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August-September 2024 Test Drive Meme
August-September 2024 TDM
Introduction
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.
🦊 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
no subject
Of course, I'll not be long either.
[The first thing he does though, as he steps off to get his hands on enough dry sticks and kindling for the fire, is to pull back his long hair and simply tie its length in a simple knot to keep it held back and out of the way.
Even as someone whose experience with wilderness survival was far more theoretical than practical, Dan Feng certainly makes quick work of his role. The easiest and safest way to begin was a fire pit surrounded by dry rocks.. which even close to a river as they are, there are enough distant rocks to achieve.
By the time Dan Heng is finishing up their tent, Dan Feng is quietly coaxing the flame he'd struck with his flint to catch on first the smaller sticks he'd gathered for the fire. In the end, having obtained the flint and knife first really had been quite the stroke of luck.]
no subject
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.
no subject
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.]
no subject
It shouldn’t be at all possible for us to meet. …the data I’ve collected over the years give conflicting accounts and my dreams, add a dimension to the story. But nothing was complete even when I helped High Elder Bailu look into what people remember of you.
[He gets up and sets about collecting some vines. He works on building a small trap for fish with some vines and sticks as he says,] The controlling presence of the Preceptors has been broken. She is free to do her duties as she sees fit.
no subject
As he listens, Dan Feng spends a few moments longer feeding a couple of the larger sticks to the fire, eyes occasionally shifting to where Dan Heng works to set up a fish trap.]
While uncertain what particular answers you both sought, I am willing to give you what answers I can.
[For the moment though, he pushes himself back to his feet. They would have a couple options for how to cook the fish they may catch... but first, he could focus on procuring a flat surface on which to clean the fish while they spoke.]
... it is something of a relief to hear that she is free from their control.
[Though he speaks quietly, there's certainly a sort of edge to the statement this time... not necessarily negative, but his own experiences with the Preceptors certainly had never left many pleasant thoughts.]
no subject
[He finishes building the trap and stands up. Questions he once thought were important have slipped from his mind, leaving it as clear as the wide open sea. He walks to the edge of the river and kneels.]
...I thought I would have so much to say to you. I'm finding it all largely unimportant. For now, I want to get to know you like I would anyone else. [All his fears feel unimportant. It is like holding a book and knowing all the pages need words in them. How can he fill them?] And whatever questions you have, I'll answer them.
no subject
He approaches the water after a moment, downstream from where Dan Heng kneels. From his brief glance into the water as they'd obtained the cube, the fish were traveling downstream at this time rather than up, so there should be no risk of startling anything away from the trap.]
... I do have some questions I'd like to ask, to avoid simply relying on assumptions, but aside from that I would like to simply get to know you as well.
[He tugs both of his long black gloves off as he kneels, tucking them away as he checks for plants his time reading helped him to identify as edible.]
You'd mentioned Jing Yuan's intervention. [His voice is quiet, interested and careful.] I hope you'll not mind if I ask... what happened that required his intervention?
[There's certainly no pressure for Dan Heng to answer. He would take a refusal in stride... but he can't help the concern he can feel regarding just what answer he may get if he should receive one.]
no subject
[He watches the river. It is easier than allowing himself to think or remember the prison itself. The fish are moving on the route he thought they would. Some of the plants around would indeed be good to add to their dinner.
He sits, patient as he would be with a computer uploading data.] The General caught wind of what they were doing and exiled me. Without it I would have been filled only with what knowledge they wanted me to have. The first thing I learned was your sin. I was…treated as the one who had to correct things.
[He closes his eyes. He can remember his first view of the Loufu. It is indeed a beautiful place.]
…I agree it is mine to bear. Mine to figure out what to do. But that was a power grab and without the General I would not be free to look across the stars for the answers.
To that and to find the answers too for your research as well. It has to be out there.
no subject
Upon rebirth, a vidyadhara was supposed to be considered a new life... and while there was considerable tension between himself and the Preceptors, that they would do something like this was far too much. He'd resisted them at every turn, even his duties had been done his way and not theirs -- he knew they wanted control, but this?
After a moment of silence following the answers he receives, Dan Feng takes a slow breath, brow furrowed as his eyes draw closed.]
Though I'm sure there's little I can say that hasn't crossed your own mind regarding what they'd done to you, and even knowing that nothing can be mended or achieved through sentiments alone... I still believe that my sins should not be yours to bear or correct.
[The sigh he breathes then is heavy, forcing out frustrations that he has no real right to feel. What he had done was what harmed his reincarnation -- and the shackling prison was no place for a new, innocent life. Dan Feng had centuries of his own life wasted in interrogation, torture and biting cold... but he is under no illusions -- he knows that even his silence played a part in what happened after his molting rebirth.
Opening his eyes once again, the gaze he turns toward Dan Heng now is... complicated. He could fill the sea with his regrets, but that wouldn't help anyone.]
There is no apology I can make that would be even a fraction of what you deserve to hear... yet while the both of us are here, if you'll allow, I'd like the chance to help shoulder your burdens at your side.
[The chance... it's all he can really ask. It won't make up for anything, but if he can do something -- if Dan Heng is willing to accept... anything at all, then it's worth the offer, he thinks.]
no subject
He nods once,] You made the choices you felt were best. It is not your fault that the preceptors were moving to chain the next. I believe they intended to try this whether you made the choice you did or not. They have been moving to this end since we settled in the Loufu.
That is a truth we can’t deny. …but I know so little of what it is to even be Vidyadhara. Of the powers that are mine now. I don’t know if we will remember this when we go back to our world. But it could help us here for me to know as much as I can.
no subject
All of this sits as a weight in his chest, but Dan Feng still maintains eye contact with Dan Heng. It was interesting, in its own way, to hear someone actually say the choices he'd made were anything other than the greatest of evils... to hear someone say it wasn't his fault. And in truth, the plans of the preceptors weren't his fault. It wouldn't likely do much for the guilt yet, but there was progress to be made here.
For a connection such as theirs... there's quite a chasm between them. One that would need crossing... and one that they both seemed willing to work toward. They couldn't change the past, but there were things they could do here.]
I still carry many regrets over my own choices, but the way they'd grasped for more power than should be theirs did seem to only grow more desperate the longer I remained alive.
[But from what Dan Heng said, they'd been dealt with as much as was possible, and he and High Elder Bailu were free from that. There was something else worth far more attention than those regrets.]
Anything that you wish to know or learn, if I have the answers, they will be yours. If there happens to be even a chance you'll remember what I'm able to tell you... though even without knowing one way or the other, I believe trying to be more than worth it.
[It wouldn't matter if he remembered this should he find himself back in their world, but if Dan Heng could remember, it could only help. And even if the knowledge didn't go back with him, it could help him here, even a little.]
no subject
…I would like to start with more details. I am the result of a purposefully flawed rebirth. The Preceptors enacted the flaw in secret because of secrets you didn’t impart. It is my thought that they intended to take full control over the elder section process.
I think because of this and something about the passing of high elder not complete at the time. The power split between myself and Bailu. She has the healing side of it. Trapped in the body of a child but with the mind of an adult.
I have the destructive side. We’ve been figuring things out since my exile has been lifted. It wasn’t that long ago.
no subject
At the same time, even with the passage of centuries of torture, surely he still held some information that Dan Feng could only imagine hadn't been passed on in its entirety. Especially considering how long he kept his silence.]
I'd certainly not label any single one of them above resorting to that... though I find it likely that my own failure to fully control the High Elder selection process contributed far more to this split of your power and the current High Elder's, if... likely little other than that.
[Though considering the basis of his attempt had relied on information from the Preceptors... the idea he'd been manipulated in a time of grief and desperation wasn't especially a pleasant one. There was nothing he could do about the intentional flaws following that, though... and as he was now, he'd not experienced his molting rebirth, even if he knew it would be happening.]
... I may need some time to more thoroughly consider the events of my past, with how much time has passed for even myself... but I do believe you may be correct in your thoughts on their intentions.
[Though he appears relatively serene other than his furrowed brow... the tip of his tail has once more adopted a somewhat frustrated flick.]
At least in part, I was acting under information the Preceptors gave me.
no subject
[He pauses then comes to an internal decision. He wants to know more about this man who is nothing like he thought.]As well as any other record you would like. I live in Gram in the Astral Archive. Consider it a branch of the Nameless here in Folkmore.
[Well he started now he has to keep going. He gestures with one hand in the direction of his home.] It isn’t a complete database of all things the Express has collected over time. Just what I recall. But in time, I’ll restore it to the sum total of generations of Nameless.
What I remember of recent events at home have been written down. It was the first thing I did here.
no subject
Once I've settled here, I may take you up on that offer to review these records. I can imagine that even while incomplete, there will be no few things I'd not even heard of before.
[Really when it came down to it, the knowledge gathered by the Xianzhou was vast indeed... but the experiences of the Nameless would surely have variation that even the Alliance hadn't achieved. At the same time...]
... I'll record anything I can recall as well. [... his most recent memories are unpleasant, though... so unless requested, he'd likely only share events from before his imprisonment.
There was another thought, though.] I am willing as well to share what... perhaps more general information I may have, if any of it happens to be new to you. [Like anything of the Vidyadhara as a people... or of the High Elders who predated them both.]
no subject
But the other things…I’ve been taking trips to the Loufu to learn. [Slowly. He has resolved not to be on the surface for Penacony. Taking time to adjust and for people to adjust to seeing him is important to him.] And my records of my time aboard the Express is always available. Should March arrive…she means well. She just gets very excited when people uncover important memories and people.
no subject
[When it came right down to it, even with his closest friends he'd not often offered answer to everything they'd ask of him... but as things stood now, and with what he'd learned since they met, Dan Heng deserved every answer and more. So he would have them as he wished.
.. the mention of this girl March is enough to draw Dan Feng to still.. and after a moment his eyes drift closed. For all that a faint smile tugs at the corners of his lips, there's something about it that's perhaps... a little sad.] Excited and well-meaning.. a familiar combination of traits, that.
[When his eyes open again, they're turned back toward the river.] She sounds important to you. [At the very least she sounds that way to him, with the way Dan Heng mentions her specifically. And with the way his faint smile lingers, it's clear enough he thinks that's a good thing.]
no subject
…a bit at a time is good. I have a lot of questions and we can pace it. For now, best to focus on this place.
[To the present once more. As mixed as his feelings have ever been about his predecessor…knowing enough of the truth, he sees him as an ally.] With the Fae's appearance recently, I'm concerned a greater trail is at hand.
no subject
Mm, the offer of answers has no time limit, after all.
[More about the past and home could certainly wait for a more convenient time. Dan Feng's gaze and expression both sharpen as the conversation moves back to present circumstances -- not unkind... but certainly serious and focused.]
If I am to assume trials such as this one are considered normal... what is it about the arrival of the Fae that concerns you for what may be approaching?
[From the outset, working together easily as they had, trials seemed to be normal. He had no real context regarding the Fae... but the concern is enough to make him wonder a bit more about the nature of this place.]