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

[saisdoesmatter]

As much as he hates to admit it, she's right. He knows that much from the years of them having to deal with everything - together they were stronger.

The mention of the parents makes him swallow. Hard. "Y-yeah, maybe..."

[licensetocrane]

"And they'll be okay without you-- promise. When you leave, you'll go back to where you left." The hard part is gonna be how much he'll miss them. "Some people don't stay here very long. Maybe you'll one one of 'em."

By the wistful sound of her voice, April very much is not one of them. But shes' trying to make him feel better, so you know. She's trying not to be negative about the whole deal.

[saisdoesmatter]

"That does help since...you know, they're bound to get into trouble without me there." It's at better distraction than thinking about his father at least.

He does pick up on her tone though, glancing back at her. "...how long have you been here?"

[licensetocrane]

"Year and a half." She makes a face. "Like I said, at least I'm in good company. Miss my mom, though. Uh, but... a lot of people are here for a lot less, so..." Don't get too stressed just yet.

[saisdoesmatter]

That's...a lot longer than he thought. He swallows hard again but tries not to let it show on his face, thinking about his brothers. "Sorry 'bout your mum," he says, softly. The April he knows would be the same about her dad if she were here, especially if it's been that long.

He doesn't really want to think about how his brothers not having him around might affect them with everything that happened just before he was plucked to come here.

[licensetocrane]

She quirks a tiny smile at that. "Thanks. Though, you know... it's probably better that she's not here, all things considered. You guys can take care of yourself. She's... well, she's fierce, but I don't think she'd do well knowing I'm doin' stuff like fightin' pirates on the regular."

Never mind alien invasions and demon suits of armour back home. Her mom will find out eventually, but until then she can live in ignorant bliss.

[saisdoesmatter]

"You never know. Parents can surprise you when the chips are down. Especially if their kids are involved." He knows that Kirby was easily skittish but if his daughter was in trouble? He'd help, even knowing that it probably wouldn't help.

"But I get it, not wanting her in trouble here either."

[licensetocrane]

She takes a moment to consider that. And, yeah, true. April did get her fierce streak from her mom, after all. "Yeah. Maybe just not wantin' her to be in trouble, then."

She peers upwards as the light begins to take on a glow. "Hey, I think we're on the right track at least."

[saisdoesmatter]

He chuckles a little. "Fair enough. Though I've heard human mothers can lift cars when their kids are in trouble."

When she mentions that they're on the right track, he glances up and notices the light starting to take shape. "...huh, so it does work that way." A little weird but hey, okay. He can work with that. "So can you see your mum doing that?"

[licensetocrane]

"What, lifting a car?" April grins. "You know, I wouldn't put it past her. She can lift my dad, a shot of adrenaline might go a long way." Of course, her mom's a nurse and her dad's a scrawny guy, but whatever. It's great to imagine.

"And yeah, things...work weird, here. You'd be surprised how many things can be powered by the acts of confession and bonding. It gets a bit creepy after a while, but it could be worse."

[saisdoesmatter]

"Yeah, I read that somewhere once about some kid getting caught under it or something and his mum deadass lifted it off of him like a superhero. You'd think it was mutant related but nope, just a normal lady that made the news."

He watches the light strengthen and huhs again, curious but almost disbelieving. "I'd say you were full of it but you're the one with the experience being here over me." A sigh. "Man, that sounds exhausting though."

After all, he wasn't the sort to freely give up information about how he was feeling when it came to serious stuff.

[licensetocrane]

"Oh, it's very exhaustin'." April makes a face. "Be like the rest of us if you don't like oversharin'. When trial time comes round, duck and cover. Spend a few days indoors and hope it blows over. Sometimes that's enough."

[saisdoesmatter]

"Does that even work?" he asks, glancing back at the goat that clearly drug her out here. "I get the feeling that there's a mild annoyance that comes to kick people out of their homes if something needs done?"

[licensetocrane]

She laughs, staring down at the goat. "Yeah, it doesn't work all the time. Specially if you get randomly blipped onto a flyin' pirate ship to meet the new guys. But if you can avoid it, I'd make all effort.

"Unless you like that kinda thing." She smiles wistfully. "Thus far the only ninja turtle I've ever met who likes talkin' about his feelings is Mikey. And not even then, half the time."

[saisdoesmatter]

Talking about FEELINGS was not something that he liked to do. Usually it only came out when he really trusted someone or was alone. The only people who really got to hear what he had to say was Spike - that didn't turn out very well in the beginning - and Chompy.

Man he missed Chompy already.

"...yeah no, that's not my...forte. At all," he admits, already mentally cursing the fact that he'll be forced to do it here? Uncool.

[licensetocrane]

"You'll be okay," she says, not without some sympathy. "I'm pretty sure Leo has managed to dodge, like, just about all of them so far. And so have I. I'm pretty much of the opinion Thirteen's got no right to make us do this crap. And if you have to... I dunno. Find someone who's gonna keep their mouth shut."

She huffs in amusement. "I mean, I will. Any time."

[saisdoesmatter]

"Is this Thirteen the fox then?" he asks, because he didn't recall it having a name. "Just my luck that I get whisked away from home because some god thing wants me to talk to people I don't know? What's the point if it wants us to do that to GET back home? Sounds backwards to me."

Yeah, he's ranting a little bit. It's the annoyance.

Another sigh. "...at least there's that, April. I'd rather not share things with people who are gonna run around blabbing private stuff..."

[licensetocrane]

"Tell me it's private and I'll conveniently forget it like three seconds later," April says mildly. She can absolutely get behind his annoyance. April doesn't even have anything horrifying to get off her chest, unlike some people here, but it's the principle of the thing.

"The one good thing is we're all in the same boat and we all don't like it. So people ain't about to hold what you say against you when that stuff happens."

[saisdoesmatter]

The way she just says how she'll forget about it three seconds later makes him laugh, an actual one and not full of annoyance. "I appreciate it, April," he remarks, because really, he does. Years of keeping things to himself was the default standard for Raphael after all.

"I guess that's something to be grateful for. That I'm not the only one who is gonna be pissed off about it."

[licensetocrane]

"Yeah. The cringe target's on alla our backs. And like... if it helps, a lot of the time we just kind of hang out, live like normal people." She smiles. "Some people might doubletake at you bein' a mutant turtle, but they'll roll with it. This place sees all kinds."

[saisdoesmatter]

He whuffs out a fast exhale at the semi-good news about actually being able to, you know, be semi-normal. Well, as much as one can be normal when you're a mutant turtle.

A laugh. "M'used to that. As long as they don't swing first it'll be fine."

"All kinds, huh? Got an example? Should I be on the look out for some gelatinous cube named Morty or something?

[licensetocrane]

...somehow, she feels leading out the gate with actually, I met Mickey Mouse is probably gonna be too much for a new arrival.

"Well, my therapist is a firbolg. Uh... sort of he's tall and he has pink hair and kinda cowlike ears and stuff. He's very nice. And like there are dragons that love math that live up on the mountain. And don't get me started on the lonely sharks... but in general, this place is full of spirits that are often kinda part animal people? The regular residents, as opposed to guests like us. They run the shops and stuff like that."

[saisdoesmatter]

Yup. This is just a turtle staring at you.

For awhile.

Slow blinking.

Before rubbing his temple for a second and taking a deep breath.

"Okay, I know I'm a literal walking, talking turtle, but holy shit I did not expect any of that. I probably should have but okay, let's go with that. Math dragons, a pink haired therapist that is a...honestly I don't know what that is moving on---spirits. Okay. Got it. Not humans."

Actually that was kind of neat.

"...neat."

[licensetocrane]

She's laughing softly. "Kinda hard to take in all at once, huh? I mean... we're dealin' with a light because of a giant cat, so... after a while you just shrug and say sure, this might as well happen. It helps that home isn't exactly mundane either.

"Cat's name is Karma, by the way. He loves bein' petted."

[saisdoesmatter]

"Yeah, you can say that again... I woulda thought that nothing would surprise me anymore given everything we've been through over the years but... well, you know how it goes."

Mention of the big cat makes him perk up again. He didn't try to pet Karma but knowing its name and that it actually likes it will give him total excuse to do it later if it'll allow it. "...double neat." That makes him smile.