February-March 2024 Test Drive Meme

[folkie]

February-March 2024 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 canon items from homes 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.

[ Soon You'll Get Better ★ Netfox & Chill]

Soon You'll Get Better . ★

Content Warnings: Power Nullification, Potential Kidnapping, Potential Animal Spirit Harm

The island of Never Fade can no longer be seen in the sky from elsewhere in Folkmore, enclosed within a large purple tinted cloud. Within that cloud, the island is under water—a dreamy purple underwater that all Star Children can breath in if they breath and function in if they function on electricity, so on and so forth. It causes no more difficulties than reduced visibility and greater effort to walk. It's even possible to swim underneath the island, so long as Star Children make sure to make landfall before they get too exhausted and… well… fall.


Friendnapped

The purple water has streaks of silver shot throughout it. Beware, these silver streaks neutralize powers, canon and role abilities alike, for at least an hour. A neutralized Legend won't be able to sense others in danger. A neutralized Myth won't sense danger coming. A neutralized Familiar won't be able to shapeshift to help others. That may set of a danger alarm but not any spidey-sense. These silver streaks are harbingers of spirits recently returned to Folkmore thanks to donations at the Shattered Spoon Shrine: lonely sharks.

The source of the silver streaks in the water, these silver gray sharks swim up and gently bite people. These bites make people go instantly limp but otherwise don't do any damage. They won't even break the skin. Once limp, the lonely sharks take their prey new best friends down to a cave or grotto off the underside of Never Fade. These caves are full of silver water, saturated by the magic of lonely sharks, and the entrances are covered by a thin silver barrier that prevents Star Children from leaving. That means should a Star Child track down where someone is being kept, should they enter its home, they too will be trapped there.

Being held by the lonely sharks isn't the worst experience. These spirits will try to please their new friends, giving them their favorite foods and perhaps even an item from home. This may even be a weapon or magical item. Mind, the magic of these items will be neutralized in the shark's cave. It is possible to fight a lonely shark, even to kill one, but that will only be a temporary measure. Star Children will remain trapped and have to wait for the lonely shark to revive—with even more golden cracks than before. In the end, the only way to escape are hugs, cuddles, and other measures of friendship. Once all the golden cracks have thinned and disappeared, Star Children can leave.

Spread the Love

By the time mid-March comes around, most of the lonely sharks have been fully healed and no longer kidnap Star Children. Instead they swim the None of the Above tunnels below the island's surface, where they provide guidance to Star Children who ask them how to get somewhere. If Star Children have nowhere particular in mind, the lonely sharks encourage Star Children to make their way toward the Shattered Spoon Shrine.

The lonely sharks still create silver streaks in the water that neutralize powers, but they will accompany Star Children and warn them of some of the dangers. When voices call their names, the sharks will snuggle up against Star Children to provide comfort. They're devoted to helping Star Children reach the shrine. Once there, they will encourage the Star Children to donate Lore to one of the broken spoons there, each spoon representing spirits who have left, spirits who became shells of themselves from lack of lore, or ghosts.

Star Children who donate Lore will find their companion lonely shark presenting them with an item from home. This may even be a weapon or magical item. Mind, the magic will be neutralized until the Star Child has spent at least an hour away from the silvery water lonely sharks create. Lonely sharks will happily spend as much time with Star Children as they're willing but will show the way back to the surface either via LIM (Lavender Institute of the Mind) or the None of the Above tunnels.

• Never Fade is underwater within a cloud.
  
• Silver streaks in the water neutralize powers, both canon and Role based.
  
• Lonely sharks kidnap Star Children and take them to caves on the underside of Never Fade.
  
• Star Children who find those caves are trapped too.
  
• Escape by hugs, cuddles, and being friends.
  
• By the second month, most lonely sharks are healed and found in the tunnels.
  
• Lonely sharks guide Star Children to the Shattered Spoon Shrine to donate Lore to help others.
  
• Either when captive or once donating Lore, lonely sharks will give Star Children an item from home.

Netfox & Chill . ★

Content Warnings: Forced Relocation, Potential Secret Revelation, Potential Coerced Physical Intimacy

With the wide range of Star Children from many different worlds, sharing similarities, it's no surprise when moments of deja vu happen. That sense of the familiar with the new, the sense of something that happened before without quite being able to place it… or perhaps it being impossible. Regardless, when that connective moment happens, the Star Children involved are transported to a windmill home from the Cloud Colonies. They land together on a couch before a large television with all the makings of a movie night. There could be wine and cheese. There could be soda and popcorn. There could be tea or other hot beverages. There's a cozy blanket (only one). The movie has already been selected, and it starts playing.

Headliner

The movie is roughly based off one of the Star Children's lives, specifically for the Star Child that experience deja vu and triggered this experience. Regardless of the moment of deja vu, the plot of the movie is based off of some real or potential relationship—romantic or queer platonic—in their life. That Star Child can recognize some similarities immediately. If they had any doubts, they get a text message on their relic as the movie starts:

You need to get closer with your companion(s). You can either talk about what happened (or didn't) or not talk wink wink about it with them. The choice is yours (and theirs)! Have fun!

It's possible to ignore the message, at least for a while. The longer the movie plays, the more apparent it becomes that it's based off that Star Child. The starring character's clothes will change to resemble theirs. The cadence of their voice will shift to imitate theirs. Their facial features will shift. These changes will become more and more heavy handed as the movie goes on until even the most clueless companion will have real trouble not picking up on it. It may get harder and harder to distract them from talking about it! There's no pause button, and the only way to mute the movie is to *ahem* distract themselves from it until it becomes an indistinct background murmur.

Remake

If any Star Children thought this experience might have been a Valentine's Day prank, they'll be poorly mistaken come mid-March when it continues with a twist. The movie less closely resembles any one Star Child's life (whew?)… because it blends the lives of all those present together into a new story. One character is based off each Star Child, and it fits the other Star Child into the role of someone who was or could have been emotionally and/or physically intimate with them. If they had any doubts, each Star child gets a text message on their relic as the movie starts:

You need to get closer with your companion(s). You can either talk about what happened (or didn't) or not talk wink wink about it with them. The choice is yours (and theirs)! Have fun!

Not only does each Star Child have to decide what approach they want to take, but the other Star Child may pick up on what they're putting down! One Star Child may want to talk it out, but the other one desperately doesn't. Oh noes, how shall it be resolved? Well, the longer it takes, the more clearly the film demonstrates one way they could resolve it—a fictionalized ending, happy or sad or bittersweet or anything else, between the characters as they more closely resemble those watching them on the sofa. No one's free until they have a heart to heart or a something to something else. Any physical intimacy can do.

• Experience a moment of deja vu and get transported to a cozy living room in a Cloud Colony windmill.
  
• For the first month, the 'host' Star Child gets a text letting them know to get intimate—emotionally or physically.
  
• For the second month, all Star Children get that text.
  
• For the first month, the movie is based on the 'host' Star Child's experiences, what did or could have happened. As the movie progresses, it becomes more and more obvious that's the case.
  
• For the second month, the movie is a story blending Star Children's experiences together. That too will become more obvious over time.
  
• Some form of intimacy is the only way out!

Comments

headliner

[ruevealing]

[Look, she said completely insane first, so Rue does not feel too bad quietly agreeing. But the moment they realize the struggle being had, the owlbear rises to their taloned feet - all seven-plus feet of them - and comes forward to assist in covering up the television. For them, it's a touch easier.]

Of course not, I would be so very happy to help where I can. Though, I must say, it's not a decor choice I've ever seen before.

[idkmybffspandex]

[ Jen blinks at Rue's full height as they come over for the assist. ]

Hah, thanks for that. [ After they finish putting the blanket over the TV, she takes a step back to further admire Rue. ] Wow, you're awesome, I think you're even taller than me. [ Which... Is kind of an obvious statement at the moment, while Jen is just Jen. ] Well, not me me... [ She clears her throat, moving right along. ]

Love the outfit, by the way. [ Sure, they could both hear Jen fail at a series of dates in surround sound, but at least she didn't have to see the look on her face while it happened. ]

[ruevealing]

[Well! Rue would be lying if they said they weren't often the subject of such long looks, but it's entirely different when it's paired with such an appreciative expression and darling praise. They don't think they have ever once been called 'awesome' before. It's so charming!]

Why thank you, I'm more than happy to help. Especially since we both appear to be trapped here. May as well make the most of the situation.

[Their paws smooth over the blanket covering the television, just to straighten it so it hangs evenly on both sides. There.]

And I think you're quite awesome as well.

[How cute!]

Thank you, I'm rather fond of this color, though I wish I had longer sleeves today if we are going to be busy figuring our way out of this place.

[idkmybffspandex]

It's a great color on you. [ Jen says with an easy smile. ] But if you need something with long sleeves... [ She takes off her quite purple suit jacket; it's not quite fitted to her frame currently, and the material is spandex. She holds it out for Rue. ] Feel free to borrow this?

But before we break our way outta here, I gotta know: [ She cups a hand next to her mouth, drops her voice to a jokingly conspiratorial whisper. ] Where do you shop?

[ Jen chuckles and drops the voice. ] I have this kinda weird... Condition. And it makes it really tough to shop for clothes. [ A beat, she chuckles harder. ] Especially suits.

[ruevealing]

Thank you for the offer, my friend, but it's quite alright - [But even if Rue does not take the offered jacket, they can't stop themself from reaching out to brush their paws along the spandex of the sleeve.] I adore this color, though. It's one that is missing from my collection. I'll have to amend that.

[Something summery, they think, a sundress or a cute cropped top to wear at the lake.

The way that Jen asks is so absolutely darling that the owlbear laughs happily, their big eyes sparkling and bright. Funny how this trial would be a dozen times more annoying if Rue did not have such wonderful, engaging company.]

In truth, I make it all myself. I own a boutique in town. Creating clothing for others is still fairly new to me, but I've been making my own clothes ever since I could handle a needle and thread. Try as they might to be inclusive, there are hardly any places here or back home prepared to dress an owlbear, especially one as fashion forward as I am.

[idkmybffspandex]

You totally will. [ Jen says immediately. ] Purple and green go really great together. [ She'd know. ]

Maaan, figures, I've always wanted to learn how to sew. Never really had time with law school, but- [ She shrugs a shoulder, chuckles. ] It would've really come in handy at points.

I'll definitely have to come check out your boutique once I'm more settled, cuz... [ Eh, Rue seems nice, might as well show off.

Jen kicks off her pumps, stands back a little, and starts turning a bit greenish. And then she keeps getting much greener. And then she starts growing. Once she's 6'7" and a lovely viridian, with forest green long hair and bright green eyes, she lifts her hand and moves her fingers slightly in a sheepish wave. The spandex of the suit stretches with her, and the suit fills out and fits her better, now. ] It's soo hard finding clothes that fit me and me.

[ruevealing]

[♬ laaaaaarge wooooomeeeeeeen ♬]

If sewing is ever something you might enjoy learning, you need only say the word. I can not promise to be the most expert of teachers, but I can at the very least, give you all of the tips and tools and beginning advice that you will need.

[And just like that, it all clicks into place. And honestly? She is looking good. Sorry, Jen, but Rue might be shooting giant owl-sized starry-eyes your way.]

I can imagine that you run into most of the same problems that I have! Oh, but I love your coloring, it's so bright! And that purple against it? I think I might be in love.

[idkmybffspandex]

[ Jen briefly flushes a dark forest green at the compliment. She's used to compliments from guys; they're a very different genre of flattery. Compliments from someone who gets it, though? That's special. ] Thank you! [ It's fairly obvious Jen hasn't gotten too many "Oh my goodness your green skin is so pretty"s before from how sheepish she's being about it. So getting that from someone who's as fashionable as Rue? That's special. ]

Gotta admit, though, the purple was an idea I stole after seeing my cousin hulk out on TV for so many years; he always looked sooo washed out when he wore, you know, red, or even brown.

But from one giant green fashionista to another, for sure you should make yourself a really awesome purple dress. It'd totally bring out your eyes and your- [ She trips over her tongue as she nearly says hair. ] Feathers.

[ruevealing]

[Oh! Rue would never dare say such a thing aloud, but that lovely dark green flush is just beautiful, the exact kind of color that the owlbear would hope they might turn beneath their feathers, so pretty against the woman's cheeks.]

Contrasting colors! Especially with the lovely shade of your green, purple like this only enhances the richness! It makes you look so regal.

[A muscled vision in purple. Rue can not think of anything more beautiful.]

Thank you! I think that I will have to immediately. I'm thinking something low-cut but with extra large, swooping sleeves... Perhaps we could do matching dresses!