Test Drive: May 2019

[keeperoftales]

Test Drive: May 2019—

§ 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.
  
  
• Registration will open May 25. Claims will open May 18.

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. The city is abuzz with high spirits and renewed hopes as another Book has been restored. Informal celebrations and parties are thrown here and there on the streets, while others prepare for sending help and supplies to help refugees return to their homes. With the threat of the Story Eater and its minions at bay, the daily life of the Index is a peaceful one, but not without its own occasional unexpected surprises.
  
  
  1. Endless Feast. In a city filled with all kinds of storybook characters and magic mixing together, mishaps and chaos are bound to happen. One of them is born from several tables designed to replicate the one said to produce endless amounts of food. Good in theory, especially if it's to be used for impromptu celebrations. However, no one learned from the Porridge Girl and gave the tables a "Stop" command, or specified what kind of food they should produce. From poisoned apples, to running gingerbread men, to curds of whey, and one even managed to conjure a miniature pumpkin carriage. Every type of iconic fairy tale food is appearing from these tables and overflowing the streets, some with a mind of their own. The best way to stop these tables is to the destroy them, but getting there may be the true challenge. Once a table is destroyed the magic will disappear to make the creations lifeless, but until then—good luck.
     
     
  2. Puss in Boots...? Or so they claim to be. It's a cat, all right, and it's wearing boots. But it's copycat, not the real deal, and in fact it's more than one pulling off these heists. One of them isn't even a cat, it's a weasel! Ranging from petty pickpocket theft to robbing jewelry stores in broad daylight, this band of thieves are making bank off the well known kitty's name. Try and catch all of them, but be wary. Not only do these cats have nine lives, but they know magic.
     
     
  3. Wild Magic Carpets. It's a whole new world for many people, and as a courtesy some locals are offering newly arrived Aspects a free tour around the city. Some are using the traditional horse and carriage, but others are offering a more wondrous and fantastic means to give a different point of view via large magic carpets. Enchanted with special magic, the once normal rugs can now hover and fly high into the air, carrying their passengers over the city and even beyond to the edge. It's a great ride—until some carpets decide to have a mind on their own. Hang on tight! Whether they just fly off on their own or decide to race each other, these carpets are showing all the wonders sideways and under.
  
  
• 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. Itsy Bitsy Spider. In this classic nursery rhyme, what seems like a simple set of scenes turns out to be a lot more chaotic than expected. Not only will someone be randomly assigned to take on the role of the Spider, but climbing up that spout is going to be a lot harder than one might think. It's an enormous jagged, metal spire, towering several hundreds of feet high. Each "level" has sharp spikes protruding from the sides, and some portions actually spin in varying directions. There may also be some dark, questionable liquid staining the structure, remnants of cobwebs hanging here and there, some acting as netting to break falls. Of course, anyone is free to climb the "spout" for whatever reason, and encouraged. There are a lot of traps and other threats that lurk about, such as Blots and the Erasers.

• A. Climbed Up the Water Spout. Starting from the very bottom, whoever is the Spider will find that they are capable of shooting spider webbing out of the palms of their gloves, and the material is strong enough to act as rope. Perhaps with some assistance they may be able to get through in one piece. Just be careful—there may be traps and spikes randomly shooting out from the sides.
  
  
• B. Down Came the Rain. Higher up near the spout, thunder clouds form and rumble above them. There are various platforms made of rubber, and the reason for it becomes clear when a bolt of lightning strikes the spout structure. The electricity travels several feet up, down, and all over through the metal. Should anyone be caught, it won't be fatal—but it will be quite painful, as if being hit by a taser. Not only will the Spider have to avoid and continue the climb, but some people may be stationed up top with fire hoses, water guns, and water balloons to aim directly at the Spider to knock them off. However, although the rhyme says the Spider is "washed out," it's possible for the Spider to get through. Alternatively, there are mechanized water cannons dropping gallons of water down, and anyone assisting the spider could try and help take them down.
  
  
• C. Taking Out the Pests. Aside from the spout itself, there are other threats that will try to hinder and harm those ascending. Blots and Erasers will take on forms ranging from small to large spiders or large flies that buzz around trying to knock people off. The spiders can be taken care of via close combat, but the flies will need either projectiles or magic if they can't be lured in close.

¶ 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. Little Red Riding Hood. First set in the forest and later at the cottage, the roles assigned are as following: Little Red, The Wolf, The Huntsman. If someone wants to play the Grandmother, that is optional.
  
  
  1. Little Red and the Wolf. On her way to her grandmother's house, Little Red encounters the big bad Wolf! But the Wolf is planning the long con, so instead of trying to eat her immediately, he plans to trick her so that he reaches the Grandmother's house first. Will he be successful? Or will Red see through his ploy? Will the story end before it even begins if Red decides to end the Wolf right then and there!? Either way, Red is going to need some help getting through the forest maze, and the only help she has is the Wolf. Beware of any wolf Blots and Erasers that may lurk around.
     
     
  2. Little Red and the "Grandmother" Wolf. Disguised as the Grandmother, the Wolf waits in bed when Red arrives. From there come the classic, "My what big [ blank ] you have!" lines until finally the Wolf makes his move. Will Red be eaten? Or will the Wolf be the one in trouble?
     
     
  3. The Wolf vs. the Huntsman. If Red hasn't finished off the Wolf herself, it's time for the Huntsman to appear and play the hero. An epic "duel" is expected, but it can be anything from actual combat to rap battles to a game of checkers. Will the Huntsman beat the Wolf and save the day? Or will it be the Wolf who has a happy ending?
  
  
• B. Rapunzel. Set in a high tower, the roles some Aspects will be assigned to are the following: Rapunzel, Mother Gothel, the Prince. Fortunately for Rapunzel, the wig is sturdy and will serve as the rope when needed. As for the tower, it's made of rock bricks that can be climbed, if difficult, but there is a secret back door that can be used if found.
  
  
  1. Rapunzel and the Prince. After living in the tower for most of her life with only Gothel as her mother, Rapunzel will hear someone call to let down her hair. How well the Prince impersonates Gothel is questionable, as well as whether or not Rapunzel lets down her hair. But some way or another, the Prince must find his way up to the top, so get climbing and try to woo her.
     
     
  2. Rapunzel and Gothel. Eventually Gothel will learn of the Prince's visit and how well (or poorly) that went. Will she be angered and cast Rapunzel out after cutting her hair? Or be actually proud of the girl for snagging a potentially rich husband? Will Rapunzel defend herself or plead for forgiveness? It's all up to you!
     
     
  3. Gothel and the Prince. At some point the Prince will meet with Gothel, whether by Gothel tricking him to climb up or the Prince hearing of Rapunzel's distress and making his way up on his own. What sort of encounter will they have, and will the Prince be doomed to lose his eyes from falling to the thorny bushes below? Or will there an alternate Disney ending to this tale?
  
  
• C. 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

Eliot Spencer | Leverage | Big Bad Wolf

[likeknives]

A. Puss in Boots...?

[Eliot Spencer knows the greatest thief in the world, and he's a pretty good pickpocket himself, at least, he'd like to think so.

That just makes it infinitely more embarrassing when he pats down his jacket pocket and realizes that the cat that just bumped into him jacked his best knife.

Maybe it's because he's some kinda wolf now, maybe it's because Parker would laugh at him, maybe it's because he's in a bad mood, but he's gonna get that cat and get his knife back.]

Hey! Hey you! Get back here!

[He's running. He's running fast.]

B. Essence Practice.

[Look, he's not gonna lie, this is pretty damn cool. Never in his life would he thought he'd get a chance to be an actual wolf, and wolves are pretty cool to begin with. It could be worse, anyway. He could have the magnificent ability to turn into a fairy-tale pug or something.

There's a big wolf wandering the city, trotting along the streets and trying to get used to the sights and scents and sounds.

He also might steal your lunch. Better keep an eye out if you're not paying attention to that sandwich...]


C. The Wolf vs. the Huntsman.

[This is so stupid. It's doubly stupid because he's already the wolf and all of this is completely unnecessary and can they get this over with already? At least he's not wearing some stupid costume, his ears and the tail oughta be enough anyway.

Eliot glares at the Huntsman. At least they get to 'fight.' That's the only reason he's doing this, so he can punch somebody. That always is the brightest part of his day...]

So any requests? I know some people don't like gettin' hit in the face...

B

[ricebird]

[Sorry, what was that? Kotori can't hear you over how AWESOME her katsu sandwich tastes. Somehow Kotori stumbled across a shop selling BENTO BOXES, of all things, and it's been ages since Kotori's had a good katsu sandwich, eagerly munching into the first half as the other sits in the box, waiting to be devoured. There's even a couple of onigiri (one salmon, one umeboshi) and a cute little salad accompanying it, the box sitting in her lap on top of the cloth it was wrapped in, but otherwise unguarded. And she doesn't look very strong or alert.]

[likeknives]

[Oh man, that katsu smells so good...and look how alone it is, sitting in a box just waiting for someone to take it. It would really be his responsibility to, besides, wouldn't it be teaching people a lesson not to leave really good sandwiches out in the open like that? Besides, she doesn't look like she'd even notice, right?

This is a favor, really!

There's a tail-wag from the wolf as he crouches behind a store corner, and he darts out like lightning, aiming to snatch the second half of the sandwich in the box with his teeth.]

[ricebird]

[Yeah, unfortunately, Kotori doesn't stand a chance at all. Eliot might have a hard time grabbing the sandwich around the box's compartment walls, but if he gets it on the first try it's as good as him.]

Wha-- HEY!

[likeknives]

[He manages to slip the sandwich over the walls, and there's an actual scarfing sound as he quickly devours his prize.

Sorry, he's just really hungry? The wolf wags his tail--he might be gloating a little, yeah.]

[ricebird]

[Oh um... that's... that's a REALLY big dog. ... Who is she kidding that's a FREAKING WOLF.

With a shriek, Kotori jumps up on the bench like a lady in a Tom & Jerry cartoon, but instead of clutching the skirt of her peasant dress (slightly tattered, Elliot might notice now, the bonnet too, even though the apron's pristine), she holds the bento box up above her head with both hands. She gives a few wimpy kicks his way that don't and aren't even trying to connect, just make him back off, eyes squeezed shut in fright and hesitation. It's clear she has no combat training or experience at all, and she expects he's gonna go after HER any second now.]

B-bad dog, bad wolf! Shoo! SHOO!

[Such fierce, very scare, wow.]

[likeknives]

[...those certainly are some...kicks, there.

The wolf stares, wondering if it was possible to still face-palm with paws. He does notice the little details though, the slightly tattered dress and bonnet, and he wonders if maybe he'd stolen from someone who might very well be struggling financially. And that certainly would not do.

He ignores her shoos--like that's really gonna scare him off if he was an actual, wild wolf and simply lies down, his tail wagging once, twice in a friendly manner.

He's sorry? Maybe he can make it up to you, if you have somebody you'd like him to threaten...he's good at that.]

[ricebird]

[Yes. Yes, he can facepaw.

After a few seconds of NOT being eaten, let alone hearing any growls or barks or other signs of aggression, Kotori flinches one eye open and sees the wolf just... lying there?]

Um... you're... not going to eat me?

[likeknives]

[There will be a lot of facepawing in the future, then.

Eliot's still there, looking up at her with what he's hoping is an obvious sign of his intelligence, wagging his tail and tilting his head.

Of course, this just makes him look possibly like a particularly friendly wolf, but either way, he hopes the effect will be similar.

He shakes his head. Nope.]

[ricebird]

[WELP, that sure was a headshake. Kotori lets out a small gasp.]

You can understand me?!

C

[detectiveforhierophant]

[Dojima, cigarette hanging out of his mouth, leather woodsman garb on his body, with a hunting rifle in one hand and an axe in the other, gave the other man a careful look over. Not judging, persay-- Assessing. He didn't like fighting unless absolutely necessary, but considering how this guy was glaring at him, and how his ears and tail were positioned- it didn't seem like they'd get out of this without a brawl.]

...

[Kneeling down, he carefully put the rifle on the ground, and then the axe-- he didn't want to drop it and make it fire accidentally, it didn't look like rifles like these had 'safety' locks like his own revolver did. Getting back up, he dusted his pants off, and returned the other man's intense gaze.]

... Let's go with no punches to the face or 'below the belt'. ...Thighs and legs are free game, just no cheap shots.

[He moved into a stance, carefully watching the other man. So who makes the first move?]

[likeknives]

Fair enough.

[Eliot smirks. You're makin' his day, really. He's been needing a good fight for ages and this is an excellent excuse to get some stress out.

He doesn't like guns, though, and he eyes the rifle suspiciously until it's safe on the ground.

And then he's gonna make the first move. Thing is, Eliot's not used to the ears and tail and they do give away his movements without him realizing it. There's a twitch of an ear and his tail wags once before he attacks.

He moves quickly, aiming for a simple kick to his opponent's right thigh. Let's see what you're made of first, Dojima.]

[detectiveforhierophant]

[Dojima wasn't one to start fights, but he'd be the one to finish them. He'd been like that since he was a teenager fighting bullies, and he imagined he'd stay that way.

So lucky for him, the other man made the first move. The ears give him a hint on the direction, and he shifts-- not far enough to not feel any impact from the kick, making him grunt from pain-- but that he could get in position to aim his own attack, a hard chop down into the Wolf's left's side.]

b

[wildstrike]

[Honestly, Daryn is a little too distracted taking in the sights of the Index to even remember he has a sandwich. A small plate full of them, in fact, unattended as he stares around the open picnic area, watching the people that pass by.]

[But it's okay for him to be distracted, because there's a very large, very shaggy arctic wolf lying behind where the young elf sits, paying more than enough attention to their surroundings for the both of them. And when some other wolf comes skulking around, sniffing at people's unattended food... Eskel doesn't stand from where he is, but a low growl leaves his throat, ears ticking slightly back. It's enough to finally get Daryn's attention, the elf looking down at his companion in alarm.]

Eskel, nae. [The growling stops, at least. But Eskel doesn't take his eyes off the other wolf, and doesn't move as Daryn looks over to...the second very large wolf. Oh.]

Where did you come from, then? [He moves from his seat and crouches down to the wolf's level, icy eyes bright as he looks the beast over. It's really too bad he doesn't still have his ability to speak to animals, in this place.] Here, you're hungry?

[likeknives]

[Eliot's not exactly well-versed in canine body language, but it's pretty obvious that the other wolf isn't pleased with his presence. It's cool, he's not looking for a fight, but...he wouldn't exactly mind one, if it came down to it. He's stiff-legged and tense--

--but his attention turns when the elf crouches down and talks to him.

There's a slight wag of his tail, and Eliot nods. Yeah, he's not an ordinary wolf, and if revealing his intelligence gets him more food, well. He's all for it.]

[wildstrike]

[Yeeeah, that nod definitely does not go unnoticed. It's only a little less than wolf-like, and though Daryn's smile doesn't change, his head tilts, almost curiously, as he studies the creature a little more closely. Eliot's the wrong sort of shape for a spiritshift, but...that doesn't mean he can't be shifted. Different sorts of worlds could mean different sorts of magic, right?]

[Regardless, the thought doesn't stop him from standing again, grabbing the plate loaded with food, and - much to Eskel's clear displeasure - leaning down to offer a sandwich, stuffed full of some sort of meat and nothing else, to the strange wolf.]

You know, it's better to ask as a person than skulk around. [Is he expecting an answer? Not really. But it doesn't hurt to let a potential friend know.]

[likeknives]

[All right! Eliot sniffs at the sandwich for a second, and the moment he identifies it as stuffed with meat (even though really, he would have accepted anything), he snatches it from him with his teeth, scarfing the whole thing like he hadn't eaten for a century.

Thanks, man, he appreciates it.

There's a pause, after the sandwich is inhaled, because...okay, yeah, you got him there...

Eliot wags his tail and stretches, that's his answer. A cryptic remark, or a simple I don't care?]

[wildstrike]

[WELL. It's a good thing he has the reflexes, and the past experience, to let go of the food even before Eliot gets his teeth on it. Daryn can only watch on impressed as the sandwich is so quickly swallowed down, and for a second he really does have to wonder if this poor person is starving.]

[Which, if that's the case, that won't do at all.]

You are welcome. [He doesn't sound annoyed, at least, and the smile is...there's mischief in that smile, as he reaches up to grab the plate of remaining sandwiches, all looking just as stuffed full as the last one. Even the innocent look he tries to turn on Eliot fails to completely hide it as turns back to him, plate in hand.]

If you're that hungry, I don't mind you having the rest. But...

I get to pet you first, ja?

[Let it never be said he isn't above bribery.]

[likeknives]

[...what?

He's not hearing this. He's not seeing this.

This isn't happening.

If a wolf can have a look of abject horror on his face, then that was occuring at this very second.

Pet him? Hardison can scarcely get a hug from him, and now someone wants to pet him?

...

...

...

...food, though.

There's a snarl, but Eliot lowers his head just the slightest bit to indicate that he can have one pet in exchange for all those wonderful sandwiches. And maybe he won't bite his hand off.]

rip eliot's dignity

[wildstrike]

[Ooooh, someone doesn't like that offer. The snarl doesn't seem to faze Daryn in the slightest, but it does get an answering growl from the arctic wolf still lying behind him.]

[Daryn's quick to calm him with another soft command, though, and the moment that Eliot lowers his head, well.]

[There's a spot that turns Eskel into a big, fluffy puddle, and after placing the plate down Daryn searches that same spot out on this other wolf, raking cold, calloused hands through the rough fur at Eliot's neck and scratching, smiling like a child that just got the best gift of his life.]

I never could do this with anyone else.

*salutes*

[likeknives]

[It's fine, he's just gonna let him quickly pat and--

--oh.

Oh no.

There's an abrupt change in Eliot's body language, and a look of sheer horror that dissolves into...well. Whatever wolves are actually thinking when someone scratches that part of their neck.

It's like he can't help himself, his ears pin back, his muscles relax and his tail starts wagging and to add insult to injury, a long thin thread of happy whining escapes him.

Please, this is worse than anything he's ever been through in his life. And he's been captured and jailed and made to watch Sophie's acting...please...]

[wildstrike]

[Target found.]

[And there's that melty, boneless look of relaxation he was hoping for. It keeps Daryn going for a few moments longer, and almost keeps him at it longer still when the tail starts to go. A few more deep scratches along the wolf's neck, under his chin-]

[And then, he finally stops. He's quick to move the plate full of food directly into Eliot's vision, before he can collect himself enough to consider any kind of retaliation; Hiravias very nearly mauled him when Daryn decided that the other druid needed to experience the same, but then, he did kind of surprise the poor man mid-shift, without warning.]

Vinsamlegast...ah, no, please forgive me. [That cheeky grin isn't the kind of grin that necessarily deserves forgiveness, but. True now? Maybe??] And don't fret, friend. Your secret is safe with me.

OMG, I love Eliot! I need to finish the show if I can find it online again!

[nadenagi]

B

What he saw seemed to be a young girl in a short red plaid skirt, tall boots, a white shirt under a black blazer and red tie, with a red plaid capelet over the whole thing. Her purple hair was pulled up into a high tight ponytail that swayed as she moved. But as soon as she saw the wolf she stopped moving.

"Temari..." she said softly, as if it was a desperate prayer. But if it was one... it was one that went unanswered. Moving slowly, she put her hands before her, palms up. "Easy," she said quietly, gently. Clearly she thought this was some actual wild wolf randomly in the city. "It's alright, I'll help you find the woods, okay?" she asked, keeping her voice even and calm and soothing. Yes she was scared, the wolf could probably smell that. But she wasn't actually showing fear. Not really. She was acting like she handled big wolves all the time. For all of her... what was she? Twelve? Thirteen at most...

YAY! And a Leverage marathon is the best marathon

[likeknives]

...right.

The wolf gives her a look of mild disbelief, but the fact that she wasn't showing fear despite her being afraid gives him pause.

She's just a kid, but that's incredibly brave.

Not wanting to frighten her even more, he promptly sits, and wags his tail once.

See? He's not gonna attack. He just wants some food, that's all.

Heh. :D

[nadenagi]

"Okay..." she said softly, keeping her voice even. "Having Temari or Su here would help, but guess you're on your own, Nadeshiko. Okay, let's try and encourage him away, so no one gets hurt," she didn't think her words would mean anything to him but the calm soothing voice would.

She didn't know what he wanted, but if he was acting like a dog, maybe he was trained? She took a tentative step back. "Come on," she urged softly. "Follow me. Alright? We'll get you back out to the wilds. Alright?"