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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
I'd be rather surprised if it was misplaced.
[The statement is rather matter of fact, even after so long removed from one another's proper company. But for now... well, for now it was best they eat.
At his best estimation, his faith in Jing Yuan is precisely where it ought to be. They were lacking in a great many things, but the stew remained easily good enough. Perhaps it was a symptom of being locked away so long... but this was the finest meal he'd had in centuries.
He's just taken a bite when Jing Yuan speaks up again, and Dan Feng considers quietly as he chews. It had been late afternoon when he'd first arrived here...]
I agree, though it may be wise to seek shelter at the very least. You'd mentioned wanting blankets or sleeping bags, before hunting.. and unfortunately I've not found anything to help with that in the time that's passed.
no subject
[ though he can certainly make do in the grass if need be. it's been quite a long time since jing yuan slept anywhere besides a bed (not counting naps), but he could certainly manage. and after all that dan feng has been through, jing yuan can only assume that grass would be downright comfortable in comparison with the shackling prison's accommodations, but..
well. he'd like for his old friend to have a better place to sleep. ]
We can scout for a few more cubes. We have an hour or so before it gets too dark.
no subject
It would be wise to find somewhere more ideal to sleep than the lakeside, certainly. [A brief pause.] There should also be no harm keeping a lookout for a few cubes during our search.
[A faint smile tugs at the corner of his lips, before his eyes shift once more to their surroundings -- primarily turning toward where he'd found a couple of the herbs he'd gathered while Jing Yuan was hunting.]
... I recall catching a glimpse of one nestled among tree branches not terribly far from where I found those soft cloves I'd set aside for the stew.
no subject
[ jing yuan's brows rise, and he smiles, then nods, before he's scooping more of the stew into his mouth and swallowing it down. it's not half bad, if he does say so himself. once his bowl is finished, jing yuan refills it, and dan feng's too, so they do not waste any of the food. he would hate to have to dump it aside. ]
Well then, once we're finished we can head off.
[ the sooner they are prepared for the night, the better. ]
no subject
[Dan Feng hums softly in agreement, gaze lowered to his bowl when Jing Yuan refills it. In truth, it has been quite some time since he's eaten anything he would consider a filling meal... and his appetite has ever been less than his old friend's even in his prime. Still... he isn't about to complain. He appreciates it, no matter how odd it may feel now to be full.
He tries not to eat too slowly, and he breathes a slow sigh when he finally finishes.]
The walk to the one I caught sight of should be short enough, which ought to hopefully leave us more than enough time to find a suitable place to rest.
[Slowly, he shifts his tail so that it isn't wrapped as carefully around his legs where he sits -- enough to be able to stand more easily when he does.]
If we've any luck to count on, we may find more on our way.
no subject
soon enough he finishes his own portion as well, then takes both of their bowls as well as the pot, to carry them to the lakeside to clean them off. ]
Very well then, let's be off, when you're ready.
[ shaking the water from the bowls, he packs them into the small pot, which then goes into his bag. leaning a hand down to help dan feng to his feet, jing yuan smiles. ]
Come then, old friend.
no subject
I'll be ready when you are.
[And indeed he is. It doesn't take him long to pack away the little parcels of herbs along with his Relic and Spoon after all.. and he's decided against pulling his gloves back on by the time Jing Yuan offers his hand. He does hesitate only briefly before accepting the help to his feet, and Jing Yuan is as warm as he's always been.]
Thank you.. [The words are quiet... after so long he's no longer used to accepting help.] ... the cube I'd caught sight of was in this direction.
[In the moment before he lets his hand slip from Jing Yuan's, he both turns and faintly tugs the direction he turns -- as if to direct his old friend to follow along... to keep him close even if he drops the contact in the end.]
no subject
he gives it a little squeeze, before dan feng's hand drops away. ]
Lead the way, then.
[ he says, gesturing, as they begin to move forward together, through the grass and beneath the boughs of the trees, toward the cube in question. it's beginning to grow a little chilly, with any hope the cube will contain exactly what they need. ]
no subject
He couldn't help but to wonder if he would ever have such a thing again, even as he leads Jing Yuan along at a measured pace, eyes raised to the branches once they've reached the trees.]
Ah-- there.
[He indicates which tree with a light gesture, the cube nestled so serenely in the branches as if cradled.]
Would I be correct to assume you're familiar with how to obtain these?
[Considering how many things his old friend had at this point, surely it meant he'd found more than a few.]
no subject
at any rate, they reach the box soon enough, and jing yuan glances up toward it. ]
Ah, yes. We'll need to work together.
[ unsurprising, given how things seem to work here. the fox seems to always want to bring people together, to promote closeness and camaraderie. ]
We must reach for it at the same time.
no subject
If that is our aim, then I suppose we have two options.
[Probably more than two, but most others would simply be needlessly complicating matters.]
So I must ask. Do you fancy a climb, or would you rather a lift?
[Sea green eyes flick away from the cube as he asks his question, one hand lifted in an idle motion to summon what looks like a midair disc of swirling water. His other hand lifts as well, though he turns it palm up to offer the support as an invitation to Jing Yuan. He could lift them both easily enough... and with the contact, surely he could keep his old friend balanced near him as well.]