December-January 2024-2025 Test Drive Meme

[folkie]

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 One ★ Prompt 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.

Comments

[decohere]

[she may not be communist but she's all for smashing corporations, especially ones that profit off the exploitation of their workers. the way SHIELD exploited her. so yes he's suddenly far more endearing to her through overlapping ideologies.

usually her little rants fall on deaf ears.]

Woe to this place if Stark ever shows up and inflicts his parasitic tendencies upon the economy. [more muttered to herself, she doesn't expect him to know of Iron Man.]

[dadguardian]

[Oh, he knows of Iron Man. He even knows of Howard Stark, who is the first person to come to his mind at the sound of that name. Even with having been told of people coming in from different worlds, her reference to someone famous from his world doesn't stand out.]

I would hope one man cannot inflict such damage, but... It is Stark. If anyone can do it, it would be him.

[decohere]

[a suspicious pause at his agreement, gaze flickering up and down his obvious knockoff Captain America suit, and... yeah, she should've figured.

then again, Stark could just as easily be a constant presence across the multiverse, a plague not only upon her own world. it's an unsettling thought.]

And they want us to believe that war profiteer is a hero just because he took the weapons into his own hands. [an eyeroll. she enters the first shop they comes across, realizes it's some fancy clothing boutique, and quickly backtracks out. which may end with them colliding if he's not too many steps behind.]

[dadguardian]

[His own hands? That settles it; she means the son. Just as good at ruining the economy as his father, Alexei's sure.

He was just about to follow Ava into the clothing store when she begins her hasty backtrack. While he does have the reflexes to dodge, it doesn't occur to his subconscious mind to dodge. Not for something like this. Instead, his hands land on Ava's shoulders (or attempt to, anyway,) to halt her in her tracks before she can step on his toes.]

Oop- Hold it.

[decohere]

[a startled glance back, because she had already snapped at him once for touching her. but. well, he did prevent an outright collision so she's not going to be irrationally fussy about it. she just simply slips out from under his grip.]

Don't like this place. [fairly certain there's nothing here at all that she'd wear, and she doesn't need some attendant trying to make commission trying to convince her otherwise.]

[dadguardian]

[When she slips out to get more distance from him, his hands withdraw. He's just glad she didn't actually bump into him. One glance into the store tells him exactly what the wares are, and he finds himself agreeing. 'Do not like'.]

No, that is not what we need. Not gift-worthy. We need... Books, maybe. Do you read?

[decohere]

[despite not being overly interested in receiving a gift at all, only going through the motions in order to rob him and get out of there... Ava perks up at the mention of books. somehow he's nailed that one, which leaves her somewhat impressed as she hadn't pegged him as the reading sort in return.]

Yes, all sorts of things. Sci-fi, mystery, horror... Ideally a mix of all three. You?

[dadguardian]

[Ha ha.... About that.]

None. I do not read. But we are looking for gift for you.

[He's really not expecting anything in return, since she'd already made her stance on the 'mission' pretty clear. So now he's laserfocused on finding something she would like. Which is books, apparently! See, he knows what he's doing. Now they just need to find a bookshop.]

[decohere]

Was willing to give you the benefit of the doubt [that he isn't quite as dumb as he looks, but since he's so kindly getting her a gift she's trying to not be so overtly rude about it.]

What is it that you do then? You're a... super hero, hm? [a rather washed up looking one, but look, she really can't judge on that aspect.

backing completely back away from the boutique, Ava scans around for something that hopefully looks more... bookish.]

[dadguardian]

[Wow, benefit of doubt? Alexei's of the firm opinion that reading books isn't like a necessity of life, or a great skill to have. It's just a hobby.

He hums under his breath, suddenly very aware of his Red Guardian suit and how it's in dire need of washing, along with repairs. It's great it still gives off the appearance of super hero regardless of those flaws.]

Yes and no. It is complicated. I was in prison for long time, only just got out. [Not to be confused with 'only just released'.] Who knows what is next? ...Magic fox realm, apparently.

[decohere]

Oh, I just met a man playing delinquent on his house arrest. Seems to be a common super hero pitfall, huh? No matter how much good you do for your country, the moment it inconveniences the people in charge, they toss you away. [Ava still thinks it's funny that she's the villain but Scott's the one that's spent most of his time locked up for it.]

Or at least, that'd happen if they managed to catch me. [proud little huff because nobody's managed to yet, even if that means constantly living in hiding.]

[dadguardian]

[Common super hero pitfall, indeed. Half the Avengers are on the run. He's especially angry about it on Natasha's behalf, of course. She worked so hard for the people, and this is how they repay her?

That last remark of Ava's catches his interest, and he frowns her way.]

Oh? You are do-gooder too? Or just 'inconvenient'?

[decohere]

Haven't done a good thing in my life, waste of my time. I'm done allowing anyone to benefit off my affliction.

But when you have certain abilities. You know how it is. If they can't control you, they don't want you around at all.

[oh good, a bookstore. Ava walks straight through the door without bothering to open it, though a ghostly blur of her arms motions to push it.]

[dadguardian]

[As soon as Ava walks 'into' the door, Alexei freezes in his steps, staring after her. How- what-

It clicks that this is probably why someone called her Baba Yaga. Still a far leap to make, but he gets it now. Several harsh blinks later, he raises a hand to the door to push it open and follow her inside.]

People like us, do we blend in here in magic fox realm? No questions of control or obedience, only being?

[decohere]

Blend in? [a glance back as she's already inspecting the different sections available, trying to decide where to start.]

Mmn... I mean. I get the impression most everyone is some degree of unusual here. That nobody has seemed to stick out as particularly so...

But I hear there are certain trials and challenges we're expected to take part in. [a shrug.] So far the gift exchange is the only mission I've been assigned. Doesn't seem like we're forced to participate, though.

[dadguardian]

[He follows after her, not really looking at the books too much beyond idly reading a title or two. These things don't hold his interest. Great gifts, though.]

Hmm... Yes, I hear of trials. But they are for everyone, yes? Powers or no powers? It is not about taking advantage, but about emotional fortitude?

[That's how he understands it, anyway, but this whole 'full potential' thing sounds overly complicated to him.]

[decohere]

[a light scoff at the entire idea, as she pulls a thick book off the shelf, inspecting the back cover.]

Emotional fortitude? Sounds ridiculous. We're not school children. [she can't even imagine a scenario that would test her beyond everything she's already been through. and survived.

so so unaware of her underlying vulnerabilities that she squashes down because it's a super healthy and effective coping mechanism.]

[dadguardian]

We are not. But there are many adults who need a better handle on their emotions too.

[Alexei's not counting himself as one of those adults. He's met more than enough immature people who could stand to learn a thing or two from challenging themselves, where emotions are concerned. And maybe other aspects of themselves too, like priorities and morality. He has no idea which of these things are tested during trials, if at all.]

It does not matter. I am not afraid of trials.

[decohere]

Then they should handle it. Not my problem. [because that's about the level of sympathy she's used to receiving. it's not nice or fair, but it's how things are and an adult should know well enough by now that's the only way to survive.

and all those nights she cries alone, none of that counts if she doesn't admit to it.]

And I'm not afraid. I just don't see why I should be expected to participate in some games for somebody else's entertainment. It's silly. I have better things to do. [not really, but she hands Alexei over the book after a brief review. it's indeed some horror mystery sci-fi novel.]

[dadguardian]

[Even Alexei knows deflection when he sees it, but he won't call her out on it. If she thinks she doesn't need the trials to grow, that's her judgment to make. From what he gathers, they don't have a choice either way.]

Better things, like reading new book? [He takes it from her, throwing a brief glance down at the cover. The title means nothing to him, but the illustration looks pretty fascinating.] Alright, that is fair. I will buy for you.

[decohere]

[grow into what? she's perfectly fine the way she is. a survivor. she's not going to compromise that for some temporary feel good nonsense and end up letting her guard down and then falling for some perfectly avoidable trap because somebody else thinks she needs to explore her emotions or whatever.]

Exactly. Like a book. [innocent attempt at a smile, because she's still focused on the actual intent here. even if she is actually excited for something to help fill her time instead of just sulking alone in her empty trailer. it's called multitasking.]

[dadguardian]

[He holds the book up a little higher, wagging it at her with a grin. Then he turns and heads over to the counter to pay for it. This is the first time he's going to be paying with his spoon, so Ava's about to watch a landmark event unfold.

He pries part of his glove aside so he can reach inside his sleeve with two fingers, clumsily pulling out an ornate wooden spoon. Once he's got time to buy new clothes, he'll find pants with deep pockets, or some kind of spoon loop to stick it through. Much like a boomer trying to pay for something with a smartphone app for the first time, the process is awkward and needs a lot of guidance from the spirit manning the shop. A minute later, he's succeeded! The spoon is slipped back into his sleeve, and with that, he holds the book out to Ava.]

There we go. Gift mission succeeded.

[decohere]

[he's somebody's embarrassing dad, but not hers, so Ava derives at least some amusement out of the whole display as he stumbles through the payment process. up his sleeve, huh. at least that saves her the trouble of having to dig around in his too tight pants to find it. because even she has limits for what she'll do to complete this task.

she takes the book, and in her grasp it transforms into a very nice hardcover edition with gold edged pages. how fancy.]

Thank you. [because she might not have been trained in manners, but she knows that basic one.]

I do still have to get you something, though. To complete my end of the mission.

[dadguardian]

[The book's transformation catches him off guard. It's definitely more beautiful now, but he's not sure why it happened. Magic is so weird. Still, he'll take credit for it! He gave her a book and now the book is prettier, so mission accomplished, and then some.

He blinks off his confusion, then looks up at Ava, grinning.]

Oh? I thought you said you do not take orders from anyone?

[decohere]

It's not an- [snaps her mouth shut, looking slightly frustrated as she clutches the book tighter. it's a tactic to spend more time with him so she can get that damn spoon, but she can't very well say that.]

It's just returning a favor, okay? My parents have been dead for a very long time, so it's... nice to do something like this. [and she's a terrible liar, and the only thing that really sells it as the truth is that... okay fine deep down it's actually the truth.]