June-July 2025 Test Drive Meme

[folkie]

June-July 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]

Pirates of the Loreibbean . ★

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?

• 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.

So Said the Lighthouse Keeper. ★

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.

• 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).

Comments

[apuckalypse]

[Casey musters a somewhat defeated smile, leaning briefly into that shoulder hold, before the mask drops down over his face, and he adjusts his grip on his chainstick, bracing himself for the incoming ship (and probably pirate attack).]

Hold that rail, then! They're gonna hit!

[notapancake]

Ah, right!

[And he is doing just that, although he saw that smile Casey, removing his hand from Casey's shoulder to grip the rail since his other hand is holding onto his staff. Also bracing that for support as well.]

[apuckalypse]

[BANG! There it goes- and here they come. As soon as the opposing ship connects, several animal-spirit pirates come charging or swinging over, and Casey's jumping into the fray. He's as capable as ever in a fight, thanks to all the training he's done. Actually, he's learned plenty of new things since his uncle passed, not just through natural growth during the war, but his time in this world as well. He's trained alongside their younger counterparts, with Hunter, he's studied a lot of fresh techniques in his spare time (something he finally has plenty of here).

Most of all, he's gotten very good at dancing between giving himself and Uncle Tello space to use their respective weapons (staff or ninpo guns, what have you) and sticking close so he can watch Uncle Tello's back. Someone had to keep sensei alive when the rest of the family was dying off. (At least... he'd tried.)]

[notapancake]

[Casey is good, even better than what he remembers not... That he got to fight alongside Casey much before his passing. But he can't help but keep his eye on the teenager, which is probably not the best idea what with pirates everywhere, but he manages at least in his weakened state?

To hold his own, although he probably needs Casey's old man protecting skills more than he would like.]

[apuckalypse]

[As a courtesy, Casey tries to be subtle about it at first. Just little interventions and tackles here and there, a grapple-throw or two, nothing big, not too overprotective. But as the fight goes on longer, and Uncle Tello starts to show signs of growing wearied (whether he actually is or it's just Casey's perception of him, in the moment) he throws subtlety to the wind and really gives it his all, sticking closer to his uncle and making sure no one touches him.

The pirates aren't too dangerous, luckily, so even in great numbers, they're not overwhelming. Nothing compared to the hoards of Krang monsters they used to fight on the daily. Before too long, the numbers start to dwindle, and some of the pirates recognize they're outmatched and lead a retreat. They can attack maybe a different ship later. With less scary Star Children.]

[notapancake]

[Subtle or not, Donatello needs to help by the time things get to the end. As much as he likes to deny it, he is very much still weak from being sick here. But yes, good thing these pirates aren't anywhere near the Krang in strength or numbers or things could have gone a different way.

So when it's obvious that the pirates are retreating? Donnie relaxes a bit, leaning on his staff and looking very, very tired.]

[apuckalypse]

Uncle Tello!

[Casey zips towards him, so quick it's almost like he teleported. (Maybe he did. HOW TIRED AND OUT OF IT ARE YOU, DONNIE) He gets Donatello's arm around his shoulders, supporting his weight from the other side so there's no risk of him falling over.]

[notapancake]

[Casey can't teleport, Donnie hasn't gotten that tech down pat just yet... But he is being supported and he gives Casey a confused and groggy look. While also trying to not put too much weight on the teenager.]

M'fine, I'm fine, Junior. Just went a little over board?

[apuckalypse]

[Yeah sure it was definitely tech and not magic when he 100% did not teleport...]

Seriously... [He says it in that half-hearted scolding tone that he probably got from his sensei; he wants to chide his uncle for pushing himself, but it was also really cool and gratifying to see him kick ass again. It's been so long. He sounds at least as delighted as he is worried.] Well, it worked, and they're retreating. So now you can rest.

[notapancake]

[Don't tell him it's magic, Casey.]

Hm. [At that tone of voice he's levelling a Look at Casey. If it doesn't work for Leo it... Well yes it will work for Casey, because this idiot turtle cares too much about this kid.] Good, and I don't need to rest I just need to catch my breath a little.

[When his breathing is just fine!]

[apuckalypse]

[He absolutely will not (yet).]

Catch your breath while you rest, then!

[Why is his whole family so stubborn!! So self-destructively stubborn! There is nothing wrong with resting!]

[notapancake]

I am, I am!

[He sounds offended at Casey even saying that to him, but he is leaning a little bit more on his staff and he closes his eyes. He might doze off while standing if nothing happens.]

[apuckalypse]

[....

Well Casey sure as hell isn't gonna wake him up, even to get him to sit down. (Uncle Tello will probably protest and try to stay awake out of principle anyway.) He will stand there and support his sleeping uncle until the ship explodes or his legs break, whatever comes first.

-Or. Ideally, the ship docks itself somewhere, that'd be nice. It seems to already be steering itself through the storm anyway.]

[notapancake]

[He is most certainly falling asleep, but also don't let your legs break Casey???

But maybe the ship hits a rough spot and jostles the duo, which gets a grumble out of Donnie and wakes him a little. So hey, at least he's healthy enough, or just a light enough sleeper, that that much rouses him.]

Mm... Junior?

[apuckalypse]

[Ah... damn. He was hoping for more than that, but at least he got a little rest in. Casey's response is somewhat hesitant, quiet, trying not to stir him too much.]

Uncle Tello?

[Go back to sleep, it's fine!! He's got you!]

[notapancake]

[Oh good, then maybe all that pirate stuff wasn't a dream? Oh but... he's supposed to be dead, so Casey shouldn't be here, so that thoughts riles him up a little and he wakes up a bit more.]

Ah, sorry. Sorry. You shouldn't be here, Junior.

[apuckalypse]

[Casey blinks back at him, gingerly adjusting his weight so he's taking on more. This used to be difficult, but with how much weight Uncle Tello had lost while he was sick, he isn't very heavy at all anymore. That part... sucks... but he's glad he can carry that weight now.]

Shouldn't be where? With you? 'Cause I'm not going anywhere.

[notapancake]

[And because he's still kinda in that half awake half asleep state? He doesn't try to adjust so Casey isn't holding him up as much, he's currently too busy trying to ignore the feeling of dread creeping up on him.

Because he's dead, so if Casey's here that means the teenager is also dead. And even though it's been explained to him that that is not the case, and if he was more alert he would be able to clamp down on such feelings, he can stop himself from tensing up. Or his breath hitching.]

Okay... Okay.

[He's trying to get more awake? Aware? Of how things are, sorry Casey.]

[apuckalypse]

[Wow, he really must be out of it. No argument at all? Casey's still worried, but it's kind of a relief. He can't blame Uncle Tello for any of this. He did just literally die...

Very carefully, he tries to bend his knees and ease them downward good and slow, hoping to eventually get his uncle into a sitting-down position. Much easier to get a proper rest that way. The ship does appear to be moving somewhere, and he can sort of see a light in the distance. Wherever they're headed, at least it's out of the storm.]

[notapancake]

[One can be as careful as they want, but the movement by Casey to try to get him in a more seated position? Jars him awake fully.]

Ah, I'm here I'm awake!

[And he is most certainly not going to sit down, sorry Casey.]

[apuckalypse]

[And thus Casey, who was trying to be so quiet, so careful, loudly exclaims:]

Fuck!

[notapancake]

[And at hearing Casey cuss, it's just automatic;]

Language, Junior.

[apuckalypse]

[Uuuugh.]

You've said worse around me.

[notapancake]

Yes, but I'm an adult.

[Casey is still baby. Baby not allowed to swear.]

[apuckalypse]

I'm almost...

[...He kinda doesn't want to say it. The last time Uncle Tello saw him, he wasn't even fourteen yet. Still a week away. He doesn't want to be an adult yet, not like this.]

...Nevermind. Will you please sit down with me?