fellmemes | Test Drive #4

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! test drive

Test Drive #4

Welcome to the January 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 February 1st, and continue to be until 11:59 PM UTC on February 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.
✦ We have added a Suitability section to the application. Check it out! We will be requiring this going forward as it not only helps players see if their character is a good fit for the game but it lets the mod team gather some ideas about direction for your character!
✦ 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 Death or its Attendants if you risk placing a coin in their offering bowl.
✦ As in December, a secondary blessing will be available in February to those that tag others on the TDM!

All set? Perfect! Welcome to Fellden.

AS THE MOON RISES.
You’ll find yourself just outside the Temple gates, which will be locked if you try to open them. A little rude, keeping you out after bringing you all this way, and the more you try to look up at the Temple structure the more insistent guards become in pushing you down the pathway to somewhere else. 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, 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! Chrysanthemums will be offered as brooches or corsages, food and drink placed into your hands, while live musicians play loud enough for the dead to hear — for this is a celebration dedicated to them. Several were lost in the battle held the previous weeks, and the Priestess has decreed a time of mourning through revelry. Spirits must be kept up, even in these dark times. 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 despite the pall that may hang over the town. 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 prepare the interior for a solemn remembrance of those lost. Guards at the door will instead direct you to the center of the city where most of Starfolk have gathered to say their goodbyes and reminisce of memories past.

Venturing there, you'll be greeted either by those who are serving food and drink from nearby taverns, or those with drawn faces tired from battle. Or perhaps you're a late arrival and the worst of the exhaustion has left the city, now imbued with laughter and happier memories! Those loyal to the Court of Stars greet the newcomers with guarded gratitude in their eyes and wary hesitance. How many more of these Otherworlders will betray them, they wonder out loud. If you try and take a seat with a party or three, chances are the conversation will halt as soon as you grow near, and the longer you stay the more uncomfortable the gathered people become.

Trust is not easily gained in the Court of Stars; broken now as it is, the natives of this world fear the worst for their Emperor. Will you help us, or will you hurt us, they ask, wanting to believe they still have a chance at surviving this exhaustive war.

Whether you choose to remain for the remembrance or wander off, one thing is certain: things must turn around for the Stars soon. If you do manage to sneak off, a hopeful 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 with an extra amount of people who sought refuge here during the attack on the Moon Temple. Some calm had finally started to settle but now the foundation has once more been shaken. Newcomers will be welcomed with smiling faces from merchants as they look to try to sell their wares. Tavern owners and barkeeps will beckon with the promise of warm food and delightful drinks, a place by the fire, and information to help you find your bearings. The air is rife with the scent of the coastline, fishermen bringing in their haul from the day. Perhaps if you pay enough attention, 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 for something more exciting will find closer to the northern border of Kyst a rather curious bi-pedal cat bouncing on its back legs. It flags you down with a wave of its paw, asking excitedly if you'd like to flex your claws into a juicy quest. You're just the hunter for the job! Purr-fect in every way! Out in the wild lands there's a great beast in a deep river, and it's bothering all the people who live in the nearby town! They can't get fresh water or fish for their meals; it's furr-ightening! If you agree to help, the cat will explain that the creature is a Nokken that has been luring many a brave fisher to their untimely death. It must be removed either by force or by convincing it to leave! Help them, Hero-wan Kenobi, you're their meownly hope!

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, and leaving offerings for their passed. If you catch their eye, they will beg of you to pay respects as well, and press a gold coin into your palm. Offer a wish or a happy memory to who you miss and place the coin into Death's offering bowl and there's a chance someone will be there to speak with you. Be mindful of your actions though; those that show disrespect will be forcibly removed from the Gods Wood by the trees.

If the forest is too intimidating, Terebellum is open for semester registration, and the grounds are even more regal with a light dusting of snow all around. Students of all branches of magic can be found exploring the campus and practicing their craft. If you're lucky, perhaps you can find a teacher who will explain what is offered here at the University. But ah, there's a catch! Tuition is extremely expensive, so you must impress your faction leaders if you wish to widen your breadth of knowledge within these walls!

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

[ Though it's merely a dreamscape, Orchid wants to stay away from the Court and more busier places like Kyst. So she makes her way to the woods, carrying her favorite stuffed cat in her arm and... wow, she's heard about people being disrespectful in the Gods Wood, but this is the first time she's been able to witness someone getting launched out of it! As amazing as it is, the look that Orchid gives outwardly is almost expressionless by default. Her brow only lifts slightly in surprise.

She's about to ask about any injuries, but, well... this woman seems fine, despite getting thrown out by some trees. ]

...What did you do?

[The stuffed cat immediately makes Zero assume that this girl is an actual child and wonder why this place would let literal children wander around unsupervised—but you know, that's not exactly fair of her. Dito looked like a preteen, and he was a bona fide freak. Who knows, this kid could be, too. Assumptions never helped anyone!

For now, she simply looks up at Orchid from her spot before answering her.]

Told someone in there when they grabbed my hand that they and every shrine in there could take my respect and shove it up their asses.

[ Well, Orchid is kind of weird. Just not in the same way as Dito. She stares listlessly at Zero for a moment, then breathes a small, helpless sigh through her nose. No wonder the woods kicked this woman out. ]

Please be nicer to them. These people... have been through a lot the past few days.

[Again with this shit. Zero huffs, dusting herself off as she finally stands up.]

Y'know, I'm sick to death of hearing that. "A lot's happened recently, so be nice." Why should I give a fuck? I just got here, and if I remember right, someone around here asked me to be. If they wanted everyone who showed up to coddle these delicate little bitches, maybe they should've mentioned that. [Not that.... she would regardless............. Oops.]

You could get punished.

[ She frowns. Like her, who's currently in baby jail outside of the dreamscape. Asking for her to be respectful to the gods as well probably won't get through to her either, would it? Orchid's quickly understanding how hostile this lady is. ]

If you're not going to be respectful, then... stay out of Gods Wood.

[ Okay, that's not going to stop her from being rude to anyone outside of it... but maybe that'll stop Death from putting the woods on lock down. ]

Fuck, what is with everyone trying to warn me about punishment and consequences and whatever the fuck else? If someone wants to judge me, they can fucking try!

[HONESTLY, THEY'RE MORE THAN FREE TO IT. Give her something to do!! Leave it to Zero though to take basic concern as the most annoying thing on the planet... Honestly, she has half a mind to go back into the Gods Wood purely out of spite for Orchid.

... But she also knows herself, that she wouldn't be ~respectful~, and she doesn't REALLY want to get thrown onto her ass again. She rolls her eye. You win this one, Orchid!!]

You don't need to tell me twice.

...

[ Dare go in there again and this tiny girl will follow you!! Actually, she already has plans on keeping a watchful eye on her. She doesn't say anything else, only giving the woman a dead eyed stare. She's waiting for her to leave, go elsewhere... and then she'll follow.

Go on Zero. Shoo... ]

[Well the plan WAS to leave and go do.... something......... But Orchid just standing there watching her gives her a change of heart. Is this a game of chicken, is that what it is?? LET IT NEVER BE SAID THAT ZERO'S SOME CHICKEN SHIT.

So while looking Orchid dead in the eye, she heads back towards the wood.]

[ ...Oh. Well. Narrowing her eyes, she wasn't expecting her to try going back. Orchid walks briskly after Zero, but only for several steps. Perhaps she could use Lloyd to help stop her.

No fancy incantation or hand gestures to summon her guardian automaton. It's as though it reads Orchid's will that it knows it's time to make its appearance. There's just a big, shadowy void opening up in Zero's way, before she can get any closer to the forest. And out comes a floating, specter-looking construct... ]

Not so fast.

[ WE HAVE YOU SURROUNDED, ZERO!! ]

[Oh, finally. After everyone's talk about punishment and consequences, at least someone around here's willing to take action instead of just talk. Fighting some weird golem-type thing? Now that's something for her to do.

Pulling out her sword, she smiles.]

Yeah? Try me, then. [She takes a step forward, but even with her sword out, she doesn't move to attack just yet. Your move, kiddo!!]

[ For now, the golem just floats there. It requires a little bit of extra guidance on Orchid's end. She doesn't want to use it to punch Zero just yet! But once Lloyd's out, Orchid's powers are active. One arm clutches tightly to her plush doll as she holds out her free hand, long puppet wires extending from her finger tips. ]

I don't wish to fight you.

[ She thrusts an arm out, manipulating her wires to wrap around Zero's sword arm. Put the weapon down! ]

Then you should've thought twice before bringing that thing out!

[You'll pry Zero's sword out her hands when she's dead thrice over!! She yanks at the wires with her free hand, and if she manages to break them, she'll waste no time in slicing at Lloyd.]

[ At first, she keeps a firm hold of the wires. But a good two more forceful tugs will be enough to break them. When that happens, Orchid stumbles backwards, watching as Zero attempts to slice away at Lloyd.

All the golem does for the moment is raise its arms, allowing the woman to hack away at its body of earth and ore. It's going to chill here for a bit, tanking... ]

Lloyd.

[ Orchid calls out (in her very soft voice that doesn't nothing at all like a shout.) Long wires extend from her fingers once more, attaching themselves to the golem. She tugs the golem forward, intending to slam the construct into Zero. ]

[~~the fps drops, and zero dodges the blow by clipping straight through the ground~~

Zero takes part of the slam, using the momentum to roll farther away from the golem. It's not as bad as she's used to taking at least, although it doesn't help that she doesn't seem to have her full capabilities in this world right now. That's for the best honestly, but it's a little inconvenient right now.

Since she's a good distance away from Lloyd now though, she'll just. Run from her current position towards the forest. BRILLIANT PLANS FROM ZERO THE INTONER.]

[ zero why are you running

WHY ARE YOU RUNNING

Her wires detach from Lloyd's body. It might be fast if she charges after Zero herself, rather than get into full melee range. She darts towards the forest, after the woman.

Again, she sends forward wires from her fingertips. They extend, aiming to wrap themselves around Zero's ankles. ]

[The wires reach her ankles, and Orchid gets to watch as Zero trips as ungraciously as possible onto her face and into the ground. Naturally, she's pissed.]

Oh, fuck off! [WAS GETTING TO SEE HER FALL ON HER ASS NOT EMBARRASSING ENOUGH?? She'll be hacking away at the wires with her sword this time.]

[ NO IT WAS NOT ENOUGH!!!!

The wires are cut easily by the sword and well, EVEN MORE WIRE extend from her fingertips. How does this work?! I don't know, GBF doesn't tell me. Just like how they won't explain golem physiology to me. Magical JRPG BS.

But you know what... Orchid's going to keep doing this. Go ahead and keep cutting them though? Tirelessly lashing out with her wires at Zero's limbs in an attempt to keep trying to wrangle her. ]

I'll protect the woods and I'll protect you from yourself, if I must.

Fuck you, and your stupid wires, and your fucking puppet too!

[THIS IS SO AGGRAVATING, she almost has half a mind to cut off an arm or leg herself just so she can get away easier. The only thing that's stopping her is that she's pretty sure she wouldn't be able to reattach them immediately right now, and she at least needs both her feet to run.

So the moment both her legs are free at least, she makes for the forest YET AGAIN. No matter what other wires may be holding her back... She'll keep cutting at them.... And thus begins a long, halting walk as she tries to reach the forest.

Really, there's nothing but spite keeping her going now.]

[ This is just going to be a long cycle of the wires breaking and being re-applied, over and over again, as Zero begins to trudge her way back to the forest. Lloyd is barely doing much work at the moment, quietly trailing behind its young master.

Orchid frowns. ]

Why... why are you doing this?

[ Leave the forest alone!! ]

Because you're pissing me off, that's why!

[That's it. That's the only reason. There's really nothing else motivating her right now.

But with how the wires just keep coming from Orchid, she gets an idea. Zero waits for a moment where both her arms are caught in the wires, then twists her arms around to get a good grip on them and pulls. YOU HAD YOUR FUN DRAGGING ZERO AROUND, BUT NOW IT'S HER TURN!!]

Ah!

[ With a yelp, she trips over her own two feet, falling over on the ground. The sudden pull had taken her by surprise. Her wires are still attached to Zero's arms too, far too stunned that she hasn't retracted them back yet. So, now's the opportunity to drag this small girl around!!!

Before Orchid calls out for her guardian golem again, anyway... ]

[The smart thing to do now would be to straight up attack Orchid, or make a run for it while she's down, or maybe even try to tie her up. Worked up as she is though, Zero's in no mind to do the smart thing (not that she ever does). Instead, she grabs the wires and starts pulling while spinning around, trying to swing Orchid in a circle like she's about to send her flying off.

Hopefully Orchid doesn't get motion sick or dizzy from it.......]

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

Test Drive #4

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