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TDM: May
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aefenglom's test drive! All threads can be considered game canon, should you choose to do so; regardless of if you pick specific threads to remain canon to the game, the prompts and test drive itself will be. This will be touched on later in-game, so it's fairly important to note! Aside from that, here are some quick reminders:• Reserves Open Today! If you're interested in securing a spot, put one in! We accept applications without reserves too, of course. Reserves will expire three days before the end of the application period, on the 28th.With that taken care of...
• Applications Open The 24th! These will last until the end of the month, the 31st, with the intro log going on up June 1st. The application page can be found here.
• If you have any questions about the game or the world, please refer to the FAQ page; if you still have questions, feel free to ask them! For questions specific to the test drive, please ask them on the appropriate thread.
• For the purposes of the test drive, your character will have access to all magics taught by the Coven if they're a Witch, and as much of their shifted form as you'd like if they're a Monster. Feel free to play around and experiment with each!
• While current players won't be allowed to post top levels on the test drive itself, feel free to reference or play with the dreams in-game.
• Test drive threads can be used as samples for your applications!
You feel like you're floating. Around you, colors and sounds and smells swirl as if trapped in a whirlpool, vibrancy and hue ever shifting. The more you watch them, the less solid they are; they only become clear out of the corner of your eye. The area around you begins to feel more solid as well, until your feet are on the ground, the wind brushes playfully against your face -
and you know one thing, and one thing alone: this is a dream, and an incredibly realistic one at that.
The Eternal Fall
The smell of autumn leaves surrounds you, a myriad of colors sparkling into existence at the same time. Despite the warmth and light, the air feels heavy and stiff, as if on razor's edge. The forest is eerily silent - not a bird, bug, or rodent dares to stir - and when you do hear something, it's the high-pitched crying, whining, weeping, sobbing, howling sounds of something far off. The tunnel of bent branches invites you further with an unpleasant compulsion; though fighting it and turning around finds you in front of a chilly, damp cave alight with the faint, cool glow of bubbling fountains and streams.
 The Compulsion Unable to sway yourself from the call of the forest - or maybe you're simply curious as to where it leads - your feet pull you further and further into the autumnal tunnel. The cry from before grows more distant, but in return, the air weighs even heavier on your shoulders than before. The branches hang lower and lower as well, as if pushed by gravity, until their leaves smack your face, twigs offering small cuts from the thorns protruding from their bark. But you can't stop. Not now. The end of the tunnel seems so close; but it's seemed that way for a while now, you suppose, and you've already come this far - you might as well stay the course, wherever it might lead. The further you go, the brighter everything becomes, and you realize it's the leaves surrounding you; they've begun to glow, encouraged by the sunlight streaming in from above, and the wind begins to whisper in your ear. At first, it's only encouraging things, or silly facts - harmless words, but as the foliage begins to shimmer and reflect your image, the wind's words turn colder. Within those reflections on the autumn tunnel, you begin to see your worst moments - morally, ethically, emotionally. The things you don't want anyone else to know, that you'd feel ashamed or struck for anyone - especially those close to you - to see. The wind becomes louder as the scenes play out one right after another, boldly declaring your true feelings as they were in that moment, good or bad. Worst of all - you still can't bring yourself to turn back, even as your mind begins to free itself from the tunnel's compulsion. Maybe someone else can help out, if they're not too taken by their own memories, or maybe the shock of sharing such private secrets will jolt you and anyone else back to reality. Either way, it's that, or staying stuck watching your worst memories play on repeat for what feels like the rest of your life. |
 The Cry While not compelled by any means, you still feel a curious draw down the path in front of you; as you follow the leaf tunnel, with others or alone, you find another, less-traveled path. Following it reveals a large pond colored orange and gold by the reflection of the area it's in, sunlight and shadows playing on its surface. At a glance, it seems to be rather shallow, but that's hardly the truth. You realize, after a moment, that the crying has continued, evidently coming from the water. Looking closer, the culprit is an infected Merrow, who - upon begin seen - shrieks and dives for whoever's looking at it with the clear intent to drag them down beneath the water. Its claws are extra sharp, its teeth similar to a shark in number and shape, and its scales have turned a pale black; an oil-like substance flows from beneath them and from its gums as well, shimmering the same way gasoline does in the light, and its eyes are the tell-tale white of a Shade. It isn't impossible to fight it to get away, especially as some of you have new abilities at hand, and some of you have a few neat changes to help that along. Once distance is successfully put between you and the infected Merrow, it howls in a wet, warbly voice, visibly frustrated. Unlike ordinary Merrows, who can walk on land and have legs as long as they stay dry, this Merrow can't seem leave its pond at all, and electricity sparks from it like little static shocks in its irritation. It does dive back under once it realizes it can't reach you, resurfacing as your character's most important person in an attempt to lure them back. The expressions are far too real, too genuine; even those aware it's a Merrow might be fooled. While its voice isn't a perfect mimicry, the song it begins to sing has with it notes of yearning and beckoning to join it, join your beloved person, in the water. |
 The Cave Pulling yourself from curiosity or compulsion, the cave behind you - in front of you, if you've turned around - gives off an oddly pure feeling. Like an oasis in a desert, it feels refreshing and calm; incredibly safe, compared to the eerie call of the forest it's in. Within the cave are pools of water that glow and glimmer from the magic runes found around them. The runes shift similar to a mirage whenever you try to focus on them; and try as you might, you can't glimpse what they say exactly. It isn't so hard to figure out though, as the pools of water surrounded by them have a pleasingly cold temperature, while those without them are near scalding. A few of the latter have runes around them, but they're not glowing like the rest - feeding a little magic into them changes this immediately, and steam rises in a sudden blast as the water cools rapidly. The opposite can be done for the colder pools too - taking their magic somehow or ruining the runes will make them bubble and boil as they surge in temperature. But that isn't all the cave has to offer. Moving further inward, you get the feeling you're going down - beneath the ground and the enchanting forest. Eventually, the cave widens out to a massive underground lake, multiple waterfalls pouring into it; despite their number and size, the room is completely silent. All tunnels seem to lead to this one room, with a few of them looking more man-made than natural. Traversing other tunnels leads you into a maze that only ever brings you to the lake, or to the cave's entrance, no matter how many different paths you take. Something different happens eventually though; signs of life begin to appear, or at least signs that life once lived there. Leather pouches rotted by the dampness of the cave hang on sharp nails beaten into the cave walls, with boots in similar condition strewn here and there. Torn, soaking clothing lays in piles in the tunnels, and candles burnt down to their wick's end stand in shelves carved from the navy blue and black stone. There's broken toys and books too waterlogged to read, instruments with snapped strings or clogged holes, and - most peculiarly - smooth, round devices that heavily resemble large pocketwatches or hand mirrors. They refuse to turn on though, either due to age or due to the wetness of the air. |
ike | fire emblem: radiant dawn | witch
[ Ike knows going into an unknown forest by himself isn't the smartest move and rather reckless. The magic of this land is new and dangerous, but he doesn't know how dangerous. At first, the short walk is relaxing, a quiet stroll where he's alone with his thoughts and nature. Then he swears he hears something or someone around him, but there is nothing there. When the whispers in the wind become more frequent, he can feel his instinct to be on guard surge throughout his body. He thinks he should leave, but instead of that, he keeps going further. Now he knows foul dark magic as at work. Whispering words taunt him, but he's learned to focus and not let words alone provoke him.
When he sees the tunnel, he sees his father yelling at him, telling him to run. He knows exactly when this happened. The death, no, the murder of his father has shaped him into the man he is today. Yet his father's death isn't an easy subject for him to talk or think about. For years he wanted revenge and to become stronger, letting that anger for the Black Knight drive him to reach his true potential.
Guilt, helplessness, frustration, rage... these emotions feel stronger than ever as he's seeing the death of his father not just replaying in his mind but in front of him. He thought he left questioning what happened that night in the past, but it seems this dark magic is digging up the past. Why? Why is this happening? To hurt him? To provoke him? To make him feel like the inexperienced young man he once was? Whatever the reason, whoever is doing this wants a reaction from him. He'll deny them such a thing. ]
Whatever you're trying to do, it won't work. No one can use the memories of my father against me.
➤ The Cry
[ The crying is hard to ignore for Ike as he feels someone could be in danger. As he finally sees who it is, it's a creature not like a laguz or beorc. Still, if the creature is crying, there must be a reason. Doing nothing or not helping someone just because they're different from you is no excuse. Being cautious or afraid just because whoever is hurt isn't a beorc or laguz is contrary to what he believes in. ]
I don't want to hurt you. Let me help you if I can. [ He approaches only to be attacked. Ike never ignored that a wounded or hurt being would fight back, especially if distrustful or injured. It's just to free himself and show the creature he does not want to hurt it. ] I'm not here to hurt you! [ Those words fall on deaf ears and the creature he was struggling with. He puts some space between them, hoping the distance will ease them. The creature appears to have disappeared. Maybe it's for the better? If his presence was stressing them out, he won't force his help on someone who is that frightened. ]
[ As he begins to walk away, he turns his head and sees someone very familiar to him. His eyes widen, in shock. Could it be... ? ]
Is it really you? [ Before being brought here, Ike was just about to ask him to come to accompany him to leave on a journey to new lands. He assumed he came alone, but were they actually separated? ]
➤ The Cave
[ Ike's taking a little break to gather himself and think of what to do next. He's sitting near one of the water pools on a large boulder with a very large sword right by his side. He's already thinking about the cave being a good place for shelter if he needs it. Going back to the castle he was previously might end up being the best option.
He turns his head, hearing echoes of footsteps. Is someone else in this cave too? If they are a threat, his sword Ragnell would not take long for him to grasp and wield properly to defend himself. ]
Who's there?
➤ The Cave
He speaks quietly and in a monotone voice.]
Hello. Did you come to explore the cave too?
no subject
I was looking for a place that could be used as shelter if needed. [ So he isn't alone. He doesn't seem like a threat and he doesn't want to come off as a threat either. He knows most laguz fear beorc. Even if they might have heard of him, most wouldn't know him by looks alone. ] What about you? If what you're holding is anything to go by, you found something in this cave.
no subject
[He looks down at his horde, animal ears twitching.]
It looks like other people lived here at some point. I can't really tell how long these things have been laying around, though. You're the first person I've come across.
no subject
Is the town nearby? I was looking for a castle. [ Going through some cursed or enchanted forest isn't what he planned on doing. There's also no point in lying or trying to hide his plans. ] I can't help you with information if you're hoping for that.
[ Hearing others have lived in this cave is important. He wonders what brought people to this cave and what made them leave. He's hoping more dark magic isn't involved here, but he's not going to assume there isn't. ]
You're the first person I've seen in this cave, too. [ It's neither a good or bad thing. He's just used to traveling with someone but he's doing fine so far. ] How long have you been here? I just got here not so long ago.
no subject
[He pauses to count in his head, looking a little unsure of what he comes up with.]
... about a month? Has it really been that long?
the cry
Don't trust it so easily.
( It doesn't take long for Binghe to step out once he sees the way the situation shifts — the way that Ike's eyes flash with recognition, and those words leave his lips as he does. The beginnings of scales trace along the outline of his cheekbones, also visible on his wrists and collarbone if one looks closely. It's thanks to these changes that he's still able to draw Xin Mo effortlessly from where it rests at his back despite the sword's weight and Binghe's loss of his spiritual powers. With his weapon drawn, he takes a step towards the pool.
Frankly, he doesn't mind the form this merrow has chosen to take on; he's never met someone with this appearance himself, and ultimately, his sense of overall empathy isn't fantastic to begin with. Luo Binghe has seen many kinds of demons and monsters in his time as a disciple of two different sects, and more during his time in the abyss, so while this creature may be clever that doesn't change what it is to him — a creature with ill-intentions trying to lure in an innocent. While this man hardly looks defenseless, if he falls for a trick like this, Binghe can't imagine the outcome being pleasant either way. So he raises his sword, directing it towards the merrow as he approaches it. )
no subject
Why are you doing this? [ He wants to understand. Could it be out of pain? Hunger? Or bloodthirst? It's not every day anyone brazenly attacks him. ] I mean you no harm. You have nothing to fear from me.
[ He's still entranced by the merrow, but seeing someone with a sword drawn helps his mind focus on something else besides the illusion. He's ready to draw his own sword if need be, even if he some sort of magic is messing with him. ]
Have you encountered a creature like this before?
no subject
No, I haven't. ( He answers matter-of-factly, and truthfully, taking a few steps closer to see how it responds. ) But I can't think of any good reasons for it to change forms unless it's trying to trick you. And if it's trying to trick you, I can't think of any good reasons unless it wants to harm you.
( With that, he offers up a smile. He may not share that trusting, understanding nature of his, but he really is doing this with the stranger's best interests in mind. )
no subject
No one attacks without a reason, even if their reason is hard or impossible for others to understand. [ He can't claim to understand the motivations of others easily, but he's gotten better at trying to see perspectives as he's matured and grown into his role as a commander. He's fought against former allies and joined with former adversaries. ] But you are right about them trying to trick me. I shouldn't have let my guard down easily. [ Magic influence or not. He'll make a note to be extremely careful or see if there is a way to resist this sort of magic. ] For all we know, we are the aggressors. Seeing one, now two, armed men isn't a good way to calm anyone down.
Did you also find yourself drawn to this forest? [ It seems as he started talking to this stranger, the merrow has disappeared into the water. There's a sense of relief but also a sense that he got off lucky this time. ] I guess they gave up.
no subject
( Binghe is only listening absently, watching the creature with sharp eyes as it decides that two armed men are, in fact, more than it's willing to take on for the sake of protecting its apparent territory. It is something of a relief, really; he doesn't know yet whose dream it is they've been pulled into, and he's not fond of the idea of having to harm the things in it, though he's already shown that he won't hesitate if he finds it necessary. It's not for such a noble, sympathetic reason as the other man, but he relaxes somewhat as he puts away Xin Mo, offering a smile at the comment given. )
I did. I take it that you were the same? ( he pauses, gesturing to their now peaceful seeming surroundings. ) I've never been in a dream like this before — none of this is familiar to me. I was wondering if you might recognize anything.
The Compulsion
It's easy to connect the dots after seeing so many of his own memories. This man's watching his own history unfold before him, and Henry's simply chanced upon it. The sorcerer wonders if he should steal away, but he's grown interested in the seriousness with which Ike regards his own memory. A memory where he's faced with the murder of a loved one... Is that it?
Henry watches steadily, quietly, before making his approach on bouncing steps. His cape billows behind him, the pendants on his golden mantle swaying with his movement.]
Oooh, does he get stabbed? What a way to go! Slow and painful... Yeesh. [Henry shudders, but he's still smiling.] Say, I bet you wish you could go back in time and show that knight just how much he's really wronged you, huh? Beat him to a bloody pulp, skewer him on a branch... You know, an eye for an eye!
[He's an incredibly sensitive conversation partner.]
no subject
Watch your words, mage. [ He feels annoyed, but he keeps his emotions in check for now. Instead, his voice is stern and commanding. His body language shows he's on guard and defensive rather than relaxed. The mage's words and attitude are weird, but he's met more than his share of colorful characters throughout his years as a mercenary. ] Are you the one doing this?
no subject
[Henry glances toward the visual of Ike's recollection, displayed for any eyes to see if they'll only sit back and watch. How invasive, he just now realizes: he imagines Cordelia's shame if she were to witness the felling of her sister-in-arms, or Lissa's downcast sadness if it were her memory. No wonder he's taking such a tone with him. He tries to figure out why Ike would accuse him, as if it holds some personal significance for him to do this to a stranger. He can't deny his fascination with the scene before him. Henry tucks his hands behind his back and locks his fingers together, the picture of unassuming.]
Ohh. You're thinking about my potency for insidious magics, arent'cha? Yeah, I guess I could do something like this with a few frog's eyes, a wyvern's nail trimming, a Risen's hide... [Henry distracts himself with the technicalities of performing such a party trick, naming them off on his fingers.] But really, my magic's all kinds of distorted in this dream. If I did this, I don't remember doing it. Pretty weird, right?