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October-November 2025 Test Drive Meme
October-November 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: N/A
Drizzly Willow is where newly arrived Star Children touch down, touching down gently in the soft moss beside a grand lake, or a babbling brook. The leafy strands of weeping willow trees flow gently in the breeze. All would seem calm, and yet, something prickles the back of Star Children's necks. Goosebumps erupt along skin and a sense of unease settles in the pit of the stomach. Some sort of invisible tension pulsates through Willow, and the closer one comes to the border shared with Exile, the worse it gets. It's almost as if something foul is drifting in from the neighboring marsh lands, affecting Leshy and Talaria in particular. Still, if one were to cross this border and enter Exile proper, all the tension dissipates. If one were to ask Baba Yaga, the iteration of Thirteen who rules over these marshes, she'll smile mysteriously and shake her head before vanishing.
Curious.
Amrita, the one in charge of Willow, has a plan to be rid of these uncomfortable vibes infiltrating her domain. All along the border shared with Exile, within walking distance of both Leshy and Talaria, Amrita has set up communal gardens. Not only are there wide, open spaces of freshly dug soil, there are a few lavish greenhouses. The glass panes are all squeaky clean and any sunlight to pass through almost seems to be filtered, removing any harsh glare and leaving only a pleasant glow. A warmth, almost. Within these greenhouses, that nasty prickle wafting in from Exile cannot be felt at all.
Veteran Star Children, the ones who would normally have no reason to visit Willow, are extended an invitation through their Relic to help tend to the gardens. Not only will it cleanse the area of that curious tension and be a valuable learning experience regarding agriculture, a small reward may be in it for those who participate!
Step right up, dear children! Pick up a spade or a watering can, there are more than enough to go around. More importantly, there are seeds, sprouts and bulbs of all types of plants. Fruits, vegetables, grains, certain spices… And yes, even flowers. Greenhouses and fields are both available, though one may need to do a little research on which option would be best for which plant. Either ask a friend, or consult one of the few books on gardening on loan from Amrita Academy.
Getting these gardens up and running isn't as simple as planting a seed in the correct location and watering it, though. No, instructions from Amrita are quite clear: Once planted, the seed (or sprout or bulb) must be watered with a watering can that's been infused with Lore. Only then will the plant grow at supernatural speeds, poking up through the soil and transforming rapidly into its full potential. A large pumpkin, an apple tree, a colorful rhubarb… Or maybe a banana tree? Or a patch full of potatoes, ready for eating! For those curious about the reward Amrita mentioned, this is it: delicious, fresh, homegrown food. Anything grown here won't go bad for a good long while, either. All fruits of labor will retain their size and hardiness for a whole month, if not longer, so harvesting need not happen any time soon.
The more plants grown in these gardens, the more the strange tension from Exile will decrease, almost as if the air is being purified by the flora.
Watering with Lore-infused tools isn't as easy as it sounds, though. It never is, as veteran Star Children will be able to guess. With these gardens being communal, the focal point to get the watering cans powered up is talking to others about community. What makes a community, or even just a team? What does it take to feel accepted by others? Reminiscing about communities one has been a part of in the past works just as well, of course.
Drizzly Willow is where newly arrived Star Children touch down, touching down gently in the soft moss beside a grand lake, or a babbling brook. The leafy strands of weeping willow trees flow gently in the breeze. All would seem calm, and yet, something prickles the back of Star Children's necks. Goosebumps erupt along skin and a sense of unease settles in the pit of the stomach. Some sort of invisible tension pulsates through Willow, and the closer one comes to the border shared with Exile, the worse it gets. It's almost as if something foul is drifting in from the neighboring marsh lands, affecting Leshy and Talaria in particular. Still, if one were to cross this border and enter Exile proper, all the tension dissipates. If one were to ask Baba Yaga, the iteration of Thirteen who rules over these marshes, she'll smile mysteriously and shake her head before vanishing.
Curious.
Amrita, the one in charge of Willow, has a plan to be rid of these uncomfortable vibes infiltrating her domain. All along the border shared with Exile, within walking distance of both Leshy and Talaria, Amrita has set up communal gardens. Not only are there wide, open spaces of freshly dug soil, there are a few lavish greenhouses. The glass panes are all squeaky clean and any sunlight to pass through almost seems to be filtered, removing any harsh glare and leaving only a pleasant glow. A warmth, almost. Within these greenhouses, that nasty prickle wafting in from Exile cannot be felt at all.
Veteran Star Children, the ones who would normally have no reason to visit Willow, are extended an invitation through their Relic to help tend to the gardens. Not only will it cleanse the area of that curious tension and be a valuable learning experience regarding agriculture, a small reward may be in it for those who participate!
Step right up, dear children! Pick up a spade or a watering can, there are more than enough to go around. More importantly, there are seeds, sprouts and bulbs of all types of plants. Fruits, vegetables, grains, certain spices… And yes, even flowers. Greenhouses and fields are both available, though one may need to do a little research on which option would be best for which plant. Either ask a friend, or consult one of the few books on gardening on loan from Amrita Academy.
Getting these gardens up and running isn't as simple as planting a seed in the correct location and watering it, though. No, instructions from Amrita are quite clear: Once planted, the seed (or sprout or bulb) must be watered with a watering can that's been infused with Lore. Only then will the plant grow at supernatural speeds, poking up through the soil and transforming rapidly into its full potential. A large pumpkin, an apple tree, a colorful rhubarb… Or maybe a banana tree? Or a patch full of potatoes, ready for eating! For those curious about the reward Amrita mentioned, this is it: delicious, fresh, homegrown food. Anything grown here won't go bad for a good long while, either. All fruits of labor will retain their size and hardiness for a whole month, if not longer, so harvesting need not happen any time soon.
The more plants grown in these gardens, the more the strange tension from Exile will decrease, almost as if the air is being purified by the flora.
Watering with Lore-infused tools isn't as easy as it sounds, though. It never is, as veteran Star Children will be able to guess. With these gardens being communal, the focal point to get the watering cans powered up is talking to others about community. What makes a community, or even just a team? What does it take to feel accepted by others? Reminiscing about communities one has been a part of in the past works just as well, of course.
- New Star Children land in Willow. Veteran Star Children are sent an invitation by Amrita (Willow's Thirteen) to come tend to gardens.
- Amrita has set up several communal gardens, fields and greenhouses near Talaria and Leshy with all the necessities to get started.
- Special watering cans powered by Lore can have plants grow to full size immediately. In order to invoke this Lore, Star Children must have conversations about the concept of community.
- Meanwhile, a strange, uncomfortable tension seems to be seeping out from Exile. The plants from the gardens absorb this tension to cleanse it. When entering Exile itself, the tension can no longer be felt.
Content Warnings: Violence
After a few successful days of gardening, the outer rim of Willow is decked out with lush fields and fully-populated greenhouses. The assortment also includes a few patches that play host to huge pumpkins, rutabagas, turnips and other such big roots and gourds, perfect for carving in this fall season. And wouldn't you know it, there's tables nearby with carving kits, all set up and ready to go. From the child-friendly kind to the extra sharp tools for skilled adults, there's a kit for every preference. Star Children who look upon these kits feel a strange inclination to use them, even when they normally wouldn't bother with this.
They take hold of a small saw, a paring knife or even a gutting spoon and get to work on carving a pumpkin, or any other root vegetable that strikes their fancy. The mood becomes intense, like it's a competition. A battle with great stakes. A sour tang is in the air. Chunks of pumpkin begin to fill up the little waste buckets.
But wait! Any pumpkin (or other gourd or root vegetable) that's received a finished face comes to life. It grows until it's larger than the average Star Child, thick roots and vines springing to life along its bottom to serve as limbs. Whatever emotion its expression was originally meant to convey makes no difference; the newly born plant creature is angry. Like Frankenstein, being the creators of these monstrosities does not shield Star Children from hatred and hostility, making them instant targets. Vines attempt to wrap around arms and legs to keep Star Children in place, and don't you regret putting so many sharp angles in their mouths now? If given the chance, these plant monstrosities will attempt to 'eat' whoever they get a hold of. They won't get very far, since they don't have a digestive system, but being forcibly pulled into an enormous, wet pumpkin maw is still not a good time.
As if sensing the need for them, weapons begin to sprout from the ground nearby, similar to ripe carrots. Swords, pitchforks, spears… Even weapons a Star Child may recognize from home. These are free for the taking, and will be a helpful asset when fighting the overgrown, living gourds.
Squash those squashes!
After a few successful days of gardening, the outer rim of Willow is decked out with lush fields and fully-populated greenhouses. The assortment also includes a few patches that play host to huge pumpkins, rutabagas, turnips and other such big roots and gourds, perfect for carving in this fall season. And wouldn't you know it, there's tables nearby with carving kits, all set up and ready to go. From the child-friendly kind to the extra sharp tools for skilled adults, there's a kit for every preference. Star Children who look upon these kits feel a strange inclination to use them, even when they normally wouldn't bother with this.
They take hold of a small saw, a paring knife or even a gutting spoon and get to work on carving a pumpkin, or any other root vegetable that strikes their fancy. The mood becomes intense, like it's a competition. A battle with great stakes. A sour tang is in the air. Chunks of pumpkin begin to fill up the little waste buckets.
But wait! Any pumpkin (or other gourd or root vegetable) that's received a finished face comes to life. It grows until it's larger than the average Star Child, thick roots and vines springing to life along its bottom to serve as limbs. Whatever emotion its expression was originally meant to convey makes no difference; the newly born plant creature is angry. Like Frankenstein, being the creators of these monstrosities does not shield Star Children from hatred and hostility, making them instant targets. Vines attempt to wrap around arms and legs to keep Star Children in place, and don't you regret putting so many sharp angles in their mouths now? If given the chance, these plant monstrosities will attempt to 'eat' whoever they get a hold of. They won't get very far, since they don't have a digestive system, but being forcibly pulled into an enormous, wet pumpkin maw is still not a good time.
As if sensing the need for them, weapons begin to sprout from the ground nearby, similar to ripe carrots. Swords, pitchforks, spears… Even weapons a Star Child may recognize from home. These are free for the taking, and will be a helpful asset when fighting the overgrown, living gourds.
Squash those squashes!
- Willow's communal gardens soon hold patches with huge pumpkins, other gourds and root vegetables. Tables with carving kits appear near them.
- Star Children who look upon these kits feel a strange inclination to use them
- Any pumpkin (or other gourd or root vegetable) that's received a finished face comes to life and attacks.
- The living plants can't actually digest anyone, but they will try to 'eat' Star Children by stuffing them into their mouths anyway.
- Weapons (local and from home) sprout from the ground to help fight the plants off.
no subject
He considers the question. "I...think he might be around my age? Hard to say with the whole 'they've been here for a bit' whereas I haven't been. Somewhere in late teens if I would hazard a guess. Older one's like forty something I think?"
But the way that Othello stops, Raph tilts his head to the side. "Are...you okay? I know it's kinda a lot...but most of them should be in the new lair and everything?"
no subject
"Nominal." he answers, crisp and almost automatic.
He inhales slowly through his nose, pulling himself back to center as best he can.
"Is it also possible to find the fox who lead me here?" he asks, dangerously, "I would... have words with it."
no subject
"Alright," he replies, letting it settle as it is. This Donatello will probably need time to adjust, just like the rest of them did.
The next question makes him shrug with a weary sigh. "Yes and no. There's like...so called people that I believe are representations of the fox that pop up from time to time, usually with some sort of trial or whatever to put us through. They like to avoid direct questions because somethin's always going on here. But...you might have better luck? It's just harder to pin them down."
"As for the fox that you followed here? I don't know if it actually shows its face anywhere. I kind of doubt it."
no subject
"Of course." he mutters, "The best way to keep people subjugated is to keep the heads of the system as separated from them as possible. No access means easier control."
He arches a brow, though.
"Trials? Explain, please."
no subject
"Yeah, it's... a thing. It really sucks but there's like...weird things that happen here and magic stuff that I can't explain. M'sure you don't wanna hear about it..." Magic was a hot button topic with the rest of the Donatellos so...gonna avoid that.
"The trial things are like... this stuff that I think the fox sets up to put us through the paces? Or this world is just that screwed up. They've been...well, I haven't had the best luck with a lot of them. I think the cleanest one that I was able to do was when I met Mitsuko and we helped patch together a chunk of the world with yarn. Another one I ended up fighting an old friend from home who wasn't even here."
His face falls at the thought of the last one. It...had been bad. But he swallows and shakes it off.
"They range from being chill to not so chill. Things I guess the fox wants to put us through to bring out whatever potentials it expects from us?"
no subject
"Magic." he echoes, disdainfully, but then shakes his head. "You can be forgiven for using the term and thinking of it as such. Sufficiently advanced quantum sciences are incredibly difficult to wrap the mind around. Very few races in the universe have done so and even those who have admit they have barely scratched the surface. 'Magic', while ridiculous, is at least an umbrella term to help those of non-scientific bent understand that events of seeming impossibility are happening."
He, personally, disapproves of 'magic' but he also understands why people who aren't ultra geniuses like himself use it. He arches a brow in curiousity but also disbelief.
"Patch the world together with yarn..?" He looks thoughtful, "Interesting... I wonder what phenomenon your mind was trying to make sense of..."
no subject
"I don't know; we literally threw a ball of yarn back and forth and it...was working," he says, softly. "It was just something that...needed to be done."
no subject
"I would have liked to witness the instance. That your senses parsed whatever it was into a ball of yarn is very interesting. I would have liked a recording to study, even."
He stops, then, and he frowns. Deeply. The curl his mouth is very openly disapproving.
"Not that I would have been able to, since every last ounce of my tech appears to be have been stolen from me." he growls. "Is that the usual occurrence for those brought here?"
no subject
"It was months ago now but m'sure you'll probably get to see something sooner than later now that you're here."
Ah, right. The Fox took the tech and weapons. Raph sighs and nods. "From what I know? Yeah. I ended up here and I didn't have my sai. I only got them back recently. So it's not all that surprising that it took your stuff."
He thinks about it though, trying to recall... "M'pretty sure there's a school with tech stuff though. I think Casey goes to it."
no subject
"You had even a simple pair of sai confiscated on arrival?" He frowns, "I would think this really is another Battle Nexus with such a thing but that you've gotten them back throws that idea out. Not to mention these gardens. Nexus worlds aren't known for their farmland."
He shakes his head, musing over that for a moment, before he exhales sharply through his nose, something to center himself some again.
"I will be looking into any and all places of knowledge and research as soon as I'm able. I would appreciate any help you could give in that regards. Also..." A pause and he seems to be wrestling with something, but finally he nods again.
"You were not wrong, I am indeed Donatello Hamato. However, I ask that you address me by Othello. Othello Von Ryan. I am abstaining from my original name until I can reunite and restore my original family."
Silly and emotional? Perhaps. But Othello still stands by it.
no subject
"Yeah, I guess weapons are no-go when you first arrive. I had to basically earn mine back, which helped, since not having them really screwed me over before." We're not bitter about that and the wolf attack outside of Thoth, but he huhs at the mention of some Nexus thing. "Haven't heard of that... but yeah, this place is huge. I've been trying to explore what I can - this region's called Willow if I remember right. Lots of greenery and stuff."
Ah, there it is. The need to research. He nods again. "Not sure if you'll have it now or later but..." he starts, reaching into one of his hip packs to pull out his turtle-shelled T-phone like relic. "You'll end up with one of these. Connects to the world's network for communication and stuff. S'basically a weird Game Boy like thing but it does a lot of stuff. It should have map apps and stuff too. I know I've been using it when exploring to get a better lay of the land."
The mention of restoring family makes Raph hesitate but he clacks his mouth closed to keep from asking. He's already in hot water with like, half of the other turtle's family for bothering...
"Sure. Othello it is then. Raph's fine with me, but the other me answers to it too, though he's busy with other stuff a lot of the time so like...if ya use this," he says, wiggling the relic, "I'll probably see it and can answer anything as best as I can."
no subject
"Replacing at least my tech-bo will be top priority. Even a rudimentary version will suffice until I'm able to replicate it in full." he says. "Rebuilding the Dragon Armour will take... more time."
And likely things that don't exist on this world. He will be left having to craft literally from scratch. Difficult to do given how many of his blueprints would have been stored with Draconus! His eyebrow wants to twitch. He can remember most of it but there is a reason for data storage! When Raphael shows him the device, something that looks almost like a cell phone, Othello arches a brow and holds a hand out, curiously.
"May I?" he asks, hoping to get a better look at it.
"I am immensely grateful for the help... Raph..." There's audible hesitation over the name and Othello pushes furiously at the lump of emotion it sends rushing into his chest. He takes a slow breath through his nose to keep it in place and then nods. "I am sure I will be scouring this network for every possible bit of information but first hand data is always best when available."
no subject
When Othello holds out his hand for the relic, he hands it over with a nod. "Sure thing; here you go."
The audible hesitation makes him pause, watching Othello's reaction as he gets the relic, recognizing it for a mild struggle of emotions. He knows that one all too well. "Mine's got an app on it that the younger Donnie made to help, but other than that I think mine has the basics?"
no subject
Oh, how weird it feels to use his real name again. Easier to use it for 'someone else' this way but still strange. He doesn't like the emotion it wants to pull up in him. He looks the 'relic' over and hums, low in his throat as he does.
"I will need to procure one for myself as soon as possible." he says, looking it over for another moment longer before handing it back. The urge to take it apart is strong but he won't do that to Raph's own one. He'll wait until he can get another. Perhaps several.
no subject
It doesn't surprise him that Othello wants to obtain a relic himself. He considers that, hmming a little. "You should have one...I know I showed up with one when I first got here. Didn't expect it or whatnot." A pause. "Though I suppose you don't have pockets so maybe it'll show up later..."