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June-July 2025 Test Drive Meme
June-July 2025 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:
Old wood creaks and groans, barely audible over a howl of wind. Wet droplets of rain hit faces and soak into clothing. Clouds overhead are a murky gray, blocking out the sun. Though summer weather is often somewhat temperamental, a true storm has now hit. Both newly arrived Star Children and veterans may find themselves in the midst of this situation quite abruptly, standing on the unsteady deck of an old, grand ship. Those who run to the nearest rail and peer overboard may be shocked to discover a stark absence of water below. Instead, the view just goes down… and down… The land of Folkmore lies far below, as this ship is flying through the storm, its sails struggling to hold under the force of whipping winds. There is no captain, there is no helmsman- there is no crew at all to be found, only fellow Star Children. And yet… the ship is still moving full speed ahead through the storm, as if it has a destination in mind.
A resounding boom echoes, and those with a keen gaze may just spot something whizzing past, missing the ship by a hair. Was that… a cannonball?
Just like that, a second vessel weaves its way out of a deck of gray clouds, pulling up side by side to the ship the Star Children are on. Lightning flashes, illuminating a whole bunch of sneers across the way, along with some eye patches, bandanas and goggles. Sky pirates are attacking! It's clear from their animalistic features that they're local spirits, but they're hardly as benevolent as those typically seen in Folkmore.
Ready yourselves, Star Children!
Those who wish to return fire will find several cannons lined along the ship's deck, ready to be used. These don't work just like any old artillery, though. In place of those unwieldy metal balls, one must load magic into these cannons. Lore, to be precise! It even says so on a small metal plaque, attached near the firing mechanism: "Connection is one's true ammunition." Find a fellow Star Child and start chatting! The more meaningful the conversation, the grander the magic ball one may blast at the pirates with the cannons.
Unfortunately, the cannons alone are not enough to fight off the pirates, as several of them swing their way aboard with ropes. (Or just fly, if they're bird spirits.) Star Children can head down into the armory below deck to grab a weapon. Yes, even weapons from home (or items that can be improvised weapons) are available, and may be kept after the fight is over. Star Children capable of flight may even be daring enough to make their way to the enemy's ship and deal some real damage over there.
The ship continues to shake and creak and bob in the storm, which may complicate the fight, but not all is lost. There, in the distance, up ahead… A beacon of light flickers, struggling to be seen through the thick clouds. What is that?
Old wood creaks and groans, barely audible over a howl of wind. Wet droplets of rain hit faces and soak into clothing. Clouds overhead are a murky gray, blocking out the sun. Though summer weather is often somewhat temperamental, a true storm has now hit. Both newly arrived Star Children and veterans may find themselves in the midst of this situation quite abruptly, standing on the unsteady deck of an old, grand ship. Those who run to the nearest rail and peer overboard may be shocked to discover a stark absence of water below. Instead, the view just goes down… and down… The land of Folkmore lies far below, as this ship is flying through the storm, its sails struggling to hold under the force of whipping winds. There is no captain, there is no helmsman- there is no crew at all to be found, only fellow Star Children. And yet… the ship is still moving full speed ahead through the storm, as if it has a destination in mind.
A resounding boom echoes, and those with a keen gaze may just spot something whizzing past, missing the ship by a hair. Was that… a cannonball?
Just like that, a second vessel weaves its way out of a deck of gray clouds, pulling up side by side to the ship the Star Children are on. Lightning flashes, illuminating a whole bunch of sneers across the way, along with some eye patches, bandanas and goggles. Sky pirates are attacking! It's clear from their animalistic features that they're local spirits, but they're hardly as benevolent as those typically seen in Folkmore.
Ready yourselves, Star Children!
Those who wish to return fire will find several cannons lined along the ship's deck, ready to be used. These don't work just like any old artillery, though. In place of those unwieldy metal balls, one must load magic into these cannons. Lore, to be precise! It even says so on a small metal plaque, attached near the firing mechanism: "Connection is one's true ammunition." Find a fellow Star Child and start chatting! The more meaningful the conversation, the grander the magic ball one may blast at the pirates with the cannons.
Unfortunately, the cannons alone are not enough to fight off the pirates, as several of them swing their way aboard with ropes. (Or just fly, if they're bird spirits.) Star Children can head down into the armory below deck to grab a weapon. Yes, even weapons from home (or items that can be improvised weapons) are available, and may be kept after the fight is over. Star Children capable of flight may even be daring enough to make their way to the enemy's ship and deal some real damage over there.
The ship continues to shake and creak and bob in the storm, which may complicate the fight, but not all is lost. There, in the distance, up ahead… A beacon of light flickers, struggling to be seen through the thick clouds. What is that?
- Star Children (new and old) find themselves aboard a grand wooden ship, flying through a storm. Yes, literally flying!
- Sky pirates attack! They're just the local spirits, but a rowdy bunch nonetheless.
- Use conversation to load up a cannon with Lore energy, then blast it at the pirate ship.
- Alternatively, grab a weapon (possibly from home) from your ship's armory and start swashbuckling.
- Star Children can keep one (1) weapon/item from home and other basic weapons.
Content Warnings:
Other Star Children, both new and old, may find themselves drawn to the floating island of Never Fade. Up here, in the clouds, the storm rages just as fierce, and the native spirits all share the same worry: the lighthouse is broken. Indeed, up on the highest hill of Never Fade stands a towering white spire, its beacon dimmed. 'A ship is coming in at any moment', the spirits all whisper. 'And there's reports of pirates in the area, too. What will we do?'
The goats which are quite common in Never Fade join forces to guide Star Children up the hill towards the lighthouse. And if not guiding, then dragging, chompers clenched around the fabric of sleeves or pant legs as they pull. The rain does not slow, but the wind thankfully blows uphill. Best to just go along with it, so you can go take shelter from the storm inside the enormous spire building, because the goats won't leave you alone otherwise.
Just outside the lighthouse stands a very curious cat. It's so large, it's almost the size of a pony, and its fur is black. No, white. … No, it's black, isn't it? (It really depends on what mood it's in.) Karma the cat peers up at any approaching Star Children with knowing eyes. It dashes inside the lighthouse for a second, then reappears with an envelope in its mouth, holding it out for the newcomer to take. Careful- the paper might get wet in the rain! Come stand under the awning or inside the house as you read:
"The lighthouse keeper is on vacation. Please help! The beacon needs to be charged. We need positive energy to power the light, and negative energy to rotate the lens. Be nice or be mean, both are good! :)"
Are you up for the task, Star Children? Then stay in the lighthouse's near vicinity, or go right on up to the beacon, and do as Karma asked: Either compliment your fellows, or insult them. Share fond memories with one another, or commiserate on how terrible this situation is. Both pleasant conversation and nasty confrontation will do the job. Before long, the light springs to life and the great glass lens begins to rotate around it, a majestic beam of light revolving outward from the spire, piercing the dark clouds.
Those who wait around will see it: that great big wooden ship which comes flying towards Never Fade's docks to make port there. … Is that a hole in its side? And a cutlass sticking out of the mast? Confusion may make way for relief, as all the Star Children aboard disembark, surely bursting with a great tale to tell. Elated spirits bring out the hot soup, bread and all other hearty comfort foods to celebrate the successful arrival. Time to celebrate! Or raid the armory for a free weapon from home, if you haven't gotten one yet- with an emphasis on one, because Karma the cat will attack anyone who got greedy, be it now or during the earlier voyage.
Other Star Children, both new and old, may find themselves drawn to the floating island of Never Fade. Up here, in the clouds, the storm rages just as fierce, and the native spirits all share the same worry: the lighthouse is broken. Indeed, up on the highest hill of Never Fade stands a towering white spire, its beacon dimmed. 'A ship is coming in at any moment', the spirits all whisper. 'And there's reports of pirates in the area, too. What will we do?'
The goats which are quite common in Never Fade join forces to guide Star Children up the hill towards the lighthouse. And if not guiding, then dragging, chompers clenched around the fabric of sleeves or pant legs as they pull. The rain does not slow, but the wind thankfully blows uphill. Best to just go along with it, so you can go take shelter from the storm inside the enormous spire building, because the goats won't leave you alone otherwise.
Just outside the lighthouse stands a very curious cat. It's so large, it's almost the size of a pony, and its fur is black. No, white. … No, it's black, isn't it? (It really depends on what mood it's in.) Karma the cat peers up at any approaching Star Children with knowing eyes. It dashes inside the lighthouse for a second, then reappears with an envelope in its mouth, holding it out for the newcomer to take. Careful- the paper might get wet in the rain! Come stand under the awning or inside the house as you read:
"The lighthouse keeper is on vacation. Please help! The beacon needs to be charged. We need positive energy to power the light, and negative energy to rotate the lens. Be nice or be mean, both are good! :)"
Are you up for the task, Star Children? Then stay in the lighthouse's near vicinity, or go right on up to the beacon, and do as Karma asked: Either compliment your fellows, or insult them. Share fond memories with one another, or commiserate on how terrible this situation is. Both pleasant conversation and nasty confrontation will do the job. Before long, the light springs to life and the great glass lens begins to rotate around it, a majestic beam of light revolving outward from the spire, piercing the dark clouds.
Those who wait around will see it: that great big wooden ship which comes flying towards Never Fade's docks to make port there. … Is that a hole in its side? And a cutlass sticking out of the mast? Confusion may make way for relief, as all the Star Children aboard disembark, surely bursting with a great tale to tell. Elated spirits bring out the hot soup, bread and all other hearty comfort foods to celebrate the successful arrival. Time to celebrate! Or raid the armory for a free weapon from home, if you haven't gotten one yet- with an emphasis on one, because Karma the cat will attack anyone who got greedy, be it now or during the earlier voyage.
- Star Children who weren't taken to the ship may instead have been drawn to Never Fade, where the storm rages just as fiercely.
- Goats guide Star Children towards the lighthouse, which is broken. Karma the cat awaits them there.
- In order to get the lighthouse beacon working again, it must be charged with both positive and negative energy. Engage in either pleasant or hostile conversation with a fellow Star Child to help out!
- Once the lighthouse is up and running, the ship from the first prompt will dock at Never Fade, uniting all the Star Children for a great celebration.
- The ship's armory is still available for a free weapon (possibly from home), but anyone who got greedy and tried to take more than one will be confronted by Karma. Literally. (And lose the additional items).
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'ey, if we can't work up a cannonball, we'll move over for someone who can. This ship's still better off with us on it. Okay? Whatever the Mad Dogs are, we ain't ever been one-trick ponies. [ Leo and Mikey perhaps moreso than anyone, so.
That goes a long way. If it doesn't, Raph's making it go a long way anyway. Just because he's neither the oldest nor the biggest in this scenario, that doesn't mean he gets to slack on his big brothering. And rule one of big brothering is making sure his brothers know he's looking out for them. ] We're good. This's gonna be fine. Pirates are baby stuff at this point, c'mon!
[ He's been working on his hypeman stats. Easier to do when you've got a mystic power basically built for tanking other cannonballs while you struggle emotionally. ]
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He finds himself smiling again, and it manages to actually stick this time. The smile seemingly takes a few years off of his face entirely.
He hesitates, his expression settling on something uncertain before he speaks simply.]
You know, I've missed you. [There are power in that sentiment. The rattling of their cannon is enough. Something is trying to take shape in there.]
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Raph's always an open book, and this is no exception. The softness is all over his dumb face. They were born to power this weapon. ]
Any version of me knows that much, buddy. [ It's not even a question. There's love, whatever else happened.
And they're both way too stubborn to lose that. ] And I got full Raph authority to say any version of me is proud of you, too.
[ Arguments are not being accepted. He has The Authority. ]
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I'm proud of you, too. I wish I had the chance to tell you sooner.
[There is definitely going to be a cannonball or two at this rate.
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Cannot believe the pride is being weaponized. Literally but also non-literally, because now Raph's gotta stand here and process it. The sincerity, the sadness, the not really being sure what to do with the sentiment of it all. ]
You never had to. [ That much he's sure of. As much as it doesn't get said, Raph likes to think he knows this. That he makes his brothers proud. It's kinda weird to hear it. It's definitely weird to hear it from a technical adult right off the bat. But he knows. Other timeline him knew. Raph can try to make that... not super serious, though, for this extra sad edition Leo. ] Everybody knows my big brother game's second to none, y'know? Comes with the territory. I been tryin' to give Casey the full treatment, too. He's a great kid.
[ Can't fill the same shoes as any versions of them that Casey lost. He wouldn't want to. He's more than happy stepping into the shoes that he and Casey have made for themselves.
RIP air pirates, this bigass magic cannonball is OUTTA here. And it's basically running on power of heart, so they never stood a chance once Hamatos got on board. ]
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Logically, he knew his brothers, his family were taking care of Casey. They wouldn't turn family away. ] Good- [I remember, you used to love him. I remember how happy we all were- sits in the back of his throat but is never actualized. It isn't fair.] He deserves that. He deserves all of you.
[He forces himself to look away, breath in, and out. Steady. Commander Leonardo. A solider. A man with a mission.
Not a brother.
Not a son.
Not anyone but Commander. Raphael can likely see the journey of Leonardo locking everything away for a moment. Squared shoulders, head held high, voice calm and commanding.]
How about we shoot these guys down, huh?
[He checks and, yes, they- sure actually have two cannonballs.]
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[ Just to be clear about it. Leonardo's gonna have a Raph-shaped bodyguard, which'll go great with his Casey-shaped bodyguard. As a precaution.
But. Fine. He'll table it for now. Cost of doing business with any Leo, he guesses. They'd rather die than have a whole sit-down serious talk about something. Even if it's-- a bad vibe to watch some version of his little brother push it all down. Shift the priority. Not impossible to imagine, Leo buckles down when it really really matters. Just.
Just weird and off-putting. And even weirder paired with that rare and elusive "competent adult tuned into the situation and taking charge" relief. There's a lot going on here. A lot to fail to process.
(And that's not even getting into the robo-arm. Raph's seen it before, in weird memory share dreamscape things. In person... it's a lot. Go figure.) ]
Alright, let's do it. Cannons ahoy?
[ You know, like.... ahoy...
Get rekt, pirates. I'm bad at action scenes but oh boy are they gonna kick ass I bet. ]
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Leonardo keeps a confident kind of smile on the surface. Head held high, hands steady on the body of the cannon.] I'm here as long as he needs me. I'm just happy he found you.
Cannons ahoy, big brother, I think we got a good shot. [He flashes his teeth in something close enough to a grin. A cracked mask that doesn't quite fit anymore.
He aims the cannon, and with a quick hand he fires it. The first cannonball takes off, sailing through the air. It lands mid-deck on the other ship where Leonardo wanted it to go. The boom that follows the ball's landing is lost in the cacophony of other sounds. Shouts, screams, other cannons being fired. But even then, the ball's landing is felt as planks of wood crumple in on themselves, leaving a gaping maw where a steady deck once existed. Splinters scatter through the air, wooden debris caught by the wind.
He takes aim again. A shallower target. He fires, more grim faced as the cannonball cuts across the space between the two ships. It lands on an embankment of the enemy cannons. The explosion that follows is hardly pretty, but Spirits seem to escape or dissipate in a plume of smoke. No real death takes place.]
There, a few less cannons on their side.
no subject
But maybe that's being too selfish about it. Big Leo just got here from, uh. If not the very very end, somewhere pretty close to it. He's got bigger problems than Raph trying to figure out his vibes. ]
It's a start. [ Buuut since they're just kinda puffing out smoke-style and they seem to be aiming to board this ship eventually... ] I think I'm just gonna try and punch their ship outta the air while they're on the back foot. We got more important stuff to deal with.
[ And also he loves when he can punch a big thing really hard without holding back so it's all coming together right now in the Raphiverse. ]
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Want me to pick you up and throw you at 'em? [It feels odd he can even offer this, but, Raph is smaller than he is. He jokingly flexes his metal arm to prove his point.]
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Pick up??? Throw???
Throw Raph like the brother ball? ]
Wait, really?
[ UNPRECEDENTED TBH. ]
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Skip nothin'! The better the throw, the bigger the smash!
[ No takebacks! He wants to be portable so bad. Mikey winging him around with mystic weaponry doesn't count the same. ]
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Carefully he hefts the younger turtle over his head. The sight is a little comical.]
On three-
[He'll start counting when Raph is ready.]
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THREE!
[ HE'S GONNA DESTROY THAT SHIP SO GOOD. ]
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ONE! [That is Raph's only warning before he is pitched like a baseball at the other ship. Leo has a good pitching arm apparently.]
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Needless to say, Raph hits that ship like a menace. He lays waste to ship structure and pirate alike in the way that only a gung-ho superpowered teenager whose favorite outlets are smashing stuff and unrestrained fighting. It's like a giant red cartoon piranha got set loose on that thing, hooting and hollering free of charge.
He has not considered how he's getting back over. He's just gonna have his fun and then wing it from there. ]
no subject
Leonardo helpfully hoots and hollers encouragement from where he is standing. Encourage little brother enrichment.]