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

1B <3

[wildstrike]

It's hard to say how he ever managed to live without his twin.

No. She's closer than a twin. Closer than blood. He is her and she is him, and the deep comfort and feeling of home that comes with that, with being at her side, is a feeling he never wants to live without again. Ever.

It's why he seeks her out now, after having spent another several hours in the library. While he still doesn't fully know his way around the index, he can follow the subtle pull of her soul against his own like a beacon, and it doesn't take long to find the lake, and Evora with it.

But he pauses his approach once he sees her, his easy grin disappearing as he stares at her large, open wings in awe.

"Like a vörður," he murmurs softly, reaching out a hand...and promptly pulls it back, awkwardly. "I'm actually a little envious. They look beautiful."

[soul_cypher]

An existence incomplete is a poor one. She hadn't known her emptiness, until she'd met her soul twin, and became whole again. Daryn isn't the only one who feels like there's no going back, now that they've found one another. How do you willingly chop off a limb?

"They are heavy, and I cannot sleep on my back." Nothing here to envy, brother, clearly. "You may touch them, if you wish."

Not an offer she would make lightly to anyone else. But this is Daryn. It is hardly invasive to touch one's own skin.

[wildstrike]

Well, clearly he doesn't need to be offered twice. The awkwardness is gone the moment the invitation leaves Evora's lips, and Daryn is behind her, running calloused hands through the soft feathers with an awed smile. Beautiful doesn't do them justice, actually, but he can't find a more fitting word in Aedyran, so it'll have to do.

This close now, though... It's hard to miss the mess of pale, ropy scars that crisscross Evora's back. The familiar sign of a life of hardship, but of an entirely different sort than his own. And he hums softly, his eager touches becoming something more like attempts at comfort as he threads his fingers through her wings.

A promise of no judgement.

"You could sleep on Eskel, if that would be more comfortable." Also not a light offer, given the large wolf's wariness toward others. But this is Evora, and whether because of their shared soul or simply Daryn's own enthusiastic affection to her, the beast has warmed up to her surprisingly well. "He's no stranger to being a bedroll, trust me."

And she'd be warmer for poor Eskel than the icicle that is his master. After a moment, though, his grin is back in full force, icy eyes glittering with curiosity.

"Can you fly?? Have you tried yet?"

[soul_cypher]

Yes, she can feel the change, in how he touches her. From discovery to comfort. He's one of the few people, who could comfort her like that, and not get snapped at.

"They're old. Just memory." But are they, if she keeps them hidden? Aren't they markers of the life she's escaped?

Her twin isn't dogged but shadows of the past. He's always so enthusiastic. It's nice to know that's in there, somewhere, for herself. Such instant, eager joy, for something that's not very important, really. Daryn had been very good for her. It's sad to know, she likely hasn't been that good for him.

"Ac, I can. I do not go very high, yet."

In case she falls.

[wildstrike]

Just memories. Memories she's long free from, and it'll stay that way, too, if Daryn has any say in the matter. At the very least, he can try to keep her spirits up, keep her from drowning in the shadows that follow her, and he does so now, leaving her wings to move in front of her, that warm, easy grin still in place.

"Someday you will, though! Just imagine what the world looks like from up there, it must be amazing."

Yeah. Envious. No amount of her complaints will dissuade that, it seems.

"Will you show me? Come on, systir, I'll show you a trick I learned, too."

[soul_cypher]

Her lips curve up, that subtle, almost smile of hers. He pulls that from her more often than she thought possible.

"If you like."

She stretches the wings again, up instead of back, this time. The span is huge. It has to be, to lift a full grown person.

"Step back. I do not want to hit you."

[wildstrike]

"Do not worry, you can't do worse to me than others did," he says, giving her a cheeky little smile as he steps back. Because honestly? Being smacked in the face with someone's oversized wing is probably far and away less painful than having an entire keep knocked on top of him. He doesn't take her eyes off of her, eager excitement bright in his eyes as he gives her room.

"If you do fall, I'll catch you. Promise on my heart."

[soul_cypher]

"I would never wish to," she answers with an abrupt return of her frown. What a thing to say to her, with that smile still on his face.

"Do not try to catch me."

No she's not the equivalent of a whole keep, but she's not an actual bird. She's person heavy, and then some, with the wings. She'll just take her own step back, because he's the type who would still just run under a person, falling from the sky.

The wings flap. Such a small word. It doesn't quite encompass the reality of what happens, to lift her off the ground. It's more like her wings shove the very air down, in deep, powerful strokes. It creates wind, that bends the grass, and ruffles clothes. But her feet leave the ground and she rises up, fives, six feet up.

[wildstrike]

He shouldn't be surprised by it. After all, he's fought more than enough dragons, large and small, to know just how powerful wings of that size can be, yet he startles at the sudden gust of wind, dancing back another few feet without once taking his eyes off of his twin.

And she is a sight.

The grin is gone from his face, but only for a heartbeat. Then he breaks into a large, open smile as he watches Evora rise into the air, those powerful wings working behind her. It may not be so high up, but it's high enough, and clearly quite a feat in his mind, if his excitement is any indication.

"Amazing..."

[soul_cypher]

He's so pleased, it's hard to not share the feeling. Her lips curve again, into her perpetually small, reserved smile, as she keeps the height from the ground for a few moments. Then it's time to come back down, which is harder.

Oh sure, she can just stop using get wings, but dropping is hardly graceful, or particularly safe, should she chance to go higher. She does a series of half flaps, that being her down to a stuttering landing. It needs work.

"Getting down is the difficult part." She's not ashamed. It is what it is. That's why practice exists. She folds her wings in, and brushing fly-aways out of her face.

"Now show me your trick."

[wildstrike]

He's quick to take a step forward as she begins to descend, still ready to catch her on the chance that something goes wrong. But she lands safely, if not somewhat ungracefully, though the relief doesn't break his excitement at all.

The awe is only broken at Evora's words, and Daryn blinks in surprise before remembering that, oh, that's right, he did promise one show for another, didn't he? Only now, well...

"Ah, now I wish I had gone first," he admits, his smile turning more than a little sheepish as he steps back again, looking over his shoulder at the lake behind them. "It's not as wonderful as being able to fly, but..."

But, a promise is a promise. After a moment of consideration, he reaches out to take his twin's hand in one that's cold and calloused, and with a grin he starts walking backwards toward the shore of the lake, urging her to follow.

It had taken a lot of practice over the last several days, practicing with the new magic he's been gifted, testing the limits of his Essence. Learning to control it, instead of the power affecting those around him unchecked. The ground begins to frost over as they walk, and when they reach the water... It takes some focus, but the water freezes under his feet, the ice expanding as he carefully steps further out onto the lake, slowly drawing Evora over the water with him.

[soul_cypher]

She lets her twin take her hand, puzzled by what he intends. And then they're walking towards the lake. She expects him to stop and turn to the water, but he keeps walking backwards. Her brows draw together, a visible expression of the concern that's building inside her.

"Daryn, my shoes-"

She starts, but she sees the water freeze beneath his feet, and she's stunned. Enough so that he can get her out onto that ice, before she can really think it through. But after a moment her grip tightens on his hand. It's ice, after all, and she's not remotely as adept on it as he is.

"Very impressive. It will not crack?"

[wildstrike]

"Nae, not so long as I concentrate." And as if to prove his point, he stomps down on the ice, once, twice. The creeping tendrils of frozen water briefly explode outward, and an echo of the power seems to burst coldly through his soul as the patch of ice they stand on grows larger, but it holds firm, much to Daryn's relief.

And Evora is impressed, he can tell, even if the sudden tightness of her grip says she's a little nervous besides. When he finally stops, having moved both of them over the middle of the lake, he doesn't let her go, though he wants nothing more than to continue showing off. It's not so impressive as flying, but he's glad to see he is still impressive.

"I've been practicing how to remake old spells, how to make new weapons, but this?" He beams up at her, smile bright and hinting mischief. "This is more fun."