Test Drive #3

[felldenmods]

Welcome to the November test drive! We're so excited to have you with us.

A few things of note:

✦ Test drive threads can be considered game-canon if you choose. They're essentially in a shared dreamscape and take place between your character leaving their world and arriving in the audience hall with their faction leader.
✦ Reserves will open at 12:01 AM UTC on December 1st, and continue to be until 11:59 PM UTC on December 7th. This is to reserve a character, not an application slot.
✦ Applications will open at 12:01 AM UTC on the 8th, and remain open until 11:59 PM UTC on the 15th, or until all application slots have been filled. Once Activity Check ends, we will have an application slot number available on the application page. The IC & OOC intro logs will be posted two days later.
✦ Questions? We have a FAQ that's chock full of good information! If they are test drive specific, we have a top level thread below that allows for OOC questions to be posted.
✦ The network is available to use! No matter where your character is, their compass arrived on their person. Please feel free to include a network post in your top-levels! Once opened, the compass will display instructions on use, such as using voice-commands to activate it. Usernames are your characters first name or their most common nickname.
✦ Below will be a header for OOC questions as well as a request for Fortuna if you risk having your fortune read in Kyst.
✦ Current players who participate in the test drive by tagging new players will be eligible for a secondary blessing in December.

All set? Perfect! Welcome to Fellden.

AS THE MOON RISES.♪ You’ll find yourself just outside the Temple doors, which will be locked if you try to open them. A little rude, keeping you out after bringing you all this way. The thing is, you can hear a lot of commotion in the distance, and smoke rising from the center of a district; you may want to check that out. Where there’s smoke, there’s fire! Except the smoke is not at all something to be concerned over. Instead, people are gathered near a large bonfire in the decorated city square, drinking and carousing, singing songs of celebration; Moon saviors have arrived! War winners! The residents of the city laugh and sing and dance in pairs throughout the square that's dusted with snow, grateful for those who have come to aid them. Their merriment doesn’t dwindle as the sun begins to set on the horizon, twin moons rising in its place. When you (and other new arrivals) are finally noticed by the revelers, do not expect to be left alone! Crowns and laurels of fir and juniper will be deposited upon your heads, seasonal fare of food and drink placed into your hands, while live musicians play loud enough for the dead to hear. You’ll be invited to dance, to drinking games, and offered food and flowers and other items of value. Some may cry when they look into your face, thanking you for becoming their champions during this long and exhaustive war. Hopefully you’re here to enjoy the festivities. Sneaking off is just fine, too, but don’t expect to be let go of quietly; the people of the Moon Temple are so happy to see you! Enjoy the celebration while it lasts long into the night. If you do manage to leave, a helpful citizen of the Temple will inform you of the nearby transport mirrors that will take you anywhere on the map, one of which they will provide to you.

THE SETTING STARS.♪ You'll find upon your arrival that the castle is not accepting visitors as they decorate the interior in preparation of the festive season that quickly approaches. Guards at the door will instead direct you to the center of the city where further preparations are being made. Venturing there, you'll be greeted either by those who are decorating for the evening's party that will enlist you to help, or perhaps you're a late arrival and the celebration has already begun! Festivities are in full swing in the Court of Stars. Starfolk have begun their celebrations of the new arrivals and the ushering in the season of the Winter Festival. Once hesitant, guarded, the Stars citizens now welcome new arrivals with open arms, celebrating their appearance with a deep gratitude. Large circles of dancers will pull you into the fray or pull you to dance one-on-one. Others will place bundles of cedar and juniper in your arms for decorating or perhaps learning to weave your own wreath to wear: some will even take pity, create it for you, and set the laurel upon the top of your head. You'll be invited to dance, drink, eat, and participate in the festivities through a snow dusted square. Even the soldiers will join, knocking shoulders and welcoming you to the Court of Stars. Whether you choose to remain for the festivities or wander off, one thing is certain: you are more than welcome in your new home. If you do manage to leave, a helpful citizen of the Court will inform you of the nearby transport mirrors that will take you anywhere on the map, one of which they will provide to you.

MARKETS OF THE COAST.♪ The coastal city of Kyst is abuzz for the holidays, some calm finally beginning to settle in after the rocky past few months. Newcomers will be welcomed with smiling faces from merchants as they look to try to sell their pricy but beautiful wares. Tavern owners and barkeeps will beckon with the promise of warm food and delightful drinks, a place by the fire, and stories of holidays of old. The air is rife with music and the smell of delicious baked goods. Perhaps you'll hear or smell something you recognize from your home; as Fellden is the beginning of all worlds, it wouldn't be an impossible likelihood! Those looking to help out might be coaxed to assist in decorating homes with laurels, garlands, berries, and other bright green, red, silver, and gold colors. Those who seem very eager to help might be recruited by shopkeepers to stand outside and try to get customers in to see their wares, to have a drink, or to rent a room. Anyone willing to do so even for a day will receive free food and drink for the duration of their assistance. And for the auspicious, some may notice a person who has set up a mild little stall in the back of town, sipping eggnog as she offers fortunes. "Fortunes for the new year, my friend," she tells any who approach her. She offers only a small smile. "A laurel for a card. Only one."

BEYOND THE CITIES.♪ In the distance from Kyst, a large forest looms, the Gods Wood imposing even from this distance. Should you travel there, everyone you encounter will urge you to be respectful while within the forest. There, people can be found visiting intricately decorated shrines, prepared for the upcoming holiday, while people leave seasonal offerings in the bowls and plates within the shrines. You're free to leave the crown you were given at your faction celebration, or perhaps something else that you've been granted since your arrival is better suited for your offering. Be mindful of your actions though; those that show disrespect will be forcibly removed from the Gods Wood by the trees. Best foot forward! If the forest is too intimidating, there appears to be a gathering at the nearby Lake Theta where the Festival of Aeons is taking place. You'll be drawn into the fold readily where people will inform you that it is a celebration of souls, both living and passed beyond the veil. You'll be taught how to make paper lanterns to be set into the sky when twilight falls, with further revelry coming after. Be prepared for a long night of celebration ahead of you as the dancing, music, and festivities last long into the night.

Comments

mitsuri kanroji | kimetsu no yaiba

[lovesword]

KYST A

[ Never one to eat like a typical maiden ought, Mitsuri continues her revelry beyond Stars territory and into Kyst. Her eyes are saucers as she darts down the streets, hands a flurry of motion as they alternate between hovering by her face in excitement and reaching out to try whatever goodies are on display in front of her. And boy are there many.

Perfectly grilled meat on sticks, melt-in-your-mouth balls of dough covered in a dusting of sugar, a variety of fresh fruit in a bowl....it's all so delicious!!

There's only one break in the evening when her muscles freeze up, not in exhilaration, but in utter shock. ]

EHHHH?! A hot dog??

[ Her shriek rings out across the crowd, loud enough to be heard a block down. ]

KYST B

[ Unfortunately for Mitsuri, her funds run out far quicker than her appetite does, and it's not long before she's roped into becoming one of Santa's little helpers—or in this case a living mannequin, her figure wrapped in shawls and scarves and every winter accessory known to man. She jingles merrily as she waves at passersby, trying her utmost best to bring attention to the small stand she's sold her soul to that evening. ]

Are you looking for a present for your family? Or maybe something really nice for your friends? Please come take a look at what we have, it's all handmade and one of a kind! You won't be disappointed, I prom—

[ Her shoe catches on a spare bit of fabric hanging off one leg. She trips, shrieks as she tumbles forward, and faceplants directly into the ground. Or maybe smack dab into you. ]

GODS WOOD

[ The solemnity of the Gods Wood is enough to temper even Mitsuri's boundless enthusiasm. It's an energy similar to that of Master Oyakata's home, filling her with equal parts reverence and curiosity. She keeps her head bowed as she walks through, though her eyes flit from statue to statue. None of the forms are familiar to her, no matter how long she stares and tips her head this way and that.

Finally, she tiptoes up to someone, voice muted. ]

Um...do you know much about who these shrines are dedicated to?

COMPASS, UN: MITSURI

Hello! My name is Mitsuri Kanroji.
I was wondering, is there anyone here that's really strong? Like stronger than everyone else you know back home?
Or do you know anyone that's really strong here??
I'd really like to hear about it!

[ for Reasons.............. ]

WILDCARD

[ write your own starter, leave a blank comment for me to make something up, whatever! ]

compass

[illtemper]

[ All right, colour him curious. Not that he has any mind to give up his secrets, but this is an odd question with which to introduce oneself to a network of strangers. ]

Any particular reason why? Questions like that don't come from nowhere.

[lovesword]

It's not very common where I come from, so people who are really strong get looked at strangely.
I was just wondering if it was the same everywhere else.

[ and also, because she can't help herself: ]

Don't you think it's strange, to treat people like that just because they're a little different?

[illtemper]

[ Yes, there's definitely merit in this. He's entertained already. ]

Oh, that's human nature, love. People will always be scared of the big, bad wolf.

[ Now he's that person smirking at his compass, amused by his own hilarity. Too bad no one gets the joke except Klaus. ]

Anyway, do tell: are you the person wondering about how strange the others are, or are you the one being stared at? Perspective is everything.

[lovesword]

[ Sorry Klaus, that joke is also lost on her. ]

The big, bad wolf?

[ She’ll ask about it later. For now....ah, is it embarrassing to admit? Good thing he can’t see her blushing on the other end. ]

I was the one being stared at.
It was so embarrassing!
Just because I’m a girl, everyone thought I was weird!

kyst a!!

[unwieldy]

[ Haein spends a lot of time in Kyst. Not for the hustle and bustle, but for its proximity to the coast. He's always been drawn to the sea, and it's comforting during times of stress. He'll spend a few hours just hanging by the water, or fishing by the docks before heading back to the Court.

This time around, his visit is cut short by the holiday preparations. He'd like to avoid crowds as much as possible, thanks!! He does, however, stop by a stall vending some food to fill his empty stomach. Too bad a loud shriek from his left surprises the living crap out of him.

Haein slaps a hand over his left ear and grimaces at how unpleasant that had been!! And because he's peak asshole, he'll just turn to the girl and angrily glare at her... ]

What are you screeching about?

[lovesword]

[ HAEIN, HER SAVIOR!!!

Whirling around, she wastes no time in immediately grabbing hold of the limb closest to her - congrats, he no longer has use of his left arm! - and latching on like an unwanted barnacle as she blubbers in his face. It's a very attractive face, but unfortunately she's too panicked to take notice of it just yet. ]

They're cooking dogs here! How could they do such a cruel thing??

[ Those poor puppies...they didn't deserve this fate!!! Ohhhh her heart hurts so much! ]

[unwieldy]

[ ????? UH

That's his arm?? Haein hates being touched?? He's so shocked at the contact that it takes a moment or two for his brain to catch up to what's happening, and then he's using his free hand to try and shove this hysterical girl off of him!! ]

What are you— [ Huff, huff. Okay, pushing a person away should not be this hard, but Haein's made out of pasta and twigs. ] —saying?

[ Twists around to look at the booth selling hot dogs... Immediately... wants to commit murder... ]

They're not actual dogs, you idiot.

kyst b im ready

[cresture]

[it's absolutely smack dab right into Marianne, who was unfortunate enough to be approaching from the next stall over -- a box of laurel wreaths in one hand as she shakily tries to maneuver with all the confidence of someone who absolutely should nto be holding ANYTHING

which means she's in perfect position to be BUMPED INTO, and down she goes... boxes... FLYIN'!!!]

Eek -- ! Oh no, I'm so sorry --

[did several wreathes land on mitsuri because they're EVERYWHERE NOW!!]

can’t believe they’re a disaster already

[lovesword]

[ The combination of their two voices rising together in apology is almost harmonic, except for the part where both of them are at entirely different octaves. It’s fine, the passersby seem more entertained than bothered. ]

I’m sooo soooooorry!

[ Mitsuri pops up from the ground, a wreath balanced lopsidedly atop her head. Did Marianne just say that too? It’s fine, she deserves to say it as well. ]

I’ll help you clean up, I promise!

[ Look, she’s already grabbing things up from the ground and dumping them into various boxes, hopefully there wasn’t any sort of organization to these... ]

STOP U STARTED THIS

[cresture]

["various boxes" MITSURI THERE WAS ONLY ONE BOX]

O-oh, you don't have to...!

[marianne says, but she has no chance against Mitsuri's PANICKED APOLOGIES, and watches as Mitsuri dumps wreathes in random boxes because Marianne can't actually remember which box they go into in either, and at this point she's too afraid to ask...]

Um... [you know what she CAN DO though??? She leans over to try and pluck the wreath off Mitsuri's head...] I really am sorry... But I'm grateful for your help!

[even tho... THEY'RE ALL IN DIFFERENT BOXES NOW??]

compass, un: constantin

[takeroot]

What ever could you need to know about the immeasurably strong for? Are you recruiting for something?

[is it a fight club and can he watch]

[lovesword]

[ NO!!!! only love, no fighting! ]

Um, a little bit.
It’s kind of embarrassing...

[ AKA a lot embarrassing. ]

[takeroot]

[why not both!!!!]

That's only going to make people more curious! What is it? A tournament? A fierce battle of the brawn?

gods wood

[eolja]

[Seon-ho isn't normally one for temples, but he has been in a few during special occasions. like. funerals. and when the other nobles get together to look impressive while praying. It's usually a farce and rarely sincere.

So it feels weird to have been told by every stranger to "show respect" as if they really buy into this, but it does the job! He clasps his hands behind his back and stares at a shrine he can't identify while thinking of... nothing. head empty NO THOUGHTS!! until he hears Mitsuri's voice, and the relief that rises in him that someone is here to distract him is almost palpable.

even if her question is HARD!!!]

I've heard some of their names, but not much else.

[he will at least... admit to his ignorance!! he gestures to the shrine in front of him]

I believe they call this one -- Strength? [which is a WEIRD NAME FOR A GOD!!!]

i can't believe you actually did it

[lovesword]

[ From the back, it's hard to tell who exactly she's speaking to, the long flowing hair not particularly indicative of much at all.

But then the person turns and —wow. She's struck dumb for a moment by his beauty, eyes wide and shining as she stares up at him. In fact, she's so transfixed that she misses most of what he says until the very last word. ]

—Strength? [ wait what. She blinks, and the spell is broken. ] Does that mean this god is the one that decides if people are strong or not?

[ She should definitely make an offering then, shouldn't she?? ]

kyst a

[cranelike]

( How could one not hear all the fuss? His ears are still ringing! Not that he's complaining. It's good that someone here is so lively and full of excitement! Clearly. )

Right! Are you surprised?

( Look... he knows there aren't really dogs in there but it's clear this girl doesn't and he isn't going to let the opportunity to have some fun pass. )

[lovesword]

[ Is she surprised....buddy! ]

Yes!!

[ Her voice has diminished somewhat in volume but remains exactly the same in animation as she swivels towards Tsurumaru, hands fisted by her collarbone. ]

There aren't real dogs in there, are there?

[ Please say no, please say nO..... ]

[cranelike]

(Delightful. Absolutely delightful.)

Ah, I can't say... why don't you give it a taste?

(Tsurumaru Kuninaga, no.)

Compass; UN: BISHOP

[getting_better]

Define "really strong". Do you mean physically, mentally, emotionally, etc.?

[lovesword]

Oh, sorry!
I meant physically!!
But I guess it wouldn't be bad to be strong the other ways too...

[getting_better]

Oh. Well, I'm not the physically strongest person I know but I was about second or third in line. Why?

[slingshots]

why, looking to lose an arm wrestle?

[lovesword]

[ wow!! ]

I wouldn't lose!!
I'm really strong myself!

[slingshots]

sure, lotta people say that