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folkmore mod ([personal profile] folkie) wrote in [community profile] folkmeme2024-12-13 07:16 pm
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December-January 2024-2025 Test Drive Meme

December-January 2024-2025 TDM
Introduction

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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]

Murder on the Folkmore Express .
Content Warnings: hysical Entrapment, Fictional Crimes, Forced Engagement

Winter has come to Folkmore in full force, and with it, the desire for most to get to their destinations as fast as possible. The cold is bitter, after all, and nips at bare skin in most of the realm's regions. The public transport system becomes a safe haven for all; a perfect way to take a break in comfortable warmth as both spirits and Star Children alike travel along stretches of land. From the Cat Bus to the trains, to the submarines that lead to Tides, to even the hot air balloons which provide a beautiful sightseeing tour before touching down on Never Fade… There are more than enough public vehicles to board.

And this is exactly where newly arrived Star Children will find themselves: aboard one of the bigger public transportation methods. With a flash of light visible to all, their landing in this new realm is made known to all other passengers.

Something funny is going on, that much becomes clear within several seconds. Perhaps a nearby cat spirit will keel over dramatically in the middle of the train's aisle, pretending to have died. Perhaps a frog spirit will let out a loud croaking wail, proclaiming their precious wedding ring has been stolen just now. Or perhaps a timid little mouse will come up to Star Children, prattling on about how worried they are for their missing spouse. They are all acting, as is evident from their lack of skill in that department. They relish the opportunity to spin their little tales, their characterization often broken by mischievous smiles or hasty snickers into the palm of their paws. Once the stage is set and the story is out into the world, the spirits will look towards the nearest Star Children with clasped hands and hopeful gazes. 'Will you solve the mystery?' they seem to ask. Sometimes they'll even voice the question aloud.

One thing is for certain: Star Children have found themselves in their very own locked room whodunnit setup!

The puzzling scenarios have a wide range of possibilities. Perhaps someone vanished, with the questions being whether they've hidden themselves somewhere in the vehicle and why. Or maybe a mysterious spirit suffers from a sudden bout of amnesia. Who are they, and how did they lose their memories in the first place? Was that person lying on the floor poisoned? If so, how? What makes these mysteries extra difficult to crack is the very magic coursing through Folkmore. That heap of ash under a seat may be evidence, burnt to a crisp with fire magic. The 'dead' body may have been moved from the original crime scene through teleportation. Or the missing ring may have been enchanted to return to its original owner, which leads to the shocking reveal that the one reporting the crime was a thief all along. All cases range in difficulty level.

There is a catch. The transport will not stop until the conundrum is brought to a satisfactory conclusion. The train will pass by stations, the Cat Bus will keep sprinting, submarines will circle Tides indefinitely… And the doors will remain locked, with even teleportation powers null and void. Star Children cannot disembark until the mystery is solved. Better work together to find those clues!

  • New Star Children arrive in one of Folkmore's public transport vehicles.
  • Spirits will re-enact locked room mysteries for Star Children to solve.
  • Cases range from murder mysteries to missing persons, to simple theft.
  • The vehicle will not stop until the mystery is resolved!
The Gift Train .
Content Warnings: Potential Information Reveal, Item Alteration

A cheerful ding rings out from each Star Child's Relic. It's a modest grab for their attention, a sign that something lies in wait. Checking out the origin, the recipients will find that they've received a message from Jewelia, one of Thirteen's aspects. It reads as follows: "It is a time for giving and a time for sharing. A time for friendship and a time for caring. Seek out this Star Child, and exchange with them a modest gift. Should you succeed and make the trade, then watch it shift."

What follows is not a name, but a list with facts. For example, a certain Star Child's role, which region they currently live in, what color their hair is, who their best friend is… It's all trivial data which, when put together, should point the seeking Star Child towards one particular individual. That's only the first part of the challenge, of course! Should they take the next step, they must give whoever they hunted down a gift. This can range from a batch of homemade cookies to a knitted sweater, to even a neat rock they found! It doesn't matter how big or small the gift is, whether it was bought or made… The present needs to be exchanged for something else.

As soon as the objects pass hands, they will evolve. They become nicer, or bigger, or tastier. The neat rock now shimmers like it's covered in eternal glitter. The knitted sweater now has a knitted hood to pull up over one's head. The cookies may take on a cutesy shape, or become more filling, with even a single bite enough to sate for a whole evening. The plain knife found in Folkmore becomes an engraved sword. This is the true power of sharing, and of paying good will forward.

Once an exchange is complete, each Star Child’s Relic will ding another time. A new list of facts appears, and they can repeat the process again. They have the option to give a new gift to their next match, or they can re-gift the item they were just given. There's no limitations to how much a single gift can upgrade, though objects will never become enchanted. They simply become nicer.

There's one more twist to this assignment: after three successful gift exchanges, the Relic plays an additional, cheerful little chime. A little victory note, almost. When the Star Child returns to their home afterwards, they'll find a small package waiting for them on their pillow (or whatever's close enough to a bed if they don't have one). Inside is a small item from their home world. It may even be a weapon or magical item. Just another reward for rising to the challenge!

  • Star Children receive a message on their Relic: a list of facts leading them to another Star Child.
  • When they find this Star Child and exchange a small gift with them, the gift will evolve into something nicer.
  • If a Star Child succeeds in three successful exchanges, they will find a small item from home waiting for them in their home, atop their pillow.
woenesday: (wednesday26)

[personal profile] woenesday 2025-01-05 12:02 am (UTC)(link)
"That was decidedly untrue back home." She lets out a huff of indignation at that. Besides that she finds it difficult to believe those are the reasons here, instead she leans more towards a belief that people assume they will get more lore from interacting with her because she's so difficult.

There isn't really pity on Wednesday's face for the story, but rather a sort of understanding. Something she might not have had in the past, but the story does resonate to her in some strange way. Makes her think momentarily past her anger towards someone in her world to the truth of just how he was made valuable to the wrong people. That is not a particularly enjoyable feeling for her though so she chooses not to linger there.

"You might find answers here without ending up indebted to anyone or anything. As I said, people are all too quick to offer assistance."
decohere: (walks you out of the sun)

[personal profile] decohere 2025-01-05 01:12 am (UTC)(link)
A skeptical laugh. "Oh, people in your world far less shallow, is it?" She knows well enough that it certainly doesn't override other sorts of prejudice, or prevent anyone from suffering mistreatment. But she can't deny that when teetering on the edge of who is worth condemning as an irredeemable monster, and who is perhaps pitying enough to save, she has benefitted from not looking outright like some classic story villain, warped and deformed. The horns and claws she sports now feel a bit more like overt visual markers to condemn her.

"I'm not interested in assistance," Ava replies almost too quickly, too sharply. "I can take care of myself just fine." She can't trust the intentions of others anymore, can't put herself in the position of feeling as if she owes anyone despite the girl's naive claim otherwise.
woenesday: (wednesday24)

[personal profile] woenesday 2025-01-05 02:06 am (UTC)(link)
"No. More shallow. In my own world I was easily dismissed and ignored by those around me due to my appearance, abilities, and age. That and the determination of everyone around me to adhere to the idea that lies were the best means to every situation." But she'd gotten little grace given to her in any situation because of her looks or age, frustratingly received the complete opposite by everyone with any sort of power. The fact that nobody at all had really taken her seriously was still a sore spot.

"Alright." That's not something that Wednesday would argue with. In fact it's the same moto she often goes by, so she has little interest in trying to convince anyone to seek others out for help.
decohere: (Default)

[personal profile] decohere 2025-01-05 03:05 am (UTC)(link)
"It's a far more nuanced issue than that, because not being respected by authority figures lying to maintain some sort of status quo is a more fundamental corruption that no amount of ability will change. Power always protects its own interests. Not to dismiss your experience."

She's still staring at her own hand, then finally lowers it. "If you truly want people to leave you alone, just be more overtly disgusting. Should've seen the face of my handlers when I didn't shower for a whole week." A laugh.
woenesday: (wednesday182_2)

[personal profile] woenesday 2025-01-05 03:29 am (UTC)(link)
"Your assessment is correct. Those in power will always do whatever they can to maintain their power while protecting their own interests." It doesn't seem like a dismissal of her experience but rather an affirmation in them. In a way she appreciates someone else being that blunt about it. Other people have attempted to say the opposite, insist that it was about protecting others or some other noble goal. "A universal constant in all of our worlds I would imagine. Lies will always benefit people more than truth." Because lies keep those in power. Someone determined to find truth? They'll be ignored and pushed out.

"That's utterly disgusting. Why would you degrade yourself like that just to force others away?"
decohere: (pic#17475427)

[personal profile] decohere 2025-01-05 05:35 am (UTC)(link)
"Most will claim otherwise, but they prefer the lies. They're convenient, make them feel safe. They don't want to know what's actually being done to keep the world spinning in the way that's made their own lives comfortable." That people like her were out there doing the dirty work, committing assassinations under the guise of national security. "If they're made aware it undoes their deniability. That's why they get away with it, even when the truth is obvious, it'll get dismissed as conspiracy." And she appreciates that somebody else sees it for what it is too.

The judgmental pushback isn't unexpected. The entire purpose was to illustrate that being physically repulsive is effective enough to drive others away. She shrugs. "Well, I hadn't on purpose. Was in too much pain to properly care. And they certainly didn't until it was time to assign my next mission. But the point stands. If you really want people to keep their distance, there are far more effective methods than just wearing black." But part of her suspects that despite the protests, Wednesday probably doesn't want to be left completely alone.
woenesday: (wednesday150_2)

[personal profile] woenesday 2025-01-05 07:02 am (UTC)(link)
She stares for a moment completely still and unblinking before she finally says something. "Most people just try to tell me I don't understand the value of lies. Or of protecting the status quo." In her own Wednesday sort of way that's a thank you to her for not doing that. For seeming to share a similar point of view rather than trying to convince her that sometimes one has to lie to protect the bigger picture. Or the peace. Or their psychopathic serial killer son.

"I wear black because I choose to." Not to keep people away. She scowls for that, but it's clearly not effective. "I imagine you'll find that to be untrue here. Many people would see someone not taking proper care of themselves and deem it their mission to help you." Have fun with that.
decohere: (you caged me and then you called me craz)

[personal profile] decohere 2025-01-05 04:04 pm (UTC)(link)
"Then in the spirit of honesty and transparency," Ava leans forward just slightly and lowers the volume of her voice, as if to tell a secret. "I was intending to rob you. I've halfway changed my mind."

She straightens back up, with a tired sort of smile that never manages to look cheerful. "I'm allergic to color too." Clad in a very dingy sort of not quite white, Ava favors bland and uninteresting shades of grey that avoid drawing much attention. But she'll upgrade to a sleeker black soon enough. "Appreciate the warning, though."
woenesday: (wednesday122_2)

[personal profile] woenesday 2025-01-06 06:19 am (UTC)(link)
Her eyes narrow at Ava. "Unless you wish to end up cursed for the entirety of your stay here, I would suggest changing your mind one hundred percent." Although her tone doesn't sound entirely menacing. Maybe she wouldn't mind if she did rob her and she got a chance to test out a curse spell. It would certainly be something interesting to do here.

That...almost gets a smile from her. Almost. It's half there. "More people should be." Allergic to color that is.
decohere: (is poised for the attack)

[personal profile] decohere 2025-01-07 01:00 am (UTC)(link)
The narrowed eyes nor the threat of being cursed don't really intimidate her, but by announcing her intentions her mind had already been made up anyway. She's not foolish enough to give away her plans and still try to carry through with them. Wednesday's spoon is safe. "What sort of curse?" Ava asks curiously instead.

"I take it as a warning sign of who to avoid." As if she's not avoiding everyone already.
woenesday: (wednesday243)

[personal profile] woenesday 2025-01-07 05:07 am (UTC)(link)
"I have several I could choose from that I have been wanting to practice." But telling someone directly would completely ruin the experiment. It would also be giving away a bit too much about the things she knows how to do to someone who's basically little more than a stranger.

"Intelligent of you. Though I would suggest simply avoiding most here. You can never be certain how long they will stay." And getting to know someone only to have them disappear feels like a waste of time.
decohere: (but my bare hands paved their paths)

[personal profile] decohere 2025-01-07 05:29 am (UTC)(link)
"And I support your endeavors, but you should probably practice on somebody who isn't already quite so messed up. And I'll focus on targets that aren't so retaliatory. I already made the mistake with some obnoxious blonde." Being tracked down to her trailer and harassed really wasn't how she expected that to go.

A nod, because avoidance was always her lifestyle. Unfortunately survival here seems to rely on it, and she's hoping this conversation alone is enough to earn her a sandwich or something. "Do some people go, then?"
woenesday: (wednesday162)

[personal profile] woenesday 2025-01-07 07:16 am (UTC)(link)
"Deal." Though she does arch an eyebrow at that... 'obnoxious blonde' to her just makes her vaguely think of someone from home. "My sympathies. Obnoxious blondes are impossible to get rid of." She speaks from experience.

"Often and unpredictably." Despite her best attempts to find a pattern she's come up with absolutely nothing of significance. Leading her to the assumption that there is no pattern outside of the Fox's will. "There have been claims that it has to do with reaching your potential, but there is no evidence to support that."
decohere: (Default)

[personal profile] decohere 2025-01-10 05:41 am (UTC)(link)
"This one tracked me all the way down to my trailer and made an awful scene. Had to apologize to my neighbor and everything." She seems very put out by it all.

"Hm. Were they anyone that wanted to leave? Looking for a way out..." For all of Ava's complaining about being here and not intending to go along with whatever schemes the Fox dreamt up, it's not as if she's made any substantial efforts to fight back either.

She's not sure she has any potential to fulfill, really.
woenesday: (wednesday4)

[personal profile] woenesday 2025-01-14 06:31 am (UTC)(link)
"That's why I chose to live in Wintermute. Nobody can find me." Really, Wednesday would just say Ava asked for it by living in the trailers. Or any of the locations that are close to others.

"No. Not to my knowledge." Though she doesn't precisely keep up with absolutely everyone that comes here or leaves. "Nobody that has actively looked for ways out or solutions to the Fox's tyranny have been successful in learning anything of value." Including herself but she's just not mentioning that.