folkie: (Default)
folkmore mod ([personal profile] folkie) wrote in [community profile] folkmeme2024-08-13 07:55 am
Entry tags:

August-September 2024 Test Drive Meme

August-September 2024 TDM
Introduction

[ TDM QuestionsJump to CommentsFull Navigation ]

This Test Drive meme is open to all.

Welcome to Folkmore's monthly Test Drive Meme! Please feel free to test drive any and all characters regardless of your intent to apply or whether you have an invite or not.

All TDMs are game canon and work like "mini-events". For new players and characters, you can choose to have your TDM thread be your introduction thread upon acceptance or start fresh. Current players are also allowed to have in-game characters post to the TDM so long as they mark their top levels ‘Current Character.’

TDM threads can be used for spoon spending at any time by characters accepted into the game.

Playing and interacting with the TDMs will allow characters to immediately obtain a canon item from home, especially weapons or other things they may have had on their person when they were pulled from their worlds! There will always be a prompt that provides some sort of "reward" to characters who complete certain tasks.

Current players are always encouraged to tag new people on the TDM!



🦊 New Star Children meet the Fox still in their worlds, and she brings them into the new realm of Folkmore. As you follow her, your body begins to change and new characteristics emerge. These may stay for a while, or perhaps they will hide away after. And during all of this, the Fox explains to you where you will be going: to Folkmore.

and then... you fall like a shooting star, falling to the land in a burst of starlight.


🦊 Experienced Star Children are already familiar with this time of the month. There are shooting stars all across the sky, and some fall to the land, which means the Fox has brought new arrivals. These newly arrived Star Children will face some tests, but Thirteen wants the more seasoned residents to participate as well.

Perhaps you follow the falling stars on your own, or perhaps the Fox simply teleports you there, but it appears you too will be part of this.

[ Prompt OnePrompt Two]

Scavengers Survive .
Content Warnings: Potential Wilderness Survival, Potential Death

New Star Children arrive in Amrita Academy, the largest school in Folkmore. They might arrive in the medical wing, or they could arrive in areas of the school that don't look like a school at all: forests with animals to hunt or gather, including for their medicinal properties; rocky crags with climbing routes; fields full of growing grains; meadows with sheep covered in soft wool; lakes and rivers with unusual denizens. It's like a miniature of Folkmore all in one school.

A fox with a clipped ear and a few scars greets each Star Child upon arrival. She explains that while things can be summoned with Lore, the best survivors learn to scavenge and to find what they need. New Star Children haven't earned much Lore yet, so that surely applies to them double. In fact, as befits a survival school, there are items that will help Star Children survive hidden all around and immediately outside the school. Star Children are directed to make a list on their Relic of everything they think they need to survive. Once made, the list cannot be changed. They will be more likely to find those items than others (though it will not be impossible).

Race, jog, or stroll around the expansive school in search of these items: clothes, bags, first aid kits, tents, survival supplies, etc. They might be harder to find than expected as they will be miniature and in little cubes aka survival squares (a misnomer). These cubes may be tucked away above, below, beside, or inside something. They also may float against a rock face or in the air among tree branches. The most likely locations are those densest in Lore. The longer Star Children explore, the more they will realize that these cubes are best and most easily obtained by working together. In fact, they will try to dodge and avoid the grip of a Star Child more than ten feet away from any other Star Child. Perhaps that's because two Star Children interacting are creating Lore and a Lore dense location? Once two Star Children touch the cube at the same time, the cube will disappear, and the item inside will grow to full size. Congratulations on being one step closer to survival. Remember to share.

Come mid-September, few cubes will remain inside the school. Star Children will have to check the perimeter of the school to find more survival squares. That task grows exponentially harder as the cubes are in the molasses-thick moat of concentrated Lore surrounding the school. Should anyone dip their spoon in the moat, in the Lorasses if you will, they will find that it tastes sweet, a rich spicy sweetness. Amazing! Less amazing? It is impossible to get past the moat of Lorasses. No matter how strong a swimmer or oarsman, it is impossible to make headway through or atop the Lorasses. Anyone attempting to fly across the moat will find themselves slapped by a giant sticky slappy hand rising like a goliath from the depths with perfect aim. Star Children can find themselves slapped anywhere from the shore to the center of the school. Star Children are free to get creative with ways to dig the survival squares out of the Lorasses, but beware! They'll have difficulty freeing themselves on their own from the sticky substance, should they fall in.

Since Star Children are likely to find themselves in sticky situations quite literally, they may be pleased to know that Amrita Academy has showers available for use. Unfortunately, due to one student's experiment, the shampoo is all made of beer. That's right, beer. It's good for one's hair! Or so the study should demonstrate. Be sure to fill out a feedback card outside the locker rooms.

  • All new Star Children arrive in Amrita Academy.
  • Star Children are greeted by a fox who prompts them to write a list of what they need to survive. These lists cannot be changed once made.
  • Star Children search for tiny cubes with survival supplies, especially ones on their lists.
  • Star Children must work together to catch & open the cubes.
  • Come mid-September, Amrita Academy is surrounded by a Lore-rich molasses moat—Lorasses. Thou shalt not pass.
  • Once the moat arrives, most cubes are in the moat. Shower to get clean afterward with beer for shampoo.
This is Our Get Along Shirt .
Content Warnings: Forced Close Contact, Coerced Behavior

It can be stressful to arrive in a new place among strangers and strange things. It can be even more stressful, sometimes, to be among people one knows. The fact remains that in Folkmore, no one is an island. The Shattered Spoon Shrine is a testament to that. Interact or perish. Those interactions usually don't even have to be positive. An emotionally charged argument generates Lore same as a touching reunion. However, Amrita's iteration has taken charge of Folkmore this month. She values cooperation and connection.

What does this mean for Star Children? It's time to get along.

When Star Children fight—physically, vocally, emotionally—they get stuck together in a magical t-shirt. This plain white t-shirt has 'This is our get along shirt' written on it on both sides, one in each Star Child's handwriting. (If a Star Child does not have handwriting, Thirteen will invent a handwriting she feels best represents them). The shirt works exactly as written on the tin. Until the two Star Children can get along, they will be stuck together in the shirt. Getting along can look a few different ways. It could be working through the reason they were fighting. It could be cooperating to accomplish something else. It could be helping someone else together. It could be large or small. Somehow, Star Children will have to get along to accomplish something.

The shirt will disappear, leaving them standing next to each other, only to reappear duplicated in each of their hands, perfectly sized to fit each individual. Should they so choose, either can be used for a repeat performance, with both of them trapped inside again. While the same condition will apply—they must get along to get out of the shirt—the shirt will now make it easier for them to work it out. Note: only the two people who originally wore the shirt can put it back on. No one else can wear these shirts.

One time only, a Star Child's cooperative escape will have an additional prize: their souvenir t-shirt will be wrapped around an item from either their home universe or their partner's. That's right, getting along can get a Star Child something from another universe.

  • When Star Children get in a fight of any kind, not just physical, they get stuck together in a magical t-shirt.
  • The shirt says “This is our get along shirt” front and back in characters’ own handwriting (or imagined handwriting).
  • As written on the tin, Star Children are stuck until they figure out how to get along
  • When they separate, both partners will get a copy of the t-shirt that fits them. They can choose to get back into said t-shirt together to figure out how to get along easier in the future.
  • One time only, Star Children receive an item from their home universe or their partner’s.
reignbows: (16)

[personal profile] reignbows 2024-08-25 01:04 pm (UTC)(link)
[ jing yuan's gaze flicks briefly away. ]

I have some idea of why you refused to speak to me.

[ to protect him, like as not. in the beginning, jing yuan had been incredibly hurt by that silence, not understanding why someone that he cared for and trusted so deeply was suddenly a cold, unknowable creature to him, but in time, as he grew and matured, he began to understand. or at least, he thought that he did. dan feng was surely trying to keep him from becoming embroiled in the entire affair.

and attempting to push him away. ]


But as you said.. this is a new beginning.

[ the fox had brought them both here, and while they should not abandon the past altogether, should learn from it, clinging to it will do them no good. so jing yuan steps closer, hesitating only a moment before he reaches to clasp his warm hands over dan feng's shoulders. ]

Let's allow it to be new and fresh, then.
reignbows: (70)

[personal profile] reignbows 2024-08-25 01:08 pm (UTC)(link)
[ for jing yuan, this shape feels oddly comfortable, like a second skin. he likes this shape. it had taken a little time to get used to, but shifting back and forth has become a simple affair quite easily indeed.

as for dan feng's tail.. annoyed though the high elder may be by it, jing yuan finds it charming. it's a good barometer of dan feng's mood, saying more than he will allow himself to say with words. shifting comfortably in the grass, jing yuan rests his heavy head on his crossed front paws. ]


Mm. I feel lighter, here.

[ a thought that makes him feel a little bit guilty. ]
shackledwithin: (pic#17108812)

[personal profile] shackledwithin 2024-08-25 02:02 pm (UTC)(link)
[He makes sure the tent is secure before he finally sits down. He takes his phone from his coat and makes a few notes for later.

He has a true scroll to write in the future. He puts it away and takes a second to study his counterpart. None of this is like his nightmares but he never thought it would be. Should it ever be possible.]


…I think you’ve waited long enough for one important piece of information. My name is Dan Heng. I am one of the Nameless of the Astral Express.

But that wouldn’t have been possible without the intervention of General Jing Yuan.
shackledwithin: (pic#17108808)

[personal profile] shackledwithin 2024-08-25 02:09 pm (UTC)(link)
[The duties of a camp have been fairly divided between planet side crews since he joined the Express. The actions are soothing to his racing mind. Up until now he has seen glimpses of others but nothing that sticks and usually from his memories.

He takes a folded over map out of his coat and spreads it on the ground.]
I’ve been here for a while. We’re a ways from my Archive. It is over here in Gram.

The fox appears to have power to match an Aeon but not the drawbacks of one. Furthermore, she has several aspects that show themselves from time to time. We are presently outside of the time stream of our reality. Of countless realities.

And I’m sure you already noticed power you didn’t have before within you.
modestpurpose: (081)

sleepy lion;

[personal profile] modestpurpose 2024-08-25 02:31 pm (UTC)(link)
[Hythlodaeus, favouring both the form of a cat and a good nap in good measure, often spends time wandering about on all fours with a fluffy tail held high. He occasionally comes by others in this form and decides on a glance whether or not he is to pester them with his presence.

When he sees a very large cat-like creature similar to a hornless melanion he cannot help but be curious.

The sleek, lilac-coloured cat pads its way over to the sleeping lion and sits in front of it, both paws set primly beside each other as he regards the creature with curious purple eyes.

He opens his mouth and lets out a single little meow.
]
modestpurpose: (137)

survival

[personal profile] modestpurpose 2024-08-25 02:56 pm (UTC)(link)
[The time of the month when new Star Children arrive is always a curious one for Hythlodaeus as he wonders just what challenges Thirteen will roll out for those who have arrived here, and some barely aware of the reality of their situation. Tis a fine thing for her to claim that the conversations she has before pulling people to her realm make matters clear... but things do not work that way in practice.

He does not try to hide his presence. The lilac-haired man approaches quite openly, his eyes first on the man in front of him and then sliding up to the cube that Dan Feng's attention is on.
]

Were I seeking entertainment at all, I'm sure I could find it in far more appealing locales than this one.

[Hythlodaeus arches a brow in Dan Feng's direction, his arms loosely folded and a quiet, ever-present mirth in his glowing eyes.]

But you have the look of one who requires some assistance.
forestwatcher: (005)

molasses;

[personal profile] forestwatcher 2024-08-25 03:04 pm (UTC)(link)
[The scent of cooking meat is liable to draw many more things than a slightly peckish passer-by, though as luck would have it what turns up at the moment is a curious-looking young man with large ears and a delicate face.

Though he tries to look nonchalant, the way he sniffs a little as he breaks into the small clearing no doubt betrays his intentions.
]

Oh.

[He does have the self-awareness to look slightly embarrassed.]

That's very kind of you. I was about to start hunting for myself.
apuckalypse: (200)

[personal profile] apuckalypse 2024-08-25 04:32 pm (UTC)(link)
Yeah... it's sure been a learning curve.

[He'd take the comment as truth even if it was sarcastic, but he can read between the lines. He's been around Donnie enough, present and future.]

I like it better, though. This whole, no-war thing.
inkstainedheart: (Default)

B. Varriiiiic!!!

[personal profile] inkstainedheart 2024-08-25 07:26 pm (UTC)(link)
"It's more than a little ridiculous."

The one speaking up? A rabbit-person with pale, twisty little horns, in a rather flamboyantly colorful, neatly tailored outfit who'd slowed in their own hunt to stop near Varric, opalescent eyes turning to fix on the little cube up amongst the branches. And if it was ridiculous for Varric, it was even moreso for him, standing only a little over two feet as he was. Just crossing his arms as he considered the problem with a flicker of a long ear.

"I suppose I could help you get it, if you're willing to share."
neverdisappointed: (pic#17254967)

[personal profile] neverdisappointed 2024-08-25 09:47 pm (UTC)(link)
She doesn't know the full extent of how the relics work, so she has no idea what he might or might not be doing. If he wanted her name, he could have asked. Whether she would have introduced herself as MJ or as Michelle as a way to keep some social distance between the two of them, though, is another matter.

"What shouldn't worry me?" she asks, trying not to grit her teeth in frustration. "If this is some kind of 'blink twice if I'm in danger' kind of situation, I'd like to know if I should be engaging in constant eye contact with everyone I'm coming across so I can gauge where the biggest explosives are, metaphorically or otherwise."
heyunderoos: (Fidgeting/talking/Conversation)

[personal profile] heyunderoos 2024-08-25 09:55 pm (UTC)(link)
The Spider-Moth comment does make Peter laugh, some tension he's been carrying loosening up to some degree. The tension hasn't left him, but, he's glad for a momentary reprieve. Some familiarity between them.

His lack of fear of heights means Peter is pushing up higher, trying to get some distance away from the survival camp below, the people new and old mingling. Maybe later, he'll come back and try to help some other new Star Children.

MJ takes priority.

He doubts they can fly to Epiphany from here, but a quieter spot is a way better idea.

"I also don't get it sometimes, but, uh- Thirteen just kind of assigns you a role when you get here. I landed on legend. Came with the whole wings and halo thing." He still feels weird about it, even with having grown used to the idea. Thinking of himself as angelic adjacent is weird.

"Myths get horns and a whole weird demon motif. Mr. Stark ended up with that. Feels pretty judge-y coming from a talking fox, but, sure, whatever she wants." One of these days he'll maybe slow down a little to think about how to lay things out neatly, instead of floundering through so much information ta once.
supersmashbro: (why are u like this)

[personal profile] supersmashbro 2024-08-25 11:21 pm (UTC)(link)
[ Raph shoots a text to regular-edition Folkmore Donnie just to make sure he still gets his little out of office but still in the world auto-reply, which he does get. But it doesn't look like it pings here-Donnie. Are there two??? Is that allowed?

He's not really sure what his next move is. One thing at a time, probably. Whatever's in front of him until he's mapped out the terrain. ]


I'm calm! [ He is not. But how often is he ever? One thing at a time. One at a time. Not hurt. Checked off the list. What's next? ] If you're not real, you gotta tell me or it's entrapment. Deal?

[ Clearly should've asked that first just in case, he must be slipping. ]
neverdisappointed: (pic#16217782)

[personal profile] neverdisappointed 2024-08-26 12:10 am (UTC)(link)
She opts to keep her gaze focused up on Peter's face rather than risk looking down and noticing how high they're flying. Again, she's not bothered by heights, but considering that she doesn't know how new of a development these wings are and how well Peter is able to use them, she doesn't need a reminder of how easily she can fall to her death. She'd already nearly done that earlier tonight-... today-... however time works here.

Luckily, Peter's giving her enough of a distraction to focus on, even if she might eventually decide she'd rather experience a free-fall than have to hear anymore about the logic - or lack thereof - of the being who'd brought them here.

"Okay, is it just me, or is it weird for a talking fox to lean heavily on Christian themes? How would she even begin to judge who-... wait, Mr. Stark? Tony Stark? He was here, too?"

It has to be "was," because if she allows for the possibility that she might come across dead heroes while stuck here, she might legitimately lose her mind.
soft_shelled: (204)

[personal profile] soft_shelled 2024-08-26 01:17 am (UTC)(link)
I can imagine.

[Heck, his own Casey had sometime adjusting to not living in a constant war zone. It took awhile but he did it, so Donnie can understand how this Casey he's with would have had to adjust.]

... Ha, I would, no offense, hope you did? [Then, as an after thought because wow Donnie, that probably sounds bad.] I mean, out of everyone you deserve to be somewhere safe.
soft_shelled: (198)

[personal profile] soft_shelled 2024-08-26 01:20 am (UTC)(link)
[It does not ping this Donnie's relic! So yes, it looks like there are two of him.]

... if I wasn't real, I'm pretty sure I wouldn't be here? [He is trying, oh god is he trying, to follow Raph's logic now.

He is not getting his oldest brother's logic at all.]

[personal profile] inexpiabile 2024-08-26 05:32 am (UTC)(link)


[Should Jing Yuan ask, whether for explanation or clarification, he would receive it this time. Really, no matter what it was he was asked, Dan Feng had no further intention to return to the silence he'd left behind when he'd followed the Fox here.

As for why he kept his silence... he has no doubt that Jing Yuan has in fact figured it out. Even as a young Lieutenant, the man was far more brilliant than most around him -- something Dan Feng had heard well before they'd met.

Still, he'd never really stopped thinking of what he owed his old friend at this point... so his voice is quiet, if audible enough.]


Any answer you should ask of me will be yours.

[Ah. There's some tension in his shoulders when Jing Yuan steps closer... but it's a tension that bleeds away at the weight of warm hands on his shoulders.]

A new beginning, then.

[He pauses, one of his hands lifted to find Jing Yuan's on his shoulder.]

.. with no more secrets.

[Though that would seem a small promise from many... from someone who'd kept so much to himself, it was far weightier than many others he could make.]
reignbows: (Default)

[personal profile] reignbows 2024-08-26 05:32 am (UTC)(link)
[ while the stew simmers, jing yuan leans over the map, his brow creased thoughtfully as he commits what he sees to memory. ]

I see. The fox's power is indeed astounding, to be able to not only create a space such as this, but to also be able to pluck us from our home timelines to join this one. So far as my power..

[ he smiles wryly, and reaches to rub at one of his fuzzy lion ears. ]

I have certainly noticed.
reignbows: (14)

[personal profile] reignbows 2024-08-26 05:34 am (UTC)(link)
[ cat, meet larger cat!

jing yuan lifts his heavy, maned head and regards the cat as it moves toward him. oh, it is very cute, very cute indeed, he would very much like to pet it, but he has certainly learned that animals here may not be as simple as they seem. he himself is one such example.

at the meow, he offers a delighted chuff, one large paw pressing into the grass playfully, near to the lilac cat. ]
apuckalypse: (184)

[personal profile] apuckalypse 2024-08-26 06:06 am (UTC)(link)
[Casey chuckles anyway. Offense? Not really. It was a fair statement.]

I dunno about deserving or not, but I'm grateful anyway. And thanks for that, too.

[He can't tell if this older version of Donatello has mellowed out a little or he himself has fought with the younger version too often in recent times that a fresh start feels better, but it sure is nice to be on good terms. If he adjusts his expectations, maybe he won't screw this one up.]
inexpiabile: lilibei123 on Twitter (DanFeng012)

[personal profile] inexpiabile 2024-08-26 06:22 am (UTC)(link)
[Even as unfamiliar a moment as this one is somehow... relaxing. Just as it had been to spend those days with their friends so long ago.

His tail shifts just a little as his eyes lift to the leaves swaying above them in the gentle breeze, not noticing when the tuft alone rests against the side of one of Jing Yuan's front paws.]


I feel rather guilty to admit to the same... but there's undoubtedly a weight that's been lifted.

[... would he ever feel as if he deserved that ease? He couldn't be sure, but he certainly didn't feel as if he did now.]
survivalthroughhate: ([TPM 66] Snarl)

[personal profile] survivalthroughhate 2024-08-26 06:56 am (UTC)(link)
I blame you for this.

[He said grumpily. As usual, Maul had trouble taking responsibility for anything that he might have had a hand in causing. It had always been one of his major character flaws.]
survivalthroughhate: Icon by <user name=dathomirs> ([Commission 16] Happy and calm)

[personal profile] survivalthroughhate 2024-08-26 07:01 am (UTC)(link)
[Maul grinned happily when he realized this was the Vi from Trench he had known before. Getting a genuine smile out of Maul was rare but it happened. Having another Sleeper was definitely cause for it.

He went over to her and wrapped her up in a bone-crushing hug without further delay. He wondered if Jinx had come along with her but decided it was best not to ask. Her little sister would definitely make herself known if she was here, likely with some kind of loud explosion.]


It is good to see someone else from Trench. Every so often, another one arrives.

[And it made Maul happy all over again, even if the most important two he was looking for still hadn't ended up here.]
inexpiabile: (DanFeng020)

[personal profile] inexpiabile 2024-08-26 07:27 am (UTC)(link)
[To his credit, Dan Feng listens quietly to the information he's offered, settled by the side of their merrily crackling fire, his tail tucked around himself and as out of the way as he can manage.

Certainly he'd grown curious about just who this young man was... but with the initial admission of shock, he'd not been all that inclined to press for answers just yet. It wasn't always the case, but it did tend to be simpler to let someone volunteer information on their own time.]


Between the shock you'd mentioned before, and referring to him as General Jing Yuan, might I be correct in guessing you're from after my time?

[There's nothing sharp in his question, simply a quiet curiosity and faint caution. With all he'd endured to this point in the shackling prison, he could very well be remembered in many ways. And then there was the sense of familiarity he could feel at the back of his mind that he'd still not addressed. Between all of that, and everything when he'd seen Jing Yuan earlier in the day... he'd be rather surprised if he weren't at least partially correct.]
reignbows: (40)

[personal profile] reignbows 2024-08-26 08:04 am (UTC)(link)
[ and just like that, the first brick is laid in the foundation of the bridge they must build to cross this gap together. whatever dan feng's reasons, however his decisions may have been swayed by grief, there is no claiming that there is not a gulf between them. jing yuan had worked so hard to save his life, had worked harder still to free his reincarnation, but so much time has passed and so much pain is between them still that they cannot simply behave as if nothing has changed. as much as jing yuan might want to act as if that is the case.

with no more secrets. jing yuan smiles, and it's tired, and raw, but genuine still. ]


Most importantly, we need to get through this ordeal, first.

[ this strange little survival game. between the two of them, jing yuan is sure that they will manage it, but daylight is burning, and they will need to begin working toward securing food and shelter for the evening. and warmth, for dan feng. ]

Have you found any supplies, yet?
reignbows: (82)

[personal profile] reignbows 2024-08-26 08:09 am (UTC)(link)
Mmm..

[ jing yuan feels that guilt, as well. he should not feel so relieved to be free of his duties, but after hundreds of years spent performing constantly as the arbiter-general, working sun-up to sun-down, he is tired. the weight of it all has taken its toll. he has seen loss, and war, threat after threat to his people, death after death on the warfronts, the idea of simply.. existing here is comforting.

he was reaching the time of his retirement, after all. perhaps it simply came a little bit earlier than expected. ]


Well, I can certainly believe that, all things considered.

[ after all, for dan feng, it was the shackling prison, before this. nearly anything is an upgrade. ]

Try to do what you can to enjoy it.