]

[ While the whole horrific accident happens, Velvet just stands there and watches because this is exactly the sort of thing that happens with Eizen around. There isn't a whole lot she can do to help.

And it seems that he manages to put out the fire with whatever his new abilities happen to be. Now the kitchen smells like the ocean. Great.

Luckily her own food doesn't get caught in the wave but her feet certainly are now. So as Eizen sighs, she moves to collect his pot and check it out. ]

I'd say I missed the disaster that follows you around but that would be a lie. [ Though it isn't harsh, more like amused. ]

Hey, this is mild. I haven't killed anyone since coming here. What's the damage?

Don't worry, there's always time.

[ It is mild, they don't have Blots breaking down windows and doors to get to them yet. Velvet stirs the pot (a little salt water never hurt anyone) before taking a taste of it. Then looks mildly contemplative for a moment. ]

Definitely hot and a little salty but a bite won't kill the kid.

[ She'll take pity on him and help the Reaper out to prevent more accidents. ] Get me a bowl.

--wait, since when could you taste things?

[But hey, he'll get her the bowl.]

That's new.

Since I got here, though unless it's meaty and bloody it tends to lack a great deal of flavor. So I could only really taste the extras kicks you put in to it - accidental or otherwise.

[ Velvet takes the bowl and ladles in a good portion, setting it to the side then hands him the rest of the pot back. ]

Things like fruits, vegetables and even some herbs simply taste rather bland now. [ She motions to her own "just right" porridge, cause let's be honest - porridge is up there when it comes to tasteless foods. ] I couldn't tell what it tasted like so I had you try it instead.

Huh. Well, that's still something.

[He takes the pot, getting his own bowl down.]

That might explain why my curse isn't acting up as much here, if they can undo part of what happened to you. Maybe it's been tempered.

Certainly enough to remind me that this is a very strange place and not to trust everything I see.

[ Almost like a dream or illusion. She moves to dish up her own porridge, both now ready to go out for the intended golden haired individual. ]

It could be. Or it could have been somewhat necessary considering my role as the Big Bad Wolf. Let's not dismiss how bad your curse might still be yet. We'd be in serious trouble if we thought it wasn't so bad only for it to lay some huge disaster on us later.

I never said I was dismissing it. I'm just noticing some things that have me curious.

[Eizen hands off his bowl to Velvet.]

With my luck, I'll drop it and it'll land in their eye. You take it out.

Noticed things like what?

[ She takes the bowl in her free hand -- hey, it's not the first time she's played waitress and moves out to set it on the table. There, their job is done here. ]

With your luck, it'll be my eye it tries to lands in. [ Tries, being the keyword. Velvet would dodge and something even worse would happen. ]

Edited 2019-01-16 06:08 (UTC)

The fact that we haven't been set upon by hordes of those Blots, for one thing. The fact that I'm not a dragon here.

Just wait for it, I'm sure they'll show up sooner rather than later.

[ Her gold eyes settle on him at those last words though. During their journey, he'd done some pretty stupid things for a malak and they knew he had a very likely chance of turning into a dragon because of it.

Velvet has no idea just how long she's been asleep with Innominat, she couldn't say just how much time has passed for the rest of the group. Has it truly been that long? ]

Yes well, I'm supposed to be sealed away with Innominat but here I am. The Storyteller doesn't seem to care what we're doing or what we've become.

For what it's worth, you were still sealed away when I turned. Had been for eight hundred years.

That's a good spot of news, at least.

[ A casual shrug as she takes up a spot near the window in the kitchen, looking out in case any Blots show up out there. ]

I couldn't tell you how long it's actually been for me. Somehow I don't think time moves the same for us as it does the rest of the world. Or we simply aren't aware of it, in any case.

Edited 2019-01-16 07:46 (UTC)

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

Test Drive: January 2019

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